Hillai & Nitsan
Allusions
Photo · Eduardo Pavez Goye
Photo · Eduardo Pavez GoyeAllusions is the debut album of Hillai Govreen and Nitsan Kolko, recorded in the winter of 2020.
Far from home and stranded in New York City when Covid struck, Hillai and Nitsan began to form their musical connection. They found refuge in literature, music, cinema, cooking and visual art. Once they were able to return home to Israel, they were inspired to compose a suite together, gathering a few tales that interested them or made them laugh. Allusions is the culmination of these musical and literary influences.
Hillai and Nitsan's unique piano-clarinet instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and is the foundation for unconfined musical explorations. Their duet paints vivid soundscapes and combines spontaneous improvisation with large-scale compositional thought. Their fluid sound is introspective and thoughtful, evoking nostalgia and longing for far-away scenes. Together, they weave flowing melodies and memorable motifs into a rich musical tapestry.
“The musicians turn their feelings into a vehicle for an incredible amount of spontaneous beauty: you can hear from everything that they master their instruments to perfection.”
“The truly magnificent virtuosity of the duo Govreen and Kolko is nowhere, really nowhere in the way of the feeling of spontaneous music-making […] That in itself is a merit, in combination with the quality and variation in atmosphere of the compositions.”
“It’s a debut album by two young people, but the poetic original songs inspired by ancient parables, detailed arrangements, lyrical performances backed by advanced techniques are of a quality that cannot be thought of as that of newcomers. The more you listen to it, the more you’ll be captivated by it.”
“A debut album that catches the ear from the first sound and does not let go, with delicate melodies and eloquent and touching performance. An intimate and exciting musical connection that showcases impressive musical abilities.”
“When the last piano notes of the half-hour-long album get away from your ears, you will experience the satisfaction after a short and warm coffee chat with a friend that you have not seen for a long time.”
“…they offer us a variety of experiences at a high artistic level. It’s really worth listening to this album.”
“With the debut of clarinetist Hillai Govreen and pianist Nitsan Kolko, we end up in cinematic sets of vast landscapes and wild regions. Titles like ‘Sycamore Trees’, ‘The Cave’ and ‘Memories Of A Sea’ speak volumes. Gathered musings that unfold like a fan, marked by an implicit hint of nostalgia.”
“Their music sounds rather melancholic and introverted, but always remains calm. Of course there is plenty of room for improvisation.”
Booking & Press
For booking, press and other inquiries:
nitsan.kolko@gmail.com