Shay Hazan - Wusul '2024

Tracks list

Shay Hazan radiates with musical diversity on 'Wusul وصول', His
second solo album on Batov Records. Acclaimed Tel Aviv bassist, band leader,
composer and producer, Shay Hazan emerges into the limelight with his highly
anticipated second solo album, 'Wusul وصو’. This groundbreaking
musical odyssey artfully melds the enchanting sounds of Gnawa music, spiritual
jazz, hip hop grooves, and electronic production, with a rich tapestry of Middle
Eastern and African influences. Hazan's debut solo album for Batov Records,
'Reclusive Ritual,' unveiled a fresh musical realm. It introduced the guimbri, a
three-stringed camel-skin-covered bass plucked lute used by the Gnawa people of
Morocco, to a landscape of jazzy horns, synths, and laid-back hip-hop beats. The
album garnered support on BBC 6 Radio Music and earned Hazan a mix on the Huey
Show. With over two four-star reviews, Songlines magazine dubbed it "groovy,"
while Mojo magazine described it as "hypnotic." 'Wusul وصول' builds
on this legacy, offering a broader sonic palette, enhanced organic
instrumentation, a lighter atmosphere, and elevated production values. The
album's enigmatic title, 'Wusul' (Arabic for 'arrival'), celebrates the expected
birth of Hazan’s first born child, expected to arrive around the same
time as this album. Fitting, given that the latter is the result of a
transformative phase in Hazan's career, with many of the album’s songs
evolving and taking shape during live performances. Most notably, a majority of
the musicians featured on 'Wusul وصول' are integral members of
Hazan's live band, bringing a synergy and connection to the music that is
palpable. Standout track, “Sunflowers”, featuring the exceptional
Nitai Hershkovits on keys, showcases Hazan's prowess on guimbri, guitar,
percussions, and synths. This mesmerising composition, recorded by Hazan
himself, seamlessly weaves together a diverse array of musical elements,
resulting in an uplifting and danceable masterpiece. On “A Walk In Dir
El-Assad”, Hazan invites listeners with him to the small Arabic village of
El-Assad, where at night the air is full of sounds of music emanating from
multiple weddings. Over a cacophony of percussion, live drums from Shahar
Haziza, and Hazan’s earthy guimbri-led basslines and gritty guitar, Eyal
Netzer and tenor sax and Roy Zuzovsky trade solos and harmonise over the melody.
Delivering one of the heaviest grooves on the album, “Vibe jadid”
commences with the distinctive percussive sound of krakebs, large iron
castanet-like musical instruments, primarily known for supplying the rhythmic
aspect of Moroccan Gnawa music, before the earthy guimbri bassline hits,
accompanied by a half time hip-hop-like kick drum and clap. Triumphant horns
ring out the anthemic melody, offset by otherworldly synths. Shay Hazan's
creative process reveals a cross-cultural narrative influenced by his extensive
travels, from Central America to Japan, where he encountered the rich tradition
of Gnawa musicians in Tel Aviv. The album includes a fascinating tune named
“Shimo Kitazawa”, inspired by a Tokyo neighbourhood, as well as
other tracks infused with the global vibes that have touched his musical soul.
Dedicated compositions like “Dew” and 'Yooltz” pay homage to
the friends and musicians who helped shape this album. Opener “Dew”
is a nod to trumpeter Tal Avraham, who contributes a hypnotising solo.
“Yooltz” is a loving tribute to tenor saxophonist Eyal Netzer, who
contributes a soulful solo to the song, adding a distinctive layer of brilliance
to the album. The Afrobeat leaning “Oladipo”, on the other hand, is
dedicated to the late great drummer, musical director of Fela Kuti's band
legendary Africa '70, and pioneer of the sound, Tony Allen. Hazan utilises
synths to create an eerie atmosphere on “Street Souls”, inspired by
the characters who frequently inhabit the streets around Hazan's studio, sharing
insightful comments from time-to-time. The slim wall of separation, provided by
his machines and studio walls, from the junkies and prostitutes outside is
emblematic of the slim divide between his privileged existence and theirs. This
urban tension continues on album closer “Riff Raff”, taps into the
tumultuous undercurrents of social movements and demonstrations, injecting a
sense of urgency into the album's diverse tapestry, with its jolting groove.
Shay Hazan's journey continues as he embarks on a series of international
performances, including the Jazz Jantar Festival in Dansk, Poland, and the Tel
Aviv Jazz Festival. He has recently captivated audiences at the prestigious Jazz
in the Park Festival in Romania and the Jerusalem Jazz Festival. His music
transcends borders, uniting listeners worldwide in a vibrant celebration of
sound and culture. 'Wusul وصول' is an introspective journey through
the intricate tapestry of musical influences that have shaped Shay Hazan's
unique sound. While Western and Mizrahi pop have left their marks on the record,
they serve as threads in a larger, more intricate musical fabric. Hazan's
profound exploration transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together a rich
sonic tapestry that defies easy categorization. 

Tracklist:
1.01 - Shay Hazan - Dew (3:13) 
1.02 - Shay Hazan - Oladipo (3:26) 
1.03 - Shay Hazan - A Bite of Sand (3:06) 
1.04 - Shay Hazan - Sunflowers (4:10) 
1.05 - Shay Hazan - A Walk in Dir El-Assad (2:58) 
1.06 - Shay Hazan - Yarabi (3:38) 
1.07 - Shay Hazan - Shimo Kitazawa (3:36) 
1.08 - Shay Hazan - Yooltz (3:04) 
1.09 - Shay Hazan - Vibe Jadid (2:46) 
1.10 - Shay Hazan - Street Souls (5:02) 
1.11 - Shay Hazan - Riff Raff (3:12)

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