...echoes of classic hard bop guitar phrasing, traces of bluesy grit, flashes of rock swagger, and moments of melodic restraint that reveal a deep familiarity with vocal phrasing...This is a jazz guitar that moves forward without severing its roots: modern in attitude, yet deeply respectful of its soul.
With All In, Israeli guitarist Gil Livni dives into the soulful pulse of the jazz organ quartet, blending swing, bluesy grit, and hard-bop fire with a modern touch. Joined by organist Yonatan Riklis, drummer Yonatan Rosen, and saxophonist Amit Friedman, Livni leads a spirited conversation that moves fluidly between groove and sophistication. From the explosive opener, "Wonder Woman," to a bold reimagining of the Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," the quartet blurs boundaries of style and era with their effortless chemistry. Across ten tracks—seven originals, two jazz and blues standards, and that striking Beatles take—Livni channels the tradition while reshaping it in his own image. His voice is lyrical, expressive, and deeply rooted in the joy of discovery, pushing jazz guitar forward while keeping its soulful heart intact.
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Gil Livni - guitar
Amit Friedman - tenor saxophone (except 3,5,7)
Yonatan Riklis - organ
Yonatan Rosen - drums
Produced by Gil Livni
Recorded by Uri Efrat
at Uri Efrat Studio, Hod Hasharon, Israel
First session: Dec. 30, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025
Second session: July 3, 2025
Mixed & mastered by Bill Tsur
at Bliss Studio, Nes Ziona, Israel
Photos by Mariana Stebeneva, Sheva Studio
Cover design & layout by John Bishop