Sounds constantly surround us, but only musicians can hear their soul and gift the world beautiful music. Their works transcend genre boundaries; they blend classical, jazz, rock, and electronic music, making each piece a new creative challenge. Such a creator is Avinoam Ettun, a contemporary musical artist, composer, and improviser from New York. He composes music for large ensembles and his string quartet, combining the sounds of electric guitar with elements of chamber music. Ettun actively collaborates with animators, artists, filmmakers, and dancers, exploring the intersections of various art forms. In 2022, he released his debut album “Searching for Colors” which received positive reviews from critics and resonated with a wide audience.
Photo by Liri Agami
“Searching for Colors” is an album for a large ensemble that includes strings, wind instruments, and a rhythm section. It features both improvised parts and clearly written orchestrated moments. The four-track album is a lively and intriguing example of an organic mix of mainstream, jazz, and electronic music. The impactful opening track, “A Tale of Three Balloons,” shows that Avinoam Ettun’s slow, lyrical style is a successful choice to begin an album. The sweet sounds of the violin resonate with wind melodies and smooth guitar, creating an expressive cinematic picture. The virtuoso violin solo contrasts with the soft guitar chords, creating a dialogue effect. The addition of deep double bass notes gives the composition a sense of depth and scale. This music echoes both classical music and modern jazz improvisations. I would call “The World Needs Healing” a model of jazz trends. Combining elements of jazz improvisation and classical orchestration, Avinoam Ettun creates a unique musical language. The improvised sections, full of spontaneity and expression, convey chaos and uncertainty. At the same time, strictly structured parts bring order and harmony to the piece. “The World Needs Healing,” in my opinion, reflects the anxiety and hope of our time. The composition is a bold experiment where free melodies alternate with meticulously constructed orchestral parts.
My personal favorite is “Ear Illusion.” The composition begins with the intimate whisper of the piano, gradually enveloping in a gentle cocoon of sounds. The piano is delicately joined by guitar, flute, wind instruments, and soft, almost weightless percussion parts. The melody develops organically, like a delicate flower blooming before your eyes. Soft rhythmic patterns play a special role in the composition, giving it a serene character. Each instrument makes its unique contribution to creating an overall soundscape, weaving into a single harmonious whole.
Photo by Liri Agami
“Ear Illusion” evokes associations with a quiet evening by the fireplace, a walk through an autumn forest, or simply a moment of deep relaxation. In my opinion, this composition can evoke a wide range of emotions. It is this combination of emotions that makes “Ear Illusion” so memorable. The final track of the album, “Melodically Involved” is like the stroke of an artist’s pen signing his name in the corner of a finished painting. And the painting itself is made as diverse as possible. The track begins with the soft, slightly hoarse sound of wind instruments, like the whisper of the wind, gradually transitioning into a deep, pulsating double bass, reminiscent of the heartbeat of an ancient city. This is joined by brushes whispering across the drum skin and gentle guitar chords creating a sliding atmosphere. Smooth, melancholic violin melodies weave into the finale, filling the composition with tenderness. In the swirling sound of instruments, the world of music continues its endless dance.
“Searching for Colors” is an album full of surprises, resembling a canvas of emotions where you can easily get lost or stumble upon something entirely new. Avinoam Etten handles the guitar with virtuosity, blending technical prowess and a touch of sensuality into his music, giving each piece its own distinct color. Through improvisations and meticulously crafted orchestral parts, Etten demonstrates his approach to composition, reflecting the multifaceted nature of music. After all, music, much like life, is endlessly diverse, with each new sound marking another step in the ongoing quest for beauty and meaning.
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