Seven Steps To Heaven + Litha (on my myspace)

[Nami]

It's not amazing but it's somthing.
I'm 17 and it's one of my first jazz gigs. Tell me your thoughts!
http://www.myspace.com/galisaiah

[Ed Fuqua]

Haven't listened yet (no speakers on the computer I'm using right now) but what is it with Israeli jazz musicians these days? My buddy Dan teaches at the New School and there has been this influx of Israelis in the last couple of years or so. Not every single one is absolutely killing, but even the ones that need to work on the taste & phrasing has the physical approach to the instrument part pretty happening.

So what's in the water over there? Is there a community of ex-pat jazzers churning out players or what?

[Nami]

Ed,
First, thanks for the comment and I'll be glad to hear what you think after you'll have the chance to hear it.


Second, it's not somthing in the water but it's really hard to stay a musician in israel. Belive me, we have to stop being musicians and start being soldiers at the age of 18. For getting a time to play during the military service you need to get "excellent musician" recommendation that is a test that the best musicians in the israeli scene chose the 7-8 most skilled for this. without it it's pretty hard to remain a musician in the army. I'm really glad you liked the isreali musicians and i hope i'll see you in NYC in the new school in 3-4 years (my excellent musician audition is in monday, wish me luck!).

[oliebrice]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

So what's in the water over there? Is there a community of ex-pat jazzers churning out players or what?

I don't know if its the main reason, but there are some fantastic ex-pat american musicians in Israel, including guitarist Steve Peskoff (one of my favourite guitarists in the world), saxophonists Stephen Horenstein (on various Bill Dixon stuff) and Avshalom Ben Shlomo (formerly an Arkestra member), Jerry Garval (played with Mingus, Haden, Shepp etc in the 60s). Their prescence on a small scene is obviosuly influential. I was lucky enough to do a couple of gigs with Steve Peskoff, Jerry and Avshalom about a year ago, which was a fantastic experience, especially as both Steve and Jerry were my teachers when I was a rubbish guitarist as a teenager...