Versatility is the word that comes to mind when describing the Franco-Israeli maestro Yaron Herman. A prodigy from the very beginning, he was in his mid-30s at the time this concert was recorded in 2017 and he had already recorded eight albums as leader. Beyond jazz, he has made a name for himself – or at least raised the eyebrows of the jazz community – through his popular covers of songs by artists like Britney Spears (“Toxic”), Radiohead (“No Surprises”), The Police (“Message In A Bottle”) and Nirvana (“Heart-Shaped Box”). Yet while the gimmick certainly works, with millions of listens banked on Spotify, these are masterful arrangements from a jazz magician with a knack for arresting improvisation. 

Joined by his two accomplices here at the famous Jazz a Vienne amphitheatre Herman leads a trio alongside Bastien Burger (the multifaceted bassist) and his longstanding collaborator Ziv Ravitz, an Israeli drummer who has been described as his musical alter ego. Inspired by Keith Jarrett and taught by Opher Brayer who teaches jazz through math, philosophy and psychology, Herman wields an intricate, deft touch and sparks elusive interplay that dazzles audiences.