Milton Michaeli / Asaf Shchori / Hamid Drake – Universal Butterfly (2026; 577 Records) – Avant Music News
Modern creative jazz is a fluid genre that covers a large swath of ground, from sparse, textural improv to dense, swinging pieces. Here, the trio of Milton Michaeli on piano, Asaf Shchori on double bass, and Hamid Drake on drums are focused mostly toward the latter. Full of up-tempo playing and hinting at going outside without doing so that often, Universal Butterfly sets a 2026 high water mark for the piano trio.
Recorded in Israel in 2023, the album consists of four long tracks including compositions by Michaeli and Shchori, as well as loose covers of Gershwin, Sun Ra, and Ras Michael. These covers provide a more centered tonality and groove that Michaeli – in particular – dances around with his percussive hammering of the keys. Coupled to Shchori and Drake’s busy and restless rhythms, both these interpretations and the originals vary between feeling securely anchored and on the verge of spilling over. Shchori’s Yasmin, is notable in how it gives both Michaeli and Drake a workout while remaining tuneful.
Another aspect of modern creative jazz that goes understated is its ability to evoke joy. Universal Butterfly is a cognitively challenging yet radiantly enjoyable recording, as can be heard in many appreciative outbursts from the audience. It was released on July 10, 2026 by 577 Records and comes highly recommended.
