Pauses in Shades is a fascinating improvisational album by Israeli composers/musicians Maya Belsitzman (cello) and Uriel Herman (piano). Released by the British jazz label, Ubuntu Music, the album was recorded at Jerusalem Music Center Studios in Israel, and the ten improvisations feature piano, cello, voice and effects. Both artists are classically-trained and met as children as part of the Israeli classical music scene, but it was only when the world came to a standstill in 2020 that they were able to reconnect and make music together. From quiet peacefulness to very vibrant intensity, the album takes the listener on a sonic journey of emotion and discovery. Utilizing a free-jazz edge, each piece is built around an intimate duo performance, developed through the use of overdubs, spacious reverberated cello harmonics, filtered field recordings, synths and delays. Quoting the artists: "We are releasing this album now in the hope that it will shed a bit of light during this dark period we are experiencing in Israel."

Uriel Herman is recognized internationally for his unusual blend of of classical piano, improvisation and Middle Eastern rhythms, and his last album, Different Eyes, was selected by The Guardian as one of 2023’s Top 10 jazz releases. Maya Belsitzman has performed with internationally-acclaimed artists and also composes, produces and arranges original scores for theater, modern dance, short films and documentaries.

Pauses in Shades begins with "Dew (Tal)," a piece that expresses a profound stillness in the first half, becoming more vibrant and lively in the second half before fading out at the end. "Homage To Chopin" incorporates parts of Chopin's Prelude Op. 28 #4, although it isn't really obvious until about mid-way through the piece - fascinating! "On a Boat" goes much darker and more mysterious and includes Maya's voice as well as various effects - one of the more intense tracks. "The Naked Streets" seems to express deep sadness and desolation. At the beginning, there are voices talking, but they are faint and unintelligible. The cello and piano then create a dialogue with feelings of darkness and only a glimmer of hope. "Dance of the Blind" ups the intensity dramatically - even the quieter passages are dark and powerful. "Not Alone," a very poignant duet for piano and cello, creates a heartfelt dialogue between the two instruments/instrumentalists that is far more powerful than lyrics could express - an amazing piece of music! Although I find the whole album to be outstanding, "Sandbox" is my favorite track. Bluesy piano and a pizzicato (plucked) cello seamlessly take turns with the melody and rhythms, creating a bit of musical magic. "Shades" brings the album to a close with a piece that is much more ambient and free-form, yet hauntingly beautiful.

Pauses in Shades is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes. It can also be streamed on Pandora, Spotify and other streaming platforms. It will be available on Amazon as a CD on October 4, 2024. I give Pauses in Shades an enthusiastic both thumbs up!