Red-Sea Jazz Festival 23-26/8

The Red-Sea Jazz Festival heritage keeps on going strong and attracts thousands of visitors, on a yearly basis, for four days of musical and cultural experience.

The festival is being directed for the second time by Avishi Cohen, who makes it possible to link international jazz talents with the local artist and by that creates an unprecedented teaming.

More than 20 ensembles from Israel and abroad will perform this year totaling in 32 concerts that will accrue on during the festival period.

The concerts will take place in 3 different halls and will run in convenient hours, enabling to attend up to 4 different concerts each evening.

The concerts location:

The Jazz Club – contains 1,000 seats, some around tables.

The Hall – contains 2,000 seats (arranged in rows)

The Arena – contains 4,000 seats, overlooking the Red-Sea.

Avishai Cohen, festival Director: "Just like every year, the city of Eilat fills with the special atmosphere of the festival. The international artist holds master-classes; the jazz bands are performing throughout the city, pool parties at the hotel and an overall celebration of music, good-mood and freedom. Pure pleasure".

The festival turns to a wide audience from families, youth, tourist and local vacationers and offers one-pass vacation packages that includes hotel, flights, performances and many more.

Festival Management: Red-Sea Tourism director

Production: Talooy LTD and Gov Productions LTD

Manager of festival directory: Mayor of Eilat, Mr. Meir Yitzhak Levi

The festival is supported by: Municipality of Eilat, Ministry of Culture and Sport, Port of Eilat, Hotel Union of Eilat and Commercial Sponsorship.

Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy

Dave Douglas is considered a virtuoso trumpeter and an innovative, intelligent and brilliant composer. Born in 1963, he embarked upon his solo career in 1993 and has since released over 20 albums. Besides contemporary jazz, Douglas explores other musical spheres, such as classical music, European folk, Klezmer, modern dance, cinema, spoken word and more.

Brass Ecstasy, his most recent project, came to the world in the spring of 2009. The ensemble, which is composed purely of metal wind instruments and includes a French horn, a trombone and a tuba, offers the audience original music that contains hints of the traditional brass orchestras’ characteristic sound.

Dave Douglas, Trumpet

Luis Bonilla, Trombone

Vincent Chancey, French horn

Marcus Rojas, Tuba

Nesheet Waits, Drums

Nikki Yanofsky

Four years ago, when she was only 12 years old, singer Nikki Yanofsky burst into the international jazz scene with an unforgettable appearance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The young Canadian offers a unique mix between the musical tradition of the great jazz singers and the world of light music and Broadway musicals.

In her short yet very busy career, she has managed to sing before sold-out audiences in Montreal, Toronto, Sapporo and Montego Bay, play at Carnegie Hall, and perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center festival in New York, the famous Catalina’s Jazz Club in Los Angeles and in Tokyo. Despite her young age, Yanofsky boasts extraordinary confidence and has an intriguing, surprising stage presence.

Nikki Yanofsky, Singer

Rob Fahie, Bass & Background Vocals

John Sadowy, Piano, Keyboards & Background Vocals

Andy Dacoulis, Guitar

Richard Irwin, Drums & Background Vocals

www.nikkionline.ca

Stefon Harris & Blackout

Stefon Harris, a vibraphonist and composer from New York, plays a wide range of musical styles. Along with his energetic band, Blackout, Harris plays modern jazz mixed with beats, melodies and soundscapes associated with R&B, pop, hip-hop and a lot of funk. His music really manages to draw the younger crowd into the world of jazz.

The 36 year old Harris is considered a virtuoso musician, charismatic performer and a challenging, witty composer. His latest record, Urbanus, has received rave reviews and has been defined as “A spectacular piece of work sparkling with optimism and ingenuity”. The New York Times wrote: “He swings; and when he plays, he makes you feel good”

Stefon Harris, Marimba & Vibraphone

Ben Williams, Bass

Casey Benjamin, Saxophone & Vocoder

Sullivan Fortner, Piano & Keyboards

Terreon Gully, Drums

www.stefonharris.com

Musica Nuda

The Italian duo, Musica Nuda, was a love story from the very first note.  In 2003, singer Petra Magoni was planning a performance tour across Tuscany with an accompanying guitarist. By a stroke of fate, her guitarist became ill one day before the first performance. Instead of cancelling at the last minute, Petra asked bassist Ferruccio Spinetti to accompany her instead. Without thinking twice, Spinetti agreed.

The minimalist, unconventional union between the clear voice and the double bass created the most astounding alchemical blend. Within a few weeks, the two created a repertoire that included a mix of simpler and more complex materials that moved between jazz, rock, pop, punk, classical music and other genres.

Petra and Ferrucci strip every musical genre to its bare essentials in their attempt to reach its most basic structure. Their unique interpretation gives familiar compositions new life and stamps them with the unique, humoristic Musica Nuda mark.

