Notes
'When I compose for an album, I always try to see the project as a whole from the beginning to the end, almost like a movie director. I compose most of the pieces in the same period of time. I would consider it to be a suite of pieces, which really belong together in this specific order, on this specific project. Sometimes I would add an older composition somewhere if I feel that it would work with the rest. Obviously I very often think of the musicians who are going to play the music, which gives me a big deal of inspiration for the sound and mood of the musical pieces. Point of No Return reflects my love for the picturesque and cinematic, and above all the excitement of playing music with great musicians and friends. If you have the chance to pursue what you really love doing, there is no point of return.' Michel Reis Point of No Return is Michel Reis' third album as a leader, and his debut album on Armored Records. The album consists of nine original compositions by Michel Reis, and it features bassist Tal Gamlieli, and drummer Adam Cruz. Flugelhorn player Vivek Patel and soprano saxophonist Aaron Kruziki are featured as guest artists. "When I compose for an album, I always try to see the project as a whole from the beginning to the end, almost like a movie director. I compose most of the pieces in the same period of time. I would consider it to be a suite of pieces that really belong together in this specific order, on this specific project. Sometimes I would add an older composition somewhere if I feel that it would work with the rest. Obviously I very often think of the musicians that are going to play the music, which gives me a great deal of inspiration for the sound and mood of the musical pieces. The album starts with The Power of Beauty, which definitely works well as a piece of introduction, featuring all musicians in an interesting form. It clearly sets the mood for the record. Folk Song is a very simple piece, performed in a trio setting. I love simple songs with short forms because they have a pure and almost innocent character about them. Sailing Away At Night, also a trio performance, is a journey that takes us to a more free and impressionistic area. There is definitely more of a mysterious and dark quality to this musical landscape, though nonetheless infused with moments of energy. It's Only Been A Dream is a nostalgic and dreamy piece, featuring the beautiful flugelhorn of Vivek Patel. There are many cinematic qualities in this composition, inspired by the art of Italian Cinema. Point Of No Return is the title track of the recording. It brings us back to reality in a fast paced mood, and reflects the excitement I feel - doing what I love most, in one of the most exciting places on earth. Riverside Drive is an homage to the neighborhood in Harlem that was my home during my first year in New York. It is a slow, impressionistic ballad, again featuring Vivek Patel on the melody. The solo section is free on the form journey, where we try to reflect the beauty and elegance of this place. Street of Memories has an optimistic feel to it. It summons all the great experiences I've had from playing music. The composition has an unusual form to it, the harmony moving rather unpredictably... but it still sounds like a simple song, I think...I hope at least.... Leaning in Towards Tomorrow is the only song written prior to this project, some years ago. I felt that adding it to this collection brings back some energy. The last piece, entitled The Sad Clown, shows my fascination for clowns. Clowns are there to make people happy, and to make them forget about some of their daily problems. I just wonder what they do or who they go see when they themselves are sad."