"The Ark of Music" Review ..."Just last November we had the privilege of meeting Pablo Embon in our interview and review for his album, Funky Side of the Road. We are thrilled that the Israel-based by way of Argentina composer and multi-instrumentalist is back again with his latest project, What Comes Into Play, an artistically blended array of jazz, funk, latin, alternative, world, and other styles. It’s worth mentioning that What Comes Into Play represents the latest of a 16-ALBUM ANTHOLOGY, which also includes: 2016’s Funky Side of the Road & The World Within, 2015’s Wicked Strings, 2014’s Perennial Sounds, 2013’s Muse Kaleidoscope, and so-so-so much more!..."
Pablo Embon has, once again, honored his untamed creativity in his latest effort, What Comes Into Play, an aptly titled collection of songs which—while always wading in the waters of jazz—are fed tastefully by contributory streams of Latin, Indian, Funk, and other world styles; creating an exciting atmosphere where virtually anything goes. Embon has also showed his growth in the studio, as the album’s production and mix are truly “that much” better than previous efforts. All in all, What Comes Into Play, is another fine project by, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets in Jazz the world has to offer
What Comes into Play, sees the artist enhance his artistic development further in the direction of a unique fusion of jazz, funk and Latin styles. The album is a melange of different ingredients mixed in a crucible of creative and stylistic heat to create a gentle and thoughtful collection of songs which are ideal for reflective thought and relaxation, cocktail in hand, gazing out across the city lights at night.
The album is a further demonstration of the multi-instrumental talent of Pablo Embon. This ability allows Embon to mix and match the various styles which influence his music into a coherent whole. This may sound like jazz on first listen, but the deeper one reaches inside, the more apparent it becomes that there is more to this than simply ‘jazz'. The diversity of musical motifs, harmonies and styles make for an interesting combination and further enhance Embon's work as both wide-ranging and innovative.
The music varies well enough from song to song, but also feels like one cohesive set at the same time. Every instruments gets a bit of spotlight time. This is just great instrumental fusion.
Over the course of 13 tracks, Embon is able to provide considerable depth and variety to his listeners. The album begins with “Baby Steps”, a track that hits upon a number of trends and sounds that will be heard throughout the release.
There is volumes that is told in the narrative to singles such as “Throughout the Years”, far beyond the song’s run time. Part of what makes What Comes Into Play such a tremendous album is just how much Embon places in to each and every composition. While the songs are designed in such a way that fans are able to enjoy them fully is they are just passively listening to them (such as in a party setting or if the album is on when one is doing household chores), fans that are able to drop everything that they are doing and really focus in to the compositions and the dynamics present, along with Pablo’s usage of dark and light, loud and quiet, will be rewarded to a much more considerable degree.
Album Rating 9.0/10.0 by NeuFutur Magazine.
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