Review of the CD Flowers and Other Stories by Assaf Kehati from EvO:R Entertainment Reviews.

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Flowers and Other Stories
by Assaf Kehati
Reviewed by: Rory Richardson
Edited by: Cyrus Rhodes

This is Kehati’s latest release entitled “Flowers and Other Stories” released in 2011 and certainly does not disappoint. Venture to the internet – it will reveal an amazing musical career thus far. This is one Israeli-born guitarist with quartet in tow that brings to the table an elite songwriting craft coupled with top flight musicianship and a knack for passion. Musical flavors presented: Contemporary Jazz – Jazz Guitar.

The opening track "Calling Me Home” sets the stage perfectly for this CD. It was a great intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what was ahead. All in all the whole CD (presented as a musical theme) is brilliantly delivered with warm musical textures and flowing compositions. Musical overtones reminded me a bit of the usual suspects: Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Ry Cooder, and many more guitar greats out there I need not mention. There are some fantastic pieces on this CD which gives this musical production a very accessible feel emotionally. The quartet just gels well together – testament to hundreds hours of rehearsal hours no doubt. Kehati’s guitar playing is brilliant and I would describe his style as musical indulgence. The meanings of these songs is buried deep between the lines no doubt. Kehati clearly has all the composer qualities needed to gravitate a fan base. Favorite piece on the CD is a toss up between “Mr. Mario“ and “Tali.”

Song Samples from the CD
All song samples are from the Flowers and Other Stories by Assaf Kehati Quartet page on CD Baby.

/ Calling Me Home / / The Snow and the Sun / / Mr. Mario / / Tali /
/ The Most Beautiful Flower / / The Snow and the Sun / / Don't Attack / / Invisible Green /

Conclusion:

If there was one word I would use to describe Assaf Kehati and his quartet it would be “Passion.” This CD will simply make your day more delightful, but beware Kehati is one artists not so easily pinned down during the first listen. The strong suit of Kehati is the wide latitude of musical depth he carefully navigates you through. It’s a musical experience you will return to again and again – picking out thing you may have missed the first time. At the end you will find yourself inspired, invigorated & in a more passionate mood than you were 45 minutes ago.

My only criticism would be that I felt that some of the backing vocals did sound to be slightly out of tune but all in all, this is a fantastic CD and will certainly have you searching through Rick’s back catalogue!

Rating

10 star rating average – This CD gets 9 stars
Cyrus Rhodes ...EvO:R Reviewer.

About the Editor:

Cyrus Rhodes is also President of Katavi Arts kataviarts.com a record label based out of Seattle, WA. He also plays guitar for local rock band Seven Against Thebes, Over the years Rhodes has been a guitarist in a touring band, band manager, booking agent, A&R representative, talent buyer, executive producer and most recently a syndicated music critic. His reviews have been posted on USA TODAY and HEADLINE NEWS. In 2009 he launched INDIE MUSIC DIGEST. IMD is dedicated the helping Independent Artists and only accepts material from unsigned bands.

Cyrus's Record Label kataviarts.com
Cyrus's band Seven Against Thebes www.7at.net
Drum Dynasty www.drumdynasty.com

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