For those unaware, Tom Maor excitingly released his debut album, Dunes this month, and which showcases a blend of jazz, world music, post-rock, whilst also drawing from a whole host of other influences from other genres.

Indeed, the project is deeply personal to him, as it is a culmination of his experiences and inspirations from a life-changing journey he took through Asia, as well as a collection of stories and melodies inspired by significant moments in his life.

Tom Maor is a drummer and composer originally from Shefayim, Israel, now based in Boston, USA. Music has always been his way of expressing himself, and “Dunes” is a reflection of that journey.

Starting out playing Extreme Metal at a young age, he later delved into the world of jazz, a transition that significantly influenced his approach to both composition and drumming.

1. Dunes
2. Middle-Lane Syndrome
3. Intro For Joy
4. For Joy
5. Hsipaw
6. Panic Smile
7. Honestly, No

This wonderfully flourishing, mightily impassioned new recording opens on the flourishing, titular Dunes (inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert) and then we get brought forth the euphorically soaring Middle-Lane Syndrome and the delicate Intro For Joy and the fuller version thereafter (which is itself dedicated to his beloved dog, Joy, who passed away two years ago).

The drummer, composer, and producer known for his unique style and experience with a wide spectrum of music genres, next brings us the all-embracing sounds that come together to drive Hsipaw (inspired by a village in Myanmar), the album rounding out on the erstwhile Panic Smile, closing on the playfully flirtatious Honestly, No.

Musicians:
Tom Maor – Drums (tracks 1,2,4-7)
Yaniv Bar – Bass (tracks 1,2,4-7)
Michael Kalisky Schutz – Electric Guitar (tracks 1,2,4,5,7)
Ronen Shmueli – Piano and Synthesizers (tracks 1-5,7)
Éyal Hai – Alto Saxophone (tracks 1,2,4,7)
Oded Segev – Tenor Saxophone (tracks 1,2,4,7)
Assa Kook – Trumpet (tracks 1,2)
Yonatan Voltzok – Trombone (track 5)
Ilay Shachal – Alto Saxophone and Flute (track 5)
Ron Warburg – Trumpet (track 7)
Gilad Dobrecky – Percussion (tracks 2,7)
Rotem Bahar – Vocals (tracks 4,7)
Yuval Menashe – Vocals (tracks 4,7)
Omer Kochba – Electric Violin (track 6)

Tom Maor - Dunes (Official Video)

Tom Maor @ Instagram