Preview: Israeli Jazz Series @ Blues Alley
Sunday marks the start of the Israeli Jazz Series at Blues Alley, a collaboration between the historic club and the Cultural Affairs Department at the Embassy of Israel. The series is meant to showcase jazz artists that are of Israeli origin, but who have also garnered international notice.
“These artists are from the best of the best that we have,” said Tamar Mayer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the embassy.
Monday’s artist, Eli Degibri (pictured), is sure to be a highlight of the series. This talented young saxophonist spent over two years playing along side jazz legend Herbie Hancock and was given Israel’s prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for young composers in 2006.
This is not the first time the club has hosted such an event. Last year the French embassy organized a similar concert series at Blues Alley. Nor is it the first time the Israeli embassy has put on the event, having previously done so at Joe’s Pub in New York.
“Israeli jazz has been an upcoming scene, especially around New York,” said Mayer.
After performing in D.C., the artists will head to Philadelphia to perform at the reputable World Café Live.
Blues Alley and the Israeli embassy have worked together to assemble a lineup of very talented artists. Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, performing on Sunday, has an impeccable sense of swing and traditional guitar sound that can be heard in clubs all over New York.
Talented composer and longtime collaborator of Latin jazz master Paquito D’Rivera, pianist Alon Yavnai performs on Tuesday. He has also performed with luminaries such as trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Joe Lovano, and singer Nancy Wilson.
The festival concludes on Wednesday with what will surely be a heartfelt performance by a combo led by siblings Anat and Avishai Cohen. Woodwind player Anat Cohen is a member of Diva, New York’s burning all female big band, while the younger trumpeter Cohen is starting to make waves on his own after cutting his teeth as a sideman all over New York.
The Israeli Jazz Series at Blues Alley begins on Sunday and runs through next Wednesday. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.