Released towards the end of 2014, this album is exactly what it purports to be, a personal collection of tunes from Albare to celebrate his 20 years in music. It also includes music from his first two albums, ‘Acid Love’ and ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’ which at the time of release were no longer available. Albare was born in Morocco and raised in Israel and France, and can now be found living in Melbourne where he moved to in 1983, where he runs the famous Bird’s Basement Jazz Club (sadly currently closed due to COVID-19, let’s hope they manage to reopen soon although Melbourne is struggling at present). His metropolitan upbringing has had a real impact on his music, as he brings in many different influences, most notably from South America and Cuba.

The 20 songs on the album are a mix with different singers and styles, yet at the heart of all of it are his considered noodlings and solos. It is soft jazz, designed to relax the listener, not quite moving into lounge although not far from it, and really sets a tranquil mood. The use of different types of percussion and clarinet, sax etc, takes the listener on different journeys, but always with that clear guitar sound over the top. Although very different indeed in terms of tone and style, I found myself being reminded both of Gary Chandler and BB King in the way he plays around the song, with little in the way of chords but delicate notes which are never rushed, allowing others to take the lead when the time is right but always waiting to take control again. It is a great introduction to his music, and one day I will definitely get to his club, being as it is in my favourite city and not that far away just four hours by plane). That is, if we ever open the borders again. Until that time, I will just keep listening to this delicacy.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://albare.info/
https://www.facebook.com/ENJARECORDS/