Connect with us

Artist Features

New Release From Guitarist Albare

Published

on

Albare has just released his new album, Freedom – featuring trumpeter and jazz legend, Randy Brecker.

Born in Israel, growing up in France and the United States, Albert Dadon AM aka Albare has just released his new album featuring trumpeter and jazz legend, Randy Brecker and Randy’s wife, saxophonist par excellent, Ada Rovatti on both alto and tenor. 


JB: I know you started playing guitar in Israel and then moved to France, but how old were you when you started to play jazz guitar, and what was most helpful in your personal development as a guitarist?

A:  Jazz was the soundtrack of my childhood. My late father was an avid listener of jazz and opera. Mind you I was never attracted to opera. My parents immigrated from Israel to France when I was 10. I discovered Django immediately. By the time I was 13, I was listening to Larry Coryell. There were many names for that type of music, Jazz Rock, Jazz Fusion, and Progressive music. I started playing in bands when I was 14. We aimed at playing that type of music. A piece I wrote when I was 15 was Zaratustra which you can find in my “Midnight Blues” album that can illustrate where I was at. 

JB:  To you, what are three of the most influential jazz guitar albums and why?

A: First, The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. The melodic lines and fast rifts are an inspiration to this day. Then Coryell by Larry Coryell. This was an awakening to this music for me. I was very fortunate to have met Larry in the last 2 years of his life. He played at my club. I had a conversation with him just before he passed away, he was so much looking forward to coming back to play at Bird’s in April of 2017. He passed away a few weeks before the gig. I gave the spot to his son Julian Coryell.  The third would be Virtuoso by Joe Pass. This album is so inspiring, Joe’s playing is simply overwhelming. 

JB:  Talk about your experience of working with trumpeter Randy Brecker on your new album Freedom?

 A:  I started working with Randy in my previous album Albare Plays Jobim Vol 2. He is the easiest person to work with. His work is always impeccable, precise, contextual, and inspiring. Randy is professional and nothing I put his way is ever too hard. I had a great experience with both albums and it sure won’t be the last time we play together. 

JB:  Ada Rovatti also does fine saxophone work on Freedom.

A:  Yes, and she is also the sound engineer for both Randy and herself. Of course, you know Ada is Randy’s wife. Although she is from Italy, her sound is so New York, she has that thing that many sax players only dream of. 

JB:  Pianist Phil Turcio, bassist Phil Rex, and drummer Felix Bloxom all have Australian connections.  What drew you to these musicians as a rhythm section for your new Freedom album? 

A:  They not only have Australian connections, but they are also Australians and live in Melbourne. Phil is my “go-to” pianist for the last 32 years. We started playing together when he was 18, he just turned 50. Time’s run fast. Phil Rex played on one of my previous albums, Dream Time, and we tour together since 2013. Felix is a new addition to the band since 2021. 

JB:  What about your career today that you find rewarding?

A: The music is the reward in and of itself. I enjoy the creative process, the creation of a piece, etc. The camaraderie and interaction with musicians and, of course, the live playing. There’s nothing more rewarding than when others appreciate your music.

JB:  Tell us about the guitars that you use?

A: My stage guitar for the last 25 years is a custom-made (specifically for me), Les Paul, by the Gibson custom shop. The neck was tailor-made for me, the body is completely hollow. It looks like a rock guitar but sounds like a jazz guitar. I have about 30 or so guitars, all friends. I play them mostly in recordings. It is rare that I play live these days with anything else than my Les Paul. My second favorite guitar is my Gibson Birdland. Not only because of the name, but as a guitarist, I always looked for the balance between playability and good sound. 

JB:  What amp do you use?

A:  For the album Freedom I used mostly my Black Wing and on a couple of tracks (“Sunny Samba” and “Randy Makes Me Smile”) I used my Mesa Boogie “Road King” model.  

JB:  What advice would you give to young jazz guitarists?

A:  To take a shower before they show up to a gig, to show up on time, and to make sure they turn up!


Subscribe to Jazz Guitar Today – it’s FREE!

Continue Reading

Join the JGT Newsletter

Featured Luthiers

Trending