Jazz Without Borders
Jazz Without Borders is the exciting new collaboration between legendary jazz drummer Eddie Marshall and the dynamic young Israeli saxophonist, Nir Naaman. A mixture of contemporary jazz, Israeli, and Middle Eastern music, the group has a uniquely compelling sound. The chemistry between Marshall and Naaman, in spite of their significant differences in age and culture, is spirited and uplifting. The contribution of Jews to jazz goes back to great songwriters and musicians like George Gershwin and Benny Goodman, as well as to Stan Getz with whom Marshall played often during the early sixties. In recent years young Israeli musicians have made a powerful impression on the international jazz scene playing with many of the world's top artists. Nir Naaman, now based in New York, is a brilliant example of this remarkable phenomenon.
Quotes
The band "Jazz Without Borders" brought the house down at the Bach Society in Half Moon Bay. Eddie, a masterfully creative drummer, knows how to support his players while never failing to build excitement all along the way. Nir Naaman's soulful tone on the saxophone is inspiring. After their rendition of Shlomo Carlebach's piece "Esa Eynai" (from Psalm 121), I thought, "I've never heard Jewish music played like that before." They absolutely blew my mind!
Cantor Roslyn Barak, American Conference of Cantors
Naaman soared with remarkable dexterity on his alto sax. Marshall's drums flowed and moved within an unshakable foundation. The audience rose to their feet with extended applause, shouts, and whoops of sincere approval, calling for an encore. "Knuckle Bean," another original by Marshall, swept the audience away emotionally and physically, closing the evening on a high note.
Bill Leikam, All About Jazz