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Press for Words Beyond:

Israeli-born pianist-composer Alon Nechushtan establishes a loose-tight chemistry with drummer Dan Weiss and bassist Francois Mouton on his second trio release. A New York resident since 2003, his potent partnership with Weiss and Mouton places a premium on group interplay at the same time it encourages individual solo expression. From the playful, Monkish opener, Muppet Shock, to the highly interactive Different Kind of Morning, the off-kilter Spinning the Clouds and the swinging Dr. Master Plan, this stellar threesome blends daring instincts and dazzling virtuosity into organic expression. Other highlights include the engaging jazz waltz Spring Soul Song, the epic Secret Short/Short Secret and the gorgeous ballad Heartbreakthrough, which shifts from Bill Evans-esque delicacy to rhapsodic Keith Jarrett terrain. Bill Milkowski - JazzTimes

Playing jazz can be like driving a car. Sometimes you can sit back, rely on cruise control, and simply revel in a straightforward journey, but more precise maneuvering is often required. Lightning quick reflexes, an ability to comfortably navigate hairpin turns, and a strong directional sense are equally important, and pianist Alon Nechushtan exhibits all of these traits from behind the driver's seat on Words Beyond.
The left-leaning klezmer jazz that Nechushtan delivered with his Talat band mates on Growl (Tzadik, 2006) is nowhere to be found here. Instead, Nechushtan relies on an aesthetic that leans heavily on shifts in the rhythmic sands of time and complex, two (or three) way conversations. Hearing how drummer extraordinaire Dan Weiss solos over a playful, broken bass presence on "Muppet Shock" or soaking in the piano-bass dialog on "Different Kind Of Morning," demonstrates that this is high-level communication of the highest order.
Nechushtan couldn't have asked for more empathetic and appropriate colleagues, in terms of creating a fluid and flexible trio environment that's heavy on rhythmic interaction, than Weiss and bassist Francois Moutin. Weiss' rhythmic mastery, which covers everything from Indian music to modern jazz, and has been at the heart of some of saxophonist David Binney's groundbreaking recordings, is always at the center of these pieces. Moutin can provide walking bass lines on the few, brief occasions that they're called for, but his ability to serve as the go-between for Weiss and Nechushtan is a greater asset. He emphasizes choppy accents with the pianist ("The Traveler") and the drummer ("Muppet Shock"), and cleverly navigates his way through a piece that moves from wonderfully discombobulated soul to sunny environs to menacing, avant-ballroom music and beyond ("Spinning The Clouds"). As a soloist, Moutin is also the standout musician on the album. His blinding speed and supple movements help to create first rate feature spots that enhance every track where he's given room to do his work.
As the man pulling the strings, Nechushtan is never short on ideas for his compositions, or in performance. He can comfortably erect a harmonic edifice around a single note ("Different Kind Of Morning"), deliver straightforward soloing over driving swing ("Dr. Master Plan') and go it alone if his band mates drop out mid-track ("Spinning The Clouds"). While he prefers complex angles to straightaways, the music never strays into inaccessible territory, as he clearly prefers taking people along for a ride to driving solo. Alon Nechushtan's Words Beyond is worlds beyond where most jazz musicians are willing and able to travel, making this album a worthwhile listening journey.
Dan Bilawsky AllAbout Jazz

I seem to like a piano trio that is well marinated in rhythm. No matter how lush - both hands on the keyboard and the sustain pedal pressed - or how spare, if served with that extra dash of flavor, I'm hooked. Alon Nechushtan's 'Words Beyond' hits the spot. From the opening moments of the jaunty 'Muppet Shock', the bass, drum and piano are perfectly immersed and proportioned.

Nechushtan works with the klezmer influenced group Talat, but the straight ahead "Words Beyond" is his debut under his own name. His co-creators are Dan Weiss on drums and Francois Moutin on bass. While the obvious ingredients are the highly complimentary accompaniment and strong melodic tunes, I think that the secret one is his fast and confident phrasing.
The aforementioned 'Muppet Shock' kicks off with a twinkling melody that bounces playfully off the rhythm section. After the Monk-like knot of a melody plays out, the group relaxes into uptempo solos, showcasing their ample chops. Nechushtan's comping is minimal but buoys the proceedings precisely. 'Different Kind of Morning' evolves rapidly into a modern jazz tune, with a straightforward melody and inspired improvisation. Things keep chugging along with 'Spinning the Clouds', but this one features a lithe backbeat and some subtle hard bop inspired riffs. 'Secret Short - Short Secret' is a seven minute excursion that, to me, is the highlight of the album. It features the piano spinning a melody and harmony that makes great use of the lower register of the piano, which then leads into a solo by Moutin that is a joy to follow - I particularly enjoy the piano's comping behind the bass. Even 'Heartbreakthrough', which is the sole ballad of the set, has a tender introspectiveness but contains just enough hint of the spice.
Alon Nechushtan's Beyond Words is a smart synthesis of styles and genres of jazz made modern. Stylistic homages to Monk and abstract quotes dot the playing and compositions. The net effect is a lively work showcasing excellent group cohesion and imaginative playing. Lots of fun!
Paul Acquaro - jazz.newsbeet.com

