We previously featured Yosef Gutman, credited as Yosef-Gutman Levitt, for his expansive and experiential collaboration with Omri Mor, Melodies of Light, so when we heard that the talented composer and multi-instrumentalist was back with a new album, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to share it.
Establishing the mood with intricate, astral guitar notes with cerebral electronica and a meditative frequency, before expanding into a bolder, immersive melody with padded drums, Yosef Gutman opens his album Why Ten? with intrigue and instrumental mastery.
The opening composition, Rushing Rapid, evolves with a warm and cinematic energy, showcasing charisma and a high emotional quotient. The piece feels like the perfect score for a Hollywood movie set in nature. We appreciate the ebbs and flows and the chord changes that tap into a more evocative mood. Needless to say, we are in awe. The guitar riffs from Gilad Hekselman are exquisite, and showcase great skill from the talented performer.
Next up is the title track of the record, Why Ten?, which draws us in with a syncopated energy and the intricacy of the sound design that holds the overarching cohesive tapestry of the record together along with Yosef’s transcendental bass. The presence of Gilad Ronen on woodwinds is sublime and echoes a timeless jazz nuance for the piece.
We learn that Why Ten? references “the symbolism of the number 10 in Jewish mysticism, in particular the ten utterances of creation, as recorded in the Torah, and the ten supernal sefirot, from kabbalah”, it also signifies complete binary code and the number of completion. We often find that some of the most universally aligned artists are inspired by this number, particularly NEO 10Y.
For reference, the ten utterances and the ten supernal sefirot are essential principles that explain the creation of the universe with all its intricacies and intentional design. The ten sefirot are divine qualities through which the Infinite reveals itself, representing various elements of existence such as wisdom, insight, beauty, and authority, and they act as a connection between the finite and the infinite.
A subversive bass frequency and echoing percussion with momentary toms and cymbal textures guide us on Nigun 55′, of course with a stunning guitar performance from our protagonist. Holding its cinematic value and leading us into Bnei Heichala. We are immediately enchanted by the melody, which has an ancient-futurism feel. The bass performance is exception and adds drama.
Soul Spark is psychedelic and builds into a more playful, almost hip-hop beat. The finale feels like an ascension with high octane rhythm and boundless cosmic guitar notes. Next is Desert Days which launches with dynamism and fierce percussion, which keeps us on an optimistic journey.
Two Souls allows for a brief repose where we feel connected with the universe, inspiring contemplative and a touch of romance. This brings us to From Darkness to Light, which opens with the celestial textures we love so much on this opus. Speaking on his artistry, Yosef confesses, “I invite listeners to ponder the presence of these mystical notions and their relevance to our everyday lives, and to invigorate a curiosity around the ideas, with airy creativity that is communicative and playful. The title evokes a sense of wonder and introspection without gravity, encouraging a deeper engagement with the music and the timeless sensations it raises about creation, existence, and the divine order … with a smile!”
This brings us to From The Water, which opens with serenity and crashing percussion akin to waves. We love the conceptual nature and are always mesmerized by Ofri Nehemya‘s skill on the drums. The journey is hypnotic and we are lulled into a sense of peace by the liquid element that makes up the entirety of our cosmic simulation.
Arava Route 90 feels avant garde, yet timeless, and reminds us of the core philosophies of the record and how mind blowing Gilad Hekselman is on guitar. With reference to his collaboration with the world renowned guitarist, Yosef says, “Gilad Hekselman has a consummate professionalism and an ability that is so broad. He’s so authentically expressive in different stylistic realms whether it’s funk and fusion, or bebop, or these simple, streamlined melodies we’re playing here. Gilad also evokes an atmosphere as finely as any top-notch ECM soloist, layering those sweet, lovely effects. It was so wonderful playing with somebody who’s so open and willing to share creatively and has the flexibility to make any musical idea sound great.”
Neria’s Farm reinforces the timelessness and optimism that we have fallen in love with the album for, it also serves as a sonic reminder of the connectedness of nature. Finally, we are drawn in by percussion details and strummed guitar with melodic layers for the concluding track, Walking in Simplicity.
The finale holds an introspective and ancestral nature, and comes full circle with its dimensionality intertwining both electric and acoustic guitars. Overall, Why Ten? is a rich and peaceful sonic experience which is more than just a compositional masterpiece but an opportunity for us to connect with source. For that, we are grateful.
We have added Why Ten? and Walking in Simplicity to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Yosef Gutman, and anticipate future releases from the visionary creator.