'Hic sunt dracones' or 'here are dragons' is a medieval expression for undiscovered areas that were decorated with mythical animals on maps. Israeli saxophonist Oded Tzur seems on his first album for ECM Records looking for new areas in jazz. Tzur was born in Tel Aviv but now lives in New York. He studied with the Indian flautist , among others. In particular, the hypnotic, improvising structures
… of Indian ragas can be heard on Here Be Dragons. At first hearing little happens and the four instrumentalists seem to be searching within rubato rhythms and minimal melodies. It is striking that pianist Nitai Hershkovits in particular makes the most of the gaping spaces with his impressionistic playing. Sometimes you wonder where Tzur has gone. Here Be Dragons sounds rustic and almost meditative, but this does not keep it interesting for an album. (MR)more
