Focused

Niv Toar - Trumpet Hagai Amir - Alto Saxophone Kobi Salomon - Tenor & Soprano Saxophone Shay Maoz - Piano & Keys Assaf Hakimi - Acoustic Double bass & Electric Bass Guitar Roy Oliel - Drums The idea for this sextet developed long ago when I was 16 years old. I remember going to a Chick Corea 'Origin' concert. The sound of the three horns together playing modern jazz just blew me away. I immediately decided that this is the sound my compositions were searching for, with a small change: in my band the three horns will be trumpet and two saxophones. It took me some time to gather enough tunes that felt right, and in 2008 we recorded our debut album. The process was long but an important experience, from which I learned a lot. When the delivery man finally came to my house with the finished CDs, I felt a huge stone was lifted from my chest. I had this amazing energy and inspiration in me, and in a short period of time I wrote most of the music for this new album. I feel I can say that my music has become more refined since then. Instead of using a lot of ideas in one tune, I've tried to take just one or two good ideas and send them on a journey. Hence the album name, 'Focused'. With Jazz being such an improvised style of music, I owe a lot to the talented musicians I have worked with. I am honored to play alongside them and have them in my band. To these musicians, I offer my sincerest thanks. I can't wait for the release of 'Focused' my proudest work yet. Who knows what I will come up with next time the delivery guy knocks on my door! Roy Oliel.