“I was born in Israel into war and my dream as a child has always been to bring peace and build bridges” – Ido Spak
Calling himself “The Jazz Traveler” in reference to his mission of travelling across the globe and experience bringing joy to a wide variety of ethnic groups through his music, Ido Spak is a David Bowie and Rush-influenced classically trained musician who prides himself on bringing classic dulcet tones up to date with the audiences of the 21st century. He funds many of his projects online via crowdfunding sources, having offered many of his previous album releases, music lessons and even exclusive live performances to some of his most loyal financial backers. However, with that community-driven spirit comes a price in the sense that fans have to feel they are agreeably getting their money’s worth. Having released his most ambitious LP yet in the form of ‘Epidemic Adventures’ over the summer, the question that needs to be answered is whether the delivery of his visions are fully realised enough to match the monetary value pledged by fans.
Drawing his inspiration equally from the musicians of his homestead Iran and the diverse music scenes of Palestine and Syria, Ido Spak has decided to stop looking so broadly for inspiration and to search a lot more internally for ‘Epidemic Adventures’ instead by exploring the themes of dating during lockdown as the basis for some charming and enchanting Ambient Jazz recordings that make up the ultimate track list for the album. Finding love across the internet and learning to love yourself whilst stuck in isolation crop up at a natural pace, while Spak paints picture-esque soundscapes with meticulous production chops to bring the deeply affectionate emotions to life.
Expanding on the concept of the record, Ido Spak explains, “I bring elements from the Middle East and combine them with NYC Jazz and classical music.”, adding, I explore non-conventional rhythms and do it through collaboration with musicians from different cultures such as Iran, Syrdia, Kurdistan… Canada, Germany and the goal is to break national and political boundaries“.
With ‘Endless Summer’, Spak sets the tone with a comforting opening minute that finds Spak creating easy-going and very calming verses with a floaty effect due to the use of some melodic Piano beats and downtempo strings, Spak creates a classical musical sound that would suit a sync deal for a music-based scene in a movie or a television scene, before splashings of the Saxophone and bass-driven drums add more variety and acutely drive the melodies forward to a slightly more aggressive, but non-threatening, extent. Jazz is a key influence, as instrumental groups like Booker T & The MG’s and Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio call to mind as the calming melodies continue to fill the space with a sense of being at ease and finding subtle warmth. There is nothing that seems incredibly complicated about the sound, but there is enough depth being created here as to not fall into the tropes of the contemporary classical genre very heavily.
In conclusion, Spak lives up to his promise of mixing Jazz-inflected production and sparkling Piano beats together in a way that – going back to the original question – feels memorable enough despite a very slight lack of originality. The result is a sound that might not quite feel groundbreaking, but it feels rich and coherent with tidy layering effects and gently cinematic elements that provide bang for your buck without feeling bankrupt of creativity in opposition to it.
Words by Jacob Braybrooke
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