Asaf Yuria Exorcisms

Asaf Yuria's Exorcisms blends jazz tradition with bold horn writing and fiery solos, featuring a stellar New York lineup on his sophomore album.

"Exorcisms - To free from or rid of evil spirits or other harmful elements by works of spell and magical formulas which intend to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects."

Israeli saxophonist Asaf Yuria presents his new album Exorcisms, drawing from the jazz combo tradition of Art Blakey and Lee Morgan on a sophomore effort ripe with inventive horn arrangements and captivating solo work. He assembles a cast of New York's finest including trumpeter Josh Evans and trombonist Jonathan Voltzok on frontline duties. Pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Ben Meigners and drummer Jason Brown provide lithe, fiery accompaniment from the backline.

Yuria captures the spirit of John Coltrane circa Blue Train with a similarly instrumented team. His sound is bold, modal and a mix of post bop on the driving "The Bell Ringers" and passionate "Bright Night, Light Flight." Brown gives an Elvin Jones-inspired rumble in his intro to the title piece and Evans taps into his inner Lee Morgan on the solo. Voltzok adds solid brass on the bluesy "Out from the Mist" while Evans contributes rich chords, evoking Tyner tones on the mellow "Lotus Moon."

"My priority is for each player to use his voice most comfortably and beautifully, and to create the most compelling compositions I can. I work intuitively -- it's about finding your individual voice through the study of tradition," says Yuria. On the album's title, he adds: "I'm looking for that mysterious condition in which the listeners and musicians are immersed in the present moment."

Born in Tel Aviv in 1985, Yuria grew up on recordings of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and countless others. By high school, he played alongside the city's top musicians. He later moved to New York, studying at the New School under mentors such as Billy Harper, George Cables and Reggie Workman, and became a key part of Omer Avital's quintet. In 2018 he released his debut Papa Wawa. Now back in Tel Aviv, he continues his journey with Exorcisms.

Track Listing

The Bell Ringers Lotus Moon Wise Eyes (dedicated to my mom Zehava) Exorcisms Out from the mist Bright Night, Light Flight Mindful Breath