Asaf Yuria: In Light of a New Moon

     It’s always a pleasure to hear fresh versions of tunes that just aren’t played much these days. After all, how often do you hear Hank Mobley’s Hipsippy Blues or John Hicks’ After the Morning. The carefully curated repertoire is one reason to listen to tenor saxophonist Asaf Yuria’s quartet release, In Light of a New Moon. A better reason is the band he’s put together for this date. Pianist George Cables, one of Yuria’s musical teachers, and a favored accompanist for sax players like Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper, is in top form. Bassist Omer Avital, who uses Yuria in his quintet, acquits himself very well, fitting in beautifully with his elders in the rhythm section. And what can you say about drummer Billy Hart, another mentor to Yuria, whose dynamic presence and unbridled swing have anchored so many memorable recording sessions? Veteran trumpeter Joe Magnarelli appears on two tracks, adding another distinctive voice to the proceedings. Yuria has a fluid and compelling sound on tenor, with a disconcerting habit of occasionally ending his phrases with a high-end squeal. His melodic temperament comes to the fore on a delicately moving version of the lone standard, Jimmy Van Heusen’s ever-elegant Polka Dots and Moonbeams, played as a duet by Yuria and Cables. The pianist contributes two original tunes. Circle, the title track for his 1979 Contemporary album, gets a relaxed bossa treatment. EVC, with its sinuous melody, is reprised from his 2002 quartet date Looking For The Light. Here it’s mostly a vehicle for a twisting and turning solo by Yuria. Cables takes a few commanding bars to bring the tune down to earth, and Yuria takes it out with some conversational playing alongside Cables’ piano. Yuria’s sole original is the uptempo burner Praise of Shadows, featuring a beautifully intricate solo by trumpeter Magnarelli. Dizzy Gillespie’s Con Alma is the closing track. Recorded at the end of the session in one take, it’s performed by Yuria and Cables in slower than usual tempo, putting the emphasis on the melody. A solid and rewarding date, heartily recommended. 

Jojo Records; Asaf Yuria (ts) Joe Magnarelli (tpt on *) George Cables (p) Omer Avital (b) Billy Hart (d); Englewood Cliffs, NJ, no dates specified; After the Morning/ Hipsippy Blues*/Polka Dots and Moonbeams/ Circle/ Praise of Shadows*/ EVC/ Con Alma; 40:58. www.jojorecords.com