NOAM LEMISH

THERE’S BEAUTY ENOUGH IN BEING HERE

TPR Records

Noam Lemish, piano/composer; Sundar Viswanathan, alto & soprano saxophones/bansuri; Andrew Downing, double bass; Nick Fraser, drums.

Composer and pianist Noam Lemish opens this album with a tune called “Song for Rona” that swings hard and has a Straight-ahead jazz feel.  Sundar Viswanathan is featured on alto saxophone and not only introduces us to the catchy melody, he improvises beautifully.

In many ways, Lemish’s transcultural identity is reflected in his compositions. In his musical career, he has found freedom in being a jazz artist and composer.  He also prides himself in being a classical composer of chamber works, an accompanist, and bandleader.

Based in Toronto, Canada since 2019, he is best known for leading or co-leading several ensembles like his Noam Lemish Quartet.  Another quartet he co-leads is with guitarist and oud expert, Amos Hoffman. Lemish also enjoys composing and arranging large scale works for jazz orchestras and jazz choirs.

His tune, “Aviv” (or Spring in Hebrew) has a more contemporary complexion. This time, Viswanathan picks up his soprano saxophone to interpret the song.  This composition draws heavily on Noam’s love of European classical harmony. The composer’s piano solo races beneath the soprano saxophone, making his own piano statement. Andrew Downing takes a double bass solo, settling the flurry of piano notes and the fluttering of soprano saxophone down to a purr on his bass.

This is the eighth album release for Lemish as a band leader. One of my favorites on this album is a beautiful composition he calls “Song for Milly” written for one of his nieces.

A song he calls “Kadrin Gatshor” (translates to ‘gratitude’ in English from the national language of Bhutan). Lemish wrote this piece as an homage to the wonderful Bhutanese people who touched his heart during time he spent living in the Himalayan Kingdom for a year, while teaching there. The actual melody is extracted (in part) from Bhutanese folk music.

Every original composition on this album is reflective of Noam Lemish’s album concept, “There’s Beauty Enough in Being Here.”  The title was inspired by Fernando Pessoa poetry. His poem speaks of appreciating the most everyday occurrences. Translated from Portuguese, his poem says “Let’s pay attention only to where we are. There’s enough beauty in being here and not somewhere else.”

When not performing or recording, Noam Lemish serves as Associate Professor and Jazz Area Coordinator at York University’s Department of Music, in Toronto.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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