Cracked Song is most off all a melodic search for a “song”.

Ido Bukelman`s courageous compositions, shifting in mood and texture, act as the bands heart beat, yet still sonically portray the authentic “free” nature of this groups playing.
The quartet’s musical influences range from Ornette Coleman`s music, to the energetic experimentation of Jimi Hendrix, through current day classical and improvised music. All of these elements are channelled towards the creation of a unique lyrical sound. Bukelman`s choice to augment his traditionally instrumented guitar-bass-drum trio by adding cellist Yuval Mesner, one of Israels foremost musicians, has resulted in a beautiful, challenging and bold statement.


"Altogether this is a first rate Free Jazz album, which most “regular” Jazz enthusiasts should enjoy as well. This level of musicianship, personal courage and dedication to the music is a heartwarming and one can hope that the future of noncommercial and artistic music in Israel has a new perspective in the hands of a new generation, which will take it further. This is brilliant stuff, not to be missed!" (Jazzis, 2011)

"As with his recent solo record, “Cracked Songs” offers samples of the range of guitar work of which Ido Bukelman is capable. At home in ferocious improvisation as he is in delicate chord progressions and melodic grounding, he is one of the great unknown (at least in America) guitarists. Fledgling label Out Now Recordings is off on the right foot by shining the spotlight on this true artist" (Foxy Digitalis)

By IAN HOLLOWAY ,Wonderful Wooden Reasons, July 2012

Oh, now this is really very good. I'm not the world's biggest fan of jazz guitar or of guitar noodling in general but Bukelman and friends (Yuval Mesner - cello, Assaf Hakimi - double bass & Udi Shlomo - percussion & drums) have produced a set of tumbling and careening compositions that showcase a focussed and varied jazz style.
There's much to admire in the exacting moves between extravagant explorations and cool meanderings. The interactions between the quartet feels natural and unforced. The music is alive and vibrant and eager to be heard.

By Rainlore's World of Music October 1, 2012

The Ido Bukelman Quartet's Ido Bukelman's Cracked Song was released on OutNow Recordings on 1st November 2011. The quartet is made up of Bukelman's regular trio of Bukelman himself, here on electric and acoustic guitar, bassist Assaf Hakimi and Udi Shlomo on drums and percussion, with the addition of one of Israel's most outstanding musicians, cellist Yuval Mesner.

Ido Bukelman's Cracked Song is surprisingly melodic in outlook, although ultimately, free improvisation still comes to the fore. And so do Bukelman's guitar pyrotechnics. Mesner is not shy of delivering some cracking cello fireworks, either. While challenging and stimulating, Ido Bukelman's Cracked Song is also remarkably accessible and often highly lyrical even. Full of surprises, this album is both bold and beautiful.

All compositions are by Bukelman, except the closer, Julia, which is a Lennon / McCartney classic. The compositions in themselves are mostly surprising in their strongly melodic orientation. Their quality is matched by that of the lively, exciting improvs all round.

Thoroughly consistent, Ido Bukelman's Cracked Song is also riveting, and demanding of being played again. Indeed, this is impossible to resist! This is one of the most interesting, stimulating and still beautiful albums of the past year or so to have come out of Israel. Bold, beautiful, and brilliant! And a very enjoyable listen.

The Ido Bukelman Quartet's Ido Bukelman's Cracked Song is something of a must have for the dedicated free jazz aficionado, and should even appeal to the more general jazz fan. Go on, live dangerously!

Full track listing:
Still 09:03
2.
Nechodi Bird 06:21
3.
City Tail 07:18
4.
Flowery 07:29
5.
The Songs Drift 01:44
6.
(To The Cracks) 06:00
7.
Julia 04:53