“His style is full of energy and well-placed conviction…” BBC Music Magazine
Israeli saxophonist, composer and educator Asaf Harris releases I Thought I Was Ready, a new album of seven original pieces inspired by personal memories and self-reflection. Building on the direction of his debut Walk of the Ducks, Harris explores themes of home, childhood and finding his own path.
The album was recorded with long-time collaborators Guy Moskovich (piano), Omri Ever Hadani (double bass) and David Sirkis (drums). Their close friendship and rapport create a warm, natural sound. “Nothing in this music is forced,” says Harris. “The sound comes from the space we share and the way we listen to one another.
Each track tells a story – the title piece looks at the difference between feeling prepared and truly being so; ‘I Don’t Know What’s Inside (but it’s got to be good…)’ came from a chance meeting outside New York’s Blue Note; ‘Langa Grove’ remembers the forest of Harris’ youth, while ‘Routes’ follows his musical beginnings. ‘The Story Of ‘is inspired by Israeli musicians Yoni Rechter and Matti Caspi. The album ends with ‘FCB,’ featuring special guest Onn Yosef Kadosh on oud, whose sound gives the album “a natural sense of closure”.
With I Thought I Was Ready, Harris presents a picture of growth and reflection, blending lyrical saxophone lines with jazz, Middle Eastern sounds and gentle cinematic colour.
