［Description］

2 DJs, a horn section, and a large-scale funk band from Israel, The Apples, released their 5th album in 2012, and the Japanese version is finally here!

With drums and upright bass steeped in The Meters and rare grooves, a horn section boasting the best voicing and tones, and the simplicity of two DJs without guitars or keyboards, this is the essence of Tel Aviv today. Don't overlook the raw and dusty sound quality mastered by the mix monster.

Who would have thought such edgy funky music would come from outside the English-speaking world!? Truly, longevity brings surprises.
(Text by Makoto Kubota)

Israel is a country isolated by the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by Arab nations. Almost all young people who finish their military service embark on long journeys to Europe, America, or Asia at least once. In Israel, not only Western music but also Eastern European Jewish music, klezmer, and music from the unreachable Arab countries find their way in. Within this unique environment, music has evolved in a Galapagos-like manner.

The Apples, in a nutshell, are a jazz-funk band, but they have developed a unique sound that is distinctly Israeli. The Apples consist of four members on drums, bass, and the horn section, along with two DJs and a sound console operator, making a total of nine members. Fly On It is their latest release from 2012. There's a video on YouTube of them performing the title track in what looks like a small rehearsal space. They're creating a strong groove heading towards nothingness. I thought this music was incredible.
(text by Masataka Ishida)