O's Notes: "Words Beyond" is pianist Alon Nechushtan's debut as a leader. The band is a trio with drummer Dan Weiss and Francois Moutin on bass. The music is a rich blend of traditional formats all composed and produced by Nechushtan. We can hear the influences of Monk and Jarrett in many places. What makes this effort stand out is the integration of the trio. Moutin keeps things together allowing Weiss to take off for brief spurts. The favor is returned when Francois solos. It is a fresh, enjoyable set.
D. Oscar Groomes O's Place Jazz Magazine

Here’s a jazz trio you won’t soon forget… 9 masterful compositions by Alon (piano), Francois Moutin on bass and Dan Weiss doing drums.  Alon’s keyboard style is “crisp”… that doesn’t mean cut-off or “rude”, it’s just that each of his strokes on the keys are well-defined and the recording seems to emphasize the crystal clarity of the hammers on the strings.  I especially enjoyed the bouncy “Spinning The Clouds“… each player has their part to play, and they do it with full verve, yet not “in your face”… the stride on this track just makes it “feel like fun”.  If you’re looking for something a bit more soothing, try out the bouncy “Spring Soul Song“…. this one is still full of the vigor of life, it’s just a bit more gentle in approach.  My favorite was the (almost) boogie-like (in places) “Entranced“… true talent is demonstrated by each of the players on this one.  An all-round great CD that gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  and an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 from me. Rotcod Zzaj

Track review of "Spring Soul Song"

Pianist Alon Nechushtan is in the thick of things, amid a vibrant New York City jazz culture that often spawns deviating tangents and inventive ideologies. Indeed, the pianist reveals astounding technical faculties and a far-reaching approach to composition. Nechushtan's jazz-klezmer band TALAT, amid numerous forays into modern jazz and unconventional settings, intermittently gels to the beat of a markedly different drummer
The program conveys Nechushtan's unbounded vision, as he overhauls the tried and true. With the musicians' pristine mode of execution abetted by precision-oriented passages, emotive dialogues and demanding time signatures, they impart a passionate stance and occasionally surge the sinuous flows into the upper stratosphere.
They temper the proceedings on "Spring Soul Song," which is fabricated on ballad-based overtones and a subtle jazz-waltz motif. Here, Nechushtan emits a glistening effect atop the venerable rhythm section's crisp and fluid accompaniment. Moreover, the pianist summons a cheery panorama via a few sharp U-turns and undulating chord clusters. His uplifting storyline, effortless phraseology and acute penchant for suspense are enhanced by zinging harmonics.
Words Beyond is, to a large extent, miles beyond customary piano trio fare, when viewed from a consortium of divergent perspectives.
By GLENN ASTARITA, Allabout Jazz

Words Beyond, from pianist Alon Nechushtan, is a 'straight'-ahead trio outing that is decidedly crooked, full of zig-zagging melodies and jagged rhythms that sustain a tense, restless mood. Although his melodies and chord voicings retain traces of blues and gospel, the complex phrases and forms push the music towards the future. Bassist Fran"ois Moutin and Weiss are well able to maneuver the various twists and turns, acquitting themselves with seeming ease. Moutin, like Charles Mingus, plays with great speed, flash and funk, delivering dazzling solos on "Different Kind of Morning" and "Secret Short/Short Secret", also engaging Nechushtan in an exciting dual/duel on the former track. Weiss sometimes sounds like several personalities at once, as on the opening "Muppet Shock", his easy swinging ride cymbal in one hand, an aggressive snare drum in the other.
by Tom Greenland All About Jazz Magazine

New York-based pianist Alon Nechushtan has worked as a sideman with the likes of Frank London and Baya Kouyate and is the founder of the quintet TALAT, a critically acclaimed jazz-meets-klezmer ensemble. Nechushtan makes a bold statement with Words Beyond, his first release as leader of a progressive trio featuring bassist Francois Moutin and drummer Dan Weiss. The disc is a hard swinging, soulful collection of nine of the pianist's original compositions.
Nechushtan has the ability to reshape a small morsel of melody into imaginative configurations. His ideas flow freely, utilizing both hands to emphasize a punchy, aggressive attack. Right from the opening blues of "Muppet Shock," one can sense influences as diverse as Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson and Keith Jarrett. An unrelenting drive to swing as hard as he can is heard on tunes such as "Dr. Masterplan," with a twisted reference to "Take the A-Train," and the closing McCoy Tynerish "The Traveler."
Weiss and Moutin work well in support of Nechushtan, playing on top of the beat and reacting in accord to the pianist's highly syncopated style. Moutin's rapid-fire, thumb position soloing matches Nechushtan in both technique and intensity. Weiss keeps the grooves crackling with an enticing looseness, especially on the funkiness of "Entranced" and the glistening "Different Kind of Morning."
Exceptional camaraderie and engaging performances make Words Beyond a trio recording worthy of the most discerning listener. John Barron Jazzreview.com

This expressive/progressive jazz pianist like to let it hang in left leaning fashion as you can hear echoes of Monk and progressive Jarrett (without the humming) running through this engaging set that doesn't really like to acknowledge boundaries. Airy, bright and a lot more fun that you would normally associate with cerebral jazz, I guess eggheads need to crack a smile once in a while too. Fun stuff from places you would least expect it and a friendly listen to boot. Check it out. Chriss Spector Midwest Records