Naama Gheber
Music
Recorded in September 2023 , Naama's new LP features guitarist Peter Bernstein, pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Dave Baron and drummer Charles Goold.
Wild Is Love illustrates the arc of a relationship from its euphoric beginnings to its bittersweet end, and ultimately leads to the discovery of a profound truth: that love, in all its wildness, is the most potent force in human existence.
A journey in 4 parts - Attraction, Bliss, Heartbreak and Truth. Drops 6/28
Recorded in July 2022, Naama's new LP features vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist Bruce Barth and bassist Dave Baron. Naama describes the music as reflecting a more vulnerable, mature side of herself, all within the magical sound palette of her longtime band.“This project is more about me and where I was emotionally while recording it. It’s a true self-portrait, a grown up album.”
"...Her sensitivity and attachment to the melodies pervades an emotional depth that is intimate and visceral... Naama’s interpretation and emotive phrasing has a timeless appeal.." Susan Frances, Jazz 2 Love
"... a haunting melody lingers in our minds long after the song ends, evoking emotions that bring back memories and transport us to different places and times... a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-told story..." Marcus Adetola, Neon Music
Noted for her relaxed, personal style, Naama was led by her strong will to connect
with the songs she sings.
There can be no doubt about those strong connections in Naama's singing of
‘I’m a fool to want you’ a powerful, moving duet with pianist Ben Paterson or the
joyful playfulness on ‘Old Mother Hubbard’.
Naama’s connection to the material pushed her to experiment with percussion
in her innovative rendition to Cole Porter’s ‘Dream Dancing’ as well as allowed her
to give a sophisticated urbane expression to ‘If I Knew Then’ and the arrangement of
‘ You’re Driving Me Crazy’. A romantic at heart, Naama infuses Ray Noble’s
‘The Very Thought of You’ with charm and warmth.
If I Knew Then, Naama Naama's second album was released November 2022.
The album features Ben Paterson on Piano, Neal Miner on Bass and Evan Sherman
on Drums.
"Naama sings with light shades of Anita O'Day coupled with Billie Holiday seasoned with a tincture of the corner bar from "Lush Life."
There is a place for this kind of jazz singing. It is like Brahms to Beethoven, a keeper of the flame necessary to inform new generations of how the music sounded at the beginning: simple, inventive, and stunning..." C.Michael Bailey , All About Jazz
"Naama does not simply rehash timeless classics but she enlivens them, remodels them, and breathes vitality into them. Her contemporary perspective and spirited delivery of swing era standards charms the listener, inciting a deep appreciation for swing jazz-infused melodies." Susan Frances , Jazz 2 Love
Among tapering red curtains, maple bar tops, snares and brushes,
the Israeli-born artist nightly explored a range of music from the canon of
American standards with fellow New York artists — music that would
become the centerpiece for Dearly Beloved.
Stephanie Jones, Features
Writer, Hot House Jazz Guide.
Dearly Beloved, Naama's debut was released in April 2020 with
Cellar Music. The album features Steve Nelson on vibraphone
Ray Gallon on Piano, David Wong on Bass and Aaron Kimmel on drums.
"..a promising debut... which augurs well for future releases."- Cree McCree, Downbeat Magazine
"...Naama got everything going for her here. Dearly Beloved is simply delightful..." Dan Bilawsky , All About Jazz
"Naama displays maturity (particularly on the ballads), youthful enthusiasm, an appealing voice and pure joy. Dearly Beloved is a strong start to a career with plenty of potential..."
Scott Yanow ,The NYC Jazz Record