Petra Magoni, Vocalist

Ferruccio Spinetti, Bass

www.musicanuda.com

Hermeto Pascoal and Group

Hermeto Pascoal is a real phenomenon. The 74 year old Brazilian formed his total bond with music when he was only four or five years old. He prepared a pumpkin flute which he used to play to the birds and spent hours by the lake playing along with the sounds of the still water. At the age of seven, he started playing the accordion and the tambourine, and later went on to play the piano, the flute, and any other object that could make a sound.

Pascoal started off as a club performer and then became a composer of original music that has been influenced by the rhythm and passion of Brazilian music. He became internationally renowned in the 70’s and is today a bandleader of five separate ensembles and a composer of music for orchestras. He has recorded an album with sports commentators and has appeared with his orchestra in front of 2000 children in a swimming pool which, following his request, was placed on a stage. From June 1996 to June 1997, he wrote one melody each day, no matter where he was; these melodies were later released as “The Calendar of Sounds”.

Anything and everything can happen in Pascoal’s performances – he might even play for four hours straight. He arrives in Israel with an ensemble of seven musicians that handle over twenty instruments, all of which are percussion instruments. You can expect an extraordinary and rhythmic evening.

Hermeto Pascoal-, Keyboard, accordion, teapot, bass flute, his skeleton, cup of water

Aline Morena, Voice, ten strings guitar & body percussion

Itiberê Zwarg, Bass & percussion

André Marques, Piano, flute & percussion

Fabio Pascoal, Percussion

Ajurina Zwarg, Drum kit & percussion

www.hermetopascoal.com.br

Rickie Lee Jones

For over three decades, Rickie Lee Jones has managed to maintain her authenticity and artistic integrity alongside her rising international fame and success. The American artist first received public recognition in 1979, when she was only 25, with her hit song, Chuck E’s in Love.

Along the road, she has combined her love for jazz with her singing and songwriting, bringing a variety of styles to her performances and recordings. In her albums, you may detect rock, R&B, blues, pop, soul, folk and even a touch of electronic music and gospel. Jones is an artist who has managed to bring together music lovers from very distinct worlds. She will be arriving at the festival with an intimate ensemble and will perform songs from the rich repertoire she has built in the past three decades.

Rickie Lee Jones, Vocals & piano

Joey Maramba, Bass

Lionel Cole, Drums

www.rickieleejones.com

Manu Katché Third Round

Drummer Manu Katche gained international fame in the 80’s after working with renowned musicians Peter Gabriel and Sting. Later on, Katche collaborated with artists such as Al Di Meola, Fears for Tears, Euritmix, Simple Minds, Dire Straights, Jan Gerbarek, Youssou N'Dour, Tori Amos and others.

Katche, now 52 years old, a Frenchman who comes from the Ivory Coast, released his first solo album in the early 90’s. He composes and writes lyrics and successfully performs across the globe with his own projects, which mix groove with jazz.

Katche’s face may be familiar to some of the Francophiles among us, as he was one of the stricter judges on the French version of American Idol. He judged on the show from 2003 to 2007, menacing young singers who lacked groove and rhythm.

Manu Katche, Drums

Alfio Origlio, Piano

Laurent Vernerey, Bass

Tore Brunborg, Saxophone

www.manu-katche.com

The Danilo Perez Trio

The pianist Danilo Perez, who was born in Panama, started playing the piano 42 years ago, when he was only three years old. In the early 90’s, Perez embarked upon his impressive solo career and managed, in a very short time, to win over an adoring and loyal audience. Today, he is considered one of the most dynamic jazz musicians around and is a leading figure in the jazz world.

Perez started his musical career in the 80’s, with the Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Orchestra, and has since collaborated with many prominent musicians, such as Paquito D’Rivera, Charlie Haden, Steve Lacy, Michael Barker, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Garry Burton, Tom Harrell, Roy Haynes and others. Since 2000, he has been a member of the renowned Wayne Shorter Quartet. Shorter explained that he asked Pérez to join the band because, when he saw him play, he felt that: “He wasn’t playing to show off his technique. He was interested in telling stories”.

Perez plays a blend of Pan-American jazz that mixes North with South American music and spices it up with themes of world music, folklore, plenty of rhythm, and his complex and challenging writing and improvisation.

Danillo Perez,Piano

Adam Cruz, Drum

Ben Street, Bass

www.daniloperez.com

Jeff "Tain" Watts Quartet

When you listen to drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts playing, you can hear mountains move. Born in 1960, Watts is one of the most sought-after jazz drummers in the world. In the 80’s, he was a member of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet and later played in the Branford Marsalis Quartet; he is the only musician to appear on every Grammy Award Winning jazz record created by either brother.

Later on, Watts collaborated with Betty Carter, Michael Barker, Danilo Perez and many others, and spent three years in Los Angeles playing on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show. Watts has released six solo albums of his own. He is a productive, creative composer who has written most of the pieces recorded for his albums. The energy and forcefulness with which he plays are rare and captivating. He continues Elvin Jones’ drumming tradition and takes it to new and exciting