Harold Rubin, clarinet. Recorded: 2002. Released: 2002. 'If it wasn't for the fact that Harold Rubin (musician, painter and poet) lives and creates music in Israel, I'm pretty sure that he would have become one of the best-known icons of avant-garde jazz worldwide. Since I 'discovered' Harold 20 years ago, he never ceased to amaze me every time I hear him play live or hear any of his recorded music. His absolutely unique approach to his instrument Ð the clarinet Ð and to music in general is phenomenal and in spite of his advanced age he is (to me) one of the most vigorous, adventurous and daring musicians on this planet. Although usually described as a free jazz player, his music can be movingly lyrical at times. He is able to express the entire range of human emotions, from peace and bliss to frenzy and rage. I really hope more people will discover his wonderful music in time. This recording captures Harold completely on his own for the first time (He usually plays in a trio- quartet setting and sometimes in duos). There is nothing else here but the man and his clarinet Ð the ultimate intimacy. Harold composed all the music included here, including the five part suite 'A Quiet Place for Mr. K. K.' dedicated to King Kong, which he describes as follows: 'It relates to a psychotic King Kong living in our now world, where brutality has become a way of life and fragile fragments of joy alleviate a terrifying sense of sadness'. I hope Harold's music will become your 'fragments of joy' forever.' Adam Baruch