Whether you ride along forward or backward on their musical magic carpet, IFIHADAHIFI will help you reach the same mystical destination full of rhythmic whimsy and melodic enchantment. A thorough read (or rather listen) to this palindromic set provides us with a song sequence, composed by pianist Gideon Frankel, that complement the journey, onward or in reverse, from “Broken Dreams” to “Sweet Tears,” and “Spirit Dance” to “Mellow Jive.” 

Featuring intelligent, emotive, and haunting melodies, the 11 compositions contain unexpected twists, tasty harmonies, and gentle Latin-inspired grooves. The Dryad has vibrant, soulful performances of American jazz flautist Jamichael Frazier and Italian vibraphonist Gianluca Manfredonia backed by vintage keys (Wurlitzer & Pianet), upright bass, drums and percussion. Tracks like “The Phoenician,” “Evenings” and “Catch Some Honey” are infectious, refreshing and alluring. While Frankel has enjoyed a long career producing award-winning commercial soundtracks, The Dryad is his first solo artistic project, one of artistic sonic creativity resulting from the pandemic’s lockdown and inspired by the Melbourne-based composer and arranger’s collection of vintage electric pianos.  They allowed Gideon Frankel to enter a “zone” and introspectively tap into a mysterious well of melodic and harmonic inspiration full of rich tones and expressive emotions. 

What could have been a very gloomy period of isolation became a time for connection and collaboration. Through the benefits of technology, The Dryad brought together musicians from all over the world. Besides Frankel, Frazier and Manfredonia being on different continents, the global undertaking features consummate players from Macedonia, Sweden, Venezuela, Argentina, Spain and Colombia. The 11 tracks span from 2-3 minutes apiece, the album ends fairly quickly, but it’s a genuinely enjoyable experience that seamlessly fuses elements of jazz, Latin, world, folk, classical, reggae and blues. IFIHADAHIFI’s The Dryad creates a unique atmosphere that enchantingly manages to be both soothing and stimulating. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)