Omer Avital hit the ground running during the first incarnation of Smalls, at the time an alcohol-free jazz club run by jazz aficionado Mitch Borden at 183 West 10th in New York. Avital quickly established himself as a key figure on the club's burgeoning scene in the groups of others and with his own Omer Avital Group – as I remember, a piano-less, four-sax sextet. It was noisy, exciting and attracted a lot of interest, with Avital emerging as a central figure in the growing Israeli NYC jazz scene – an absorbing subculture bringing a very distinct feel into the NY scene.

Since then he's recorded some 16 albums either as leader or co-leader, and New York Paradox is his second with his group Qantar. It maintains the energy and creativity of his four-sax lineup; the rhythm section is given more oomph with Eden Levin on piano, and the arrangements thoughtfully wrought as a framework to launch saxists Yuria and Levein, both strong soloists, and pianist Levin (a voice we'll hear more of).

Recorded live at Avital's Wilson Live, his club/studio/lounge in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn (colloquially known as Bed-Stuy) this is an excellent snapshot of a key band on the NYC jazz scene.