Guitar One Magazine
Feb, 2007

In Our Systems
Gilad Hekselman / SplitLife (Smalls)

Who needs a second guitarist when you have fingers like these? Hekselman, a young Israeli jazz phenom who cites piano players as his main influence, has fused comping and single-note soloing into one flawless style. This disk, his debut, was recorded live with bassist Joe Martin and drummer Ari Hoeing; the simple trio setting makes the lack of seams between Hekselman’s chording and his busy lead lines all the more inspiring. Standout tracks include Ornette Coleman’s “When Will The Blues Leave,” the classic ballad “I Should Care,” and the original composition “Purim.”

MOMENT OF TRUTH:
“I Fall In Love Too Easily”
(0:01-1:09) Hekselman’s solo on this standard showcases his speed, meticulous picking, and ability to sustain notes from one passage as he moves on to the next.

-- Bob Keelaghan