I’ve been following Darash on Facebook for about a year. I listened to his work and thought. “This guy is a consummate Jazz pianist.” However, my interest was always cursory. I listened, mainly, because the tracks were more of short statements and not ponderous exercises in narcissism – they were the essence of what Darash was exploring and to the point.

Darash hit on the right formula. I got into replaying tracks because Davish put just enough into each piece to capture my interest and make me go back and listen to them again.

After a year of following Darash, it wasn’t until I heard “Strong Meditations” that his music clicked with me at another level – the piece was an experience. Darash stepped into the piece with an opening reminiscent of Horace Silver’s “The Cape Verdane Blues ” Percussionist Joan Terol Amigó did a brilliant job of driving the tune home. That track had all the musical elements that I love to hear. The track also had the feel of Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri’s brands of Salsa.

I ended up acquiring  copies of both “Nomadic Treasures” and “Samskara.”

While I immediately identified with “Nomadic Treasures,” it took me listening to “Samskara” a few times to fully appreciate what Darash was out to accomplish in exploring his Middle eastern roots.

“Nomadic Treasure” has a Latin American feel with a dash of Eric Satie in several tracks while  “Samskara” draws heavily from Darash’s roots and travels.

Both albums are enjoyable and interesting: The musicianship and production are excellent.

So, while most of us are prisoners in our homes, I highly recommend kicking back and go on a journey with Avishai Darash.

I’m looking forward to hearing what Darash does in the future.