Tamuz Nissim, Capturing Clouds Review

Vocalist Tamuz Nissim originally hails from Tel Aviv, the most populous city in the Gush Dan metropolitan area of Israel. Transplanting to New York, her pursuit of traditional jazz with a specialty focus of creating original vocalese pieces has been a centric cornerstone of her continued releases. Her latest album Capturing Clouds, features George Nazos on guitar Harvie S on bass and Tony Jefferson on drums. On this recording, a highlight includes an original vocalese to John Coltrane’s solo over “I Hear a Rhapsody” from the record Lush Life. Two additional standards on the album include “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” and “Like Someone In Love,” both recorded in a chordless trio setting.

 Positives: Tamuz has a pleasing voice, at times breathy, and times lilting. Where she excels is her ability to creating meaning vocalese renderings.

 Bottom Line:  : Nissim is an acquired taste, but once you sit back and listen a few times, you start to unfold the beauty within her voice. The precision at which she executes her ideas and conveys them in a meaningful way. Her sweeping falsetto or pinion precision while performing solidly placed jazz lines within each tune, are in full swing. An example is “Make It Last,” her notes formulate in a tension fashion, with a harmonically adventurous style. Of course, the unassailable talents of Harvie S permeate the deeply felt rhythm of the entire proceedings. Locking tightly with Jefferson, the two have a tightly woven rapport. Guitarist Nazos colorizes in a complimentary manner. It might take a moment to absorb all that is going on with Capturing Clouds, but it’s worth the exploration. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Tamuz Nissim: Website |