Projects

“Darash’s strong technique at the piano allows him to explore the individual approach he’s taking, both as a bandleader and pianist.”

"Samskara is a mottled album, with exotic traits, from which a praiseworthy melodic, improvised, harmonious and rhythmic research emerges. This is a record that shines with an expressive warmth that pervades the listener during the passage of the eleven tracks" 

"...To escape gravity, severity and being earthbound seems to be what the trio pursues... Darash's compositions oscillate between harshness and ease which is due to Avi's play-style, who effortlessly uses his elaborate left hand as well as his sparkling movement on his right hand..."

"Darash develops melodic contours that suggest a constantly bubbling source. You can hear finely spun bass plucking. "Earth Saung" moves in the context of pop music and that is not only due to the English-language poetry, but rather to the harmonies and rhythms" 

"The opener -Happiness- establishes that this will be not business as usual. It may be be a piano trio, but the arrangement is extremely conversational. The bass and drums don't just react to the piano, they come in and out over the course of the track. Happiness finds expression in a bright, upbeat feel"

"Samskara is a delightful melding of influences: jazz, Middle Eastern traditions, plus a bit of tuneful pop. Darash has found another winning vocalist in El Fillali, while Semlali and Safia shine as accompanists and soloists. The entire group has a joy in music-making that is infectious"

"The songs are interesting due to their ingenious structure. The strong melodies and rhythms make the music very accessible. In other words, "Samskara" is an entertaining and very pleasant album" 

"Darash manages to show through his playing different variations and moods in a profound manner"

"With this Samskara Darash shows once more his artistry and craft to be of a different caliber and depth"

"Nomadic Treasures is a listening adventure, bearing much emotion in every song..."

“Lullaby For Bendavid,” an energetic lulling, left and right hands rolling out entangled counter melodies. “Nothingness” features the added dimension of Borchov’s bowed bass, adding an richly ruminative, reverential atmosphere in the ballad sections of a gorgeously constructed, multiple tempo tune.”