Omer Leshem, Play Space Review

by Jeff Becker

Omer Leshem’s third studio album, Play Space, brings his original musical narrative alive through nine of his compositions. Recorded in the atmospheric Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, NY, this album captures Leshem and his quintet’s dynamic interplay and eclectic cultural influences. The music has the warmth of Mediterranean grooves with the exploratory spirit of modern jazz. Leshem, who doubles as both a celebrated saxophonist and a doctor of clinical psychology, imbues his compositions with intellectual curiosity and emotional depth that invite listeners into a musical world that rejoices in exploration.

The quintet at the heart of Play Space is a stellar assembly of New York’s finest, whose shared Israeli roots and deep musical sensibilities bring an extraordinary vibrancy to the project. Led by Leshem’s commanding tenor saxophone, the ensemble includes the inventive Moshe Elmakias on piano, the expressive Nadav Remez on guitar, the resonant Elam Friedlander on bass, and the dynamic Ben Silashi on drums. Together, they form a cohesive unit whose impeccable technique and intuitive interplay create a rich tapestry of sound that yields interesting listening.

At the heart of Play Space lies the concept of “play”—a tribute to British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicot’s exploration of the liberating nature of child play. Leshem finds a parallel between a child’s ability to see a warship in a toy and a musician’s capacity to extract “real” notes from imaginative improvisation. This theme resonates throughout the album, where simplicity coexists with intricate cultural motifs to create an auditory landscape that is both accessible and profoundly layered.

The album opens with “Twilight Hymn,” the music sounds alive with its blend of Middle Eastern inflections and Latin jazz rhythms. The track’s catchy melody—characterized by a vibrant call-and-response between Leshem’s tenor sax and the supporting instruments—sets the tone for an album that is built around the communal experience of crafting a musical expression.

A playful nod to childhood memories, “Take an Advil” features an exciting, fast-tempo hard-bop, hard-bop-inspired composition that has its origin in his mother’s familiar advice. The track’s energetic pace and expressive solo structure make it an opportunity to hear the ensemble’s chemistry as Leshem and Elmakias exchange phrases.

In this sprawling, multi-sectional piece, Leshem narrates the bittersweet tale of a young man named David, whose promising path is marred by a loss of self. Elmakias’ piano intro sets the mood for the extended melody that is deeply introspective, reflecting the emotional turmoil of a journey marked by hope and despair. Femez’s guitar adds counterpoint and harmonic colors.

Inspired by his father’s hometown, “Cape Town Swag” invites listeners to travel through a building composition that changes style scenes with its grooving bass lines and spirited saxophone and guitar lead. The track’s infectious rhythm captures the essence of inspiration for Elmakias’ rhythmical solo. Remez’s solo is infused with an undercurrent of blues as his jazz lines express melodic figures. Silashi’s drum solo builds through the interlude to cadence.

The texturally powerful “The Heroic Era of No Consequences” juxtaposes mythical courage with human fragility. Its form and melody evolve gradually, drawing the listener into an insightful state that Leshem creates for us. His solo is built with particular attention to rhythmic accents, melodic shapes, and landing tones that build tension and release and thereby tell a story of musical creativity.

Dedicated to his older sister Dana, “Pull the Donkey” recalls a humorous yet poignant childhood memory. The track’s playful rhythmic narrative, underscored by an accented rhythmic melodic bounce, serves as the grounding figure for the ensemble to explore. Leshem’s improvisational vocabulary has a vibrant style that fuses the improvisational freedom of jazz with the evocative modal scales and rhythmic patterns found in Israeli and Mediterranean traditions.

With a title that hints at both beauty and growth, “Mulberry Garden” reflects Leshem’s ambivalent feelings toward a neighbor’s mulberry tree—a source of shade as well as an olfactory nuisance. This composition artfully balances the sensory contrasts, echoing the bittersweet nature of memory. Leshem’s unaccompanied introduction is a fine example of his beautiful saxophone sound.

Channeling the modal intensity of McCoy Tyner is Leshem’s “Go You Maniac.” The ensemble captures an exciting energy of driving eight-note phrases. The group interaction in this performance shows the unique style and language this ensemble communicates through. “Back Home” gently ushers the listener to a reflective folk jazz calm. Beginning as a tender ballad, the track eventually unfolds into a crescendo of dramatic transformation, a multi-layered finale that leaves a lasting emotional imprint

Play Space is nine compositions that explore the boundaries of musical expression and cultural distinctiveness. Omer Leshem’s unique blend of influences, underpinned by a fluid understanding of psychology and music, results in a record that is as intellectually stimulating as it is viscerally engaging. Whether you’re drawn to the infectious rhythms or the poignant compositions, this album promises an immersive experience that will exceed expectations.