Jonathan Greenstein’s Vol. 1 is an EP released on January 29, 2016, on Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Records. The EP was recorded with only acoustic instruments in Brooklyn, NY (The Bunker Studio).

After reading Jonathan Greenstein’s introduction to Vol. 1, I thought the EP sounded like it was quite personal, so I decided to put my headset on to listen to it. In Jonathan Greenstein‘s words, “So, this is Vol 1. Of what, exactly? Of me trying to summarize the past few years of my life in song, of me looking forward, daydreaming of what’s to come, of me trying to explain myself through music, of me trying to find myself, reinvent myself, create myself, of me understanding what it means to be an Israeli kid living in New York City, playing Black American music, playing Jazz, bringing in all these influences from Alternative Rock, from Hip-Hop, Electronica, in the year 2015. Vol 1. of this journey, of character through music, of this quest for love, to be part of the listener’s life, of your life, to tell you that you’re not alone—and yes, you can.”

As it turned out, the music was so much fuller than I expected, so I had to put it on my speakers. What I first thought would be an introspection, questioning one’s life at a particular point, sounded to me like the opposite; Jonathan Greenstein gave me an obvious and simple answer. This music was the pleasure of being outside yourself, in a group, creating and taking part in something, just simply living life, and it felt like most questions didn’t need any answers; just put yourself out there, be with your friends, and do something, whatever helps you and the ones around you be independent together.

Vol. 1 was everything I appreciate. It was brilliant in its complexity as it kept my attention all the way through. I was amazed by the composition, and the musicians, who are seriously impressive. I especially loved the brilliant piano sound, linked to the flat sound from the drums. It was also brilliant in its accessibility, as listeners can catch all the ideas during the first playthrough, and then find new layers during each subsequent playthrough.

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Jonathan Greenstein – Vol 1

Line-up
Jonathan Greenstein: saxophone; Victor Gould: piano; Gilad Hekselman: guitar; Or Bareket: bass; Mark Whitfield Jr.: drums

Style
Jazz fusion, Modern jazz, Post-jazz, Spiritual jazz

Vol 1 was released on January 29, 2016 // Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Records