Description
Elyadeen Anbar makes a strong debut with *To Put Into Words*, his first album on the Ghost Note label. He blends jazz improvisation with contemporary styles like country, R&B, electronica, and pop/funk. The album includes seven original songs and creative covers of “On The Road Again” and “I Will.” Anbar performs with bassist Francisco Ojeda and drummer Joey Lefitz, creating a memorable mix of unique and melodic music.
Anbar opens with his solo guitar on the reflective track “Isaac.” In “Three Of Two,” Lefitz adds subtle and clear drumming as Anbar guides listeners through a surprising but familiar musical experience. “Road Of Trials” features special guest Julian “J3PO” Pollack, who creates a mysterious sound that shifts into a satisfying ending. Anbar showcases his style, pacing, and development throughout the album, allowing the group to explore new ideas together.
Anbar captivates listeners with Paul McCartney’s gentle “I Will,” where he interacts closely with Ojeda. He adds a lively energy on “The Businessman” and shines with a bright tone on the jazz waltz “It Comes Around.” The title track, “To Put Into Words,” is a thoughtful song that features a light guitar tone, highlighting the trio’s expressive dynamics. The album wraps up with a return to the thoughtful “Isaac” and a joyous version of Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again.”
Elyadeen Anbar was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Montreal and Chicago. He started playing guitar at age 14 and quickly led his own group. He gained experience in rock and jam bands, as well as his high school’s jazz ensemble. Anbar studied jazz guitar at DePaul University, played at various Chicago venues, and worked with musicians such as Frank Catalano and Greg Ward. In 2007, after performing at the Blue Note, he moved to New York and earned a Master’s in performance from NYU. He studied under Bobby Broom, Chris Potter, and Wayne Krantz. Anbar lived in Brooklyn for eight years, touring internationally and performing with jazz, pop, and funk groups while also teaching. In 2015, he moved to Los Angeles and continues to build his diverse career.
**Pouched**
By Julian Pollack and Elyadeen Anbar
Tracks 2, 7, and 9 feature a polished mix expertly crafted by Julian Pollack at Bridge and Water Productions, a renowned recording studio located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The final mastering of these tracks was performed by Ian Hultquist at Little Twig Studios, also situated in Los Angeles, ensuring a rich and vibrant sound quality.
For tracks 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9, the engineering was skillfully handled by Francisco Ojeda, with valuable assistance from Paul Nasser, at Clear Lake Studios in North Hollywood, California. Their collaborative effort brought a unique texture and depth to the production.
Meanwhile, tracks 1 and 8 were both engineered and mixed by Ian Hultquist at Little Twig Studios, where he utilized his expertise to create a captivating audio experience.
Track 5 stands out, having been engineered by the dynamic duo of Joey Lefitz and Elyadeen Anbar across various locations, bringing a diverse range of sounds and creative techniques to the project.
