Neo-classical warmth and organic Jazz to Folk intimacy unite beautifully, for the melodically enchanting, heartfelt instrumental project Searching For Colors.
Avinoam Ettun guides us through this collaborative work, a fully-loaded genre-fusion with humble twists of Jazz interwoven throughout a long-form yet engaging expression.
A Tale Of Three Balloons is the opener, a cinematic introduction that fascinates – its title provoking imagery to connect the dots between notes and moments. The playing is all at once impressive and purposeful, the mid-section seemingly depicting the sudden flight of the balloons – a rising energy and excitement that’s impossible to control but also joyful in its new found freedom.
The World Needs Healing follows, diversity of story and sound again proving quickly enchanting. Double bass sets the groove, hi-hats and humble rhythms providing more of a Jazz backdrop, while electric guitar meanders soulfully through a journey that’s evocative but hopeful.
Eclecticism and the unexpected are key aspects of this project, and for this track we again move into World and Folk music tones as new instrumental parts lean into view. It’s a fairly intoxicating arrangement, warming again but tinged with the uncertainty and awareness incited by its title.
Given the skilful unity and musicianship of Searching For Colors, the live video versions bring the precision and passion of the tracks to life in a whole new way. Ear Illusion is a fine example, released wtih two versions – the string quartet, and The Jazz Gallery Big Band. Ultimately the music transcends the simplicity of genre or the confines of space, and becomes effective, recognisable, and hypnotic, in humbly different ways depending on the presentation.
Wrapping up the EP is a sultry and smokey-jazz injection of calm and contemplation. Melodically Uninvolved softens the mood, lets the mind wander, and showcases the connection between instruments and musicians in a mellow yet equally enchanting way. Nostalgia reigns here, the energy rising softly later on, but the mix encapsulating the essence of fine wine and travel as real-time music raises the warmth of the surrounding ambiance.
Searching For Colors is a feel-good project on the surface, but it’s also musically masterful, thoughtful and intentional in its direction, and undoubtedly highlights the very best of our generation’s instrumental prowess and potential in reclaiming the prestigious corners of timeless music.
Download Searching for Colors via Bandcamp. Find Avinoam Ettun on Instagram, Facebook & the Website.
