JAZZIZ Discovery fall 2023

“New School graduates and Israeli natives Hillai Govreen and Nitsan Kolko strengthened their bond during the COVID lockdown. Both in New York — and largely confined to their homes — clarinetist-saxophonist Govreen and pianist Kolko discovered common interests in film, literature, food, visual art, and of course, music. After returning to Israel, the pair built on their new-found connection and composed the chamber-esque suite that comprises their self-released duo album Allusions. The album title adds context to the musical content, with songs alluding to ancient folk tales and more contemporary literary works. Among the latter is Chinghiz Aitmatov’s 1980 novel The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years”

JAZZIZ “Not What You Think” 2023

“Their duet evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for distant landscapes, painting vivid soundscapes that resonate with listeners. Join us as we delve into Hillai’s musical influences, her experiences collaborating with international artists, and her journey from classical piano to mastering the clarinet. Discover the captivating world of Hillai Govreen and her enchanting debut album that brings ancient fables to life through the power of music.”

The Jerusalem Post

WATCH: "Jazz is an inclusive art form" 2023

LIVE: Israeli clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer Hillai Govreen in conversation with jazz journalist Yotam Ziv.

DownBeat Magazine April 2023

Press + Interviews

photo: Eduardo Pavez Goye

Photo: Edgar GZ

“With Every Other Now, Govreen firmly plants her flag in the next generation of jazz artistry. The album is deeply intellectual yet soulful, structured yet improvisational, familiar yet completely her own. It’s a testament to the power of personal voice—and a reminder that even without lyrics, music can speak with radical clarity.” -Savoir Magazine-

”The album explores themes of memory, nostalgia, the fluidity of time, loss, and introspection, and beautifully captures the raw emotional expression that only a live studio recording can offer” -Musica Terra- 2025

“This project is a bold and emotionally rich journey that pushes beyond conventional jazz. The album blends spontaneous improvisation with meticulously crafted compositions, creating a unique sonic palette inspired by New York’s jazz scene.” -IsraBox-

“Hillai’s sumptuously crafted new album opens on the simply gorgeous Abarxas and then we get the fluid Lost and Found, the playfully flirtatious The Day Of and the self-assured The Day After. This immerse soundscape continues onward with the ornately hued Downhill and the wistful Something Short which are in turn backed seamlessly by the melodiously free flowing This Nearly Was Mine, the set rounding out on the rhythmically soulful Ill Wind, closing on the fervently bountiful Smoke.” -Anne Carlini-