A grippingly dynamic album from Los Angeles-based, Israeli-born saxophonist and composer Shahar Amdor, Insomnia infuses atmospheric modern jazz with fervent rock dexterity, spacey electronica intrigue, and beyond for a memorably soundscape-heavy success. Befitting of its tonal variety, the album was recorded across three continents with an international ensemble, who produce an exciting listening experience across these 11 memorable tracks.
True to its name, Insomnia takes inspiration from a period of personal transition for Amdor; a geographic move, long-distance relationships, and a life post-pandemic are amongst the life events that pushed forward the sound here — which plays like an apt accompaniment to the many states of in-between the modern human experience provides. Actual insomnia played a role, as well. “This album was made at 3 a.m. – spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes literally,” Amdor explains. “I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I just needed to express something honest, something I couldn’t sleep without finishing.”
Following a lush and chilly intro, the album kicks into gear with the riveting “The First Step Is The Hardest.” Spanning nearly nine minutes, the production dazzles with its range of soaring brass invigoration, thumping guitar distortion, and jazzy percussive feverishness. Its audible representation of capturing “the emotional weight and vulnerability of moving forward without a clear path,” is enveloping. Elsewhere, “Don’t Panic, Control Yourself” invigorates with gorgeous saxophone additions — moving seamlessly from vibrant emotion to lush nighttime intrigue, as the two-minute mark crosses. From these successes to the immersive live cuts like the momentum-ready “Don’t Jump,” Insomnia is an unforgettable listening experience from Shahar Amdor.
—
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
