“The fact that Artie Shaw's real name was Arthur Arshawsky doesn't necessarily prove that jazz and Jewish culture have always gone hand in hand. But it is hard to overlook the influence of that diaspora folk style, klezmer, on swing-era virtuosos such as Shaw's great rival Benny Goodman. Jeremy Shoham's agile British group Just East of Jazz bring the process of cross-pollination bang up to date. Propelled by Shoham's fiery clarinet and saxophone soloing, Feast is the quartet's most accomplished set so far. Neil Angilley's accordion adds a layer of authenticity, the quirkily-titled ‘Shtetl Hopping’ is typically crisp and concise, and the ensemble playing strikes a fine balance between jazz-rock muscle and respect for the heritage”
Clive Davis Sunday Times

“It is one thing to have a good idea, but quite another to sustain and expand it over several years, which is what this band has managed to do. It started out as a jazz-klezmer fusion group, but now takes the whole of eastern Europe as its inspiration. For the band's third CD, Jeremy Shoham, saxophonist and leader, has found the perfect collaborator in pianist and accordionist Neil Angilley, whose inventiveness is as fertile and surprising as his own. Most important of all, the happy and buoyant atmosphere of the band's live performances comes over remarkably well on CD.”
Dave Gelly Observer

“For more adventures outside the mainstream, try Feast by Just East of Jazz. This London-based band do exactly what their name suggests, mingling jazz with klezmer and East European styles. The world-music movement has thrown up some rum notions but this fusion absolutely works. The music moves from early Weather Report to clarinet-led folk-dances to lyrical piano from newcomer Neil Angilley in impressively fluid fashion.”
John Bungay The Times

“A reworked lineup of one of the more unusual world-jazz ensembles, Just East of Jazz is a contemporary jazz band with east European thematic connections - and, since its inception, a considerable interest in klezmer. This is the first JEOJ disc to feature new pianist and accordionist Neil Angilley, and the group sounds tighter and more focused for adopting a quartet format. Leader Jeremy Shoham's keening soprano saxophone and expressive clarinet are prominent features, but newcomer Angilley suggests considerable potential when the spotlight is on him, notably in the piano trio feature ‘Requiem á Tanier’, a rhapsodic, slow acoustic reverie mingling Jarrett-like chordal chimes with shrewd use of space and restraint. There's plenty of folk-dancey prancing, but the bright, piping ‘Shtetl Hopping’ effectively splices Shoham's shimmering clarinet with a drum'n'bass percussion feel. ‘Mud Pie’ sounds like part of Afro-Blue grafted on to a wedding dance, and ‘Dance of the Hayseeds’ is an extended composition with a compelling narrative shape. This band continues to evolve.”
John Fordham The Guardian

“Just East of Jazz, as their name suggests, combine East European music, chiefly klezmer, with which leader Jeremy Shoham grew up, with jazz and occasional dashes of other musics (here, on their third album, Feast, Cajun and drum'n'bass among others) to produce a beguiling and infectious mix, pleasantly strident yet surprisingly subtle. Shoham's saxophones and clarinet soar above a vigourous melange of assorted keyboard instruments and accordion, electric bass and drums/percussion, but it is the vigour and sheer exuberance of the band's overall sound that make this album such a comprehensive example of a relatively new development in the music, yet to find a wholly acceptable label, but known until a better term is found as ‘world jazz’.”
Chris Parker The Tablet

“The third album from this impressive quartet, coinciding with a current tour, and giving a clear indication of why the group has become such a strong attraction in the clubs. This is a consistently compelling set, providing plenty of evidence of the band's growth during its short career, and signs that it is establishing a distinct identity. The opening track ‘Eastbound’, for example, displays the vibrant jazz-meets-East European-music mix which was the original focus of the group, but is immediately followed by ‘Requiem á Tanier’, featuring pianist Neil Angilley in a trio, changing the mood and feel to something much more reflective, and more personal. Both pieces, and much of the rest of the music are by saxophonist and leader Jeremy Shoham, who deserves the credit for guiding the band's development, and honourable mention too for bassist Phil Scragg and drummer Rick Finlay.”
Pete Martin Jazz UK

“With a starting point in klezmer and a wealth of jazz knowledge and technique, it's fair to say that Just East of Jazz have evolved a particular sound that encompasses the strengths of both worlds. Fronted by two excellent musicians in reedsman Jeremy Shoham and pianist Neil Angilley, their new CD Feast is both entertaining and accessible.
The Venue

Shoham's band, Just East of Jazz, have been exploring these [klezmer and jazz] connections for almost a decade. Their new album, Feast, is a fine example of their style. Pianist Neil Angilley, bassist Phil Scragg and percussionist Rick Finlay alternate between driving Shoham's more fiery saxophone moments (the drum-and-bass inspired ‘Shtetl Hopping’ for example), and cradling his more emotive ones, as on ‘Water's Edge’. A feast indeed.
Jewish Chronicle

Combining a great deal of tenderness, a nod towards the dancefloor and a wealth of diverse musical talents, Just East Of Jazz prove to be that extra special ensemble, who reside just to the left of centre. Heavily influenced by Jeremy's Jewish heritage and years of experience on the Jazz scene, their unique sound is one that screams out to captivated audiences, the world over. ‘Requiem á Tanier’ sees aching keys and understanding kit percussion combine brilliantly to produce a heart aching minimal composition. ‘Shtetl Hopping’ takes a playful swinging shining sax, cruising percussion and a spacious gloomy bass on a mystical dark journey. ‘Ciudad Caliente’ sees a touching guitar flex its muscles and link arms with a sumptuous sax, while gorgeous keys add that extra edge. ‘Tselov's Feast’ is a bright jovial eastern influenced number, with a mazy sax, playful drums and weaving keys. Excellent.”
Jon Freer Internet reviews

Formed in 1993, Just East of Jazz released their eponymously titled first CD in 1996 and is one of the premiere UK bands mixing Eastern European modes and original melodies within a jazz format. Fronted by reedman Jeremy Shoham on alto and soprano saxes and Eb clarinet, the group can mix up a delightfully spicy world music stew or play straight ahead with ease. Feast, the band’s third CD features 10 original tunes, most penned by Shoham. The addition of pianist Neil Angilley who also plays keyboards and accordion has greatly expanded the band’s possibilities. Shoham soars on CD opener ‘Eastbound’ that due to the versatile rhythm section of bassist Phil Scragg and drummer Rick Finlay effortlessly glides from klezmeresque mode to a penchant for post-bop.
A solo piano sets a pensive mood on ‘Requiem á Tanier’ that is buttressed by a very understated bass and drums. Angilley displays an experienced unrushed touch as the cut wends its way toward a satisfying conclusion. ‘Fatour’ picks up the pace as an unabashed Shoham solo klezmer romp to the accompaniment of band finger snaps and claps. The band spreads its wings and improvisational expertise on the somewhat funky ‘Shtetl Hopping’ while ‘Ciudad Caliente’ pays homage to a Sephardi influence with a Spanish guitar/soprano sax duet that gives way to a Latin sounding percussive groove. ‘Mud Pie’ penned by bassist Scragg and ‘Hamzah’s Groove’ are showcases for some more funky rhythms courtesy of bass/drums and piano/accordion that allow Shoham to heat things up on sax with some very precise brisk playing. The quirky accordion and soprano sax adventure ‘Dance of the Hayseeds’ and the jazzy piano/sax romp ‘Tselov’s Feast’ lead to the solo piano melancholia of ‘Water’s Edge’. Just East of Jazz has indeed produced a smorgasbord of delights that is a Feast for any aural palette.
Elliott Simon All About Jazz website Original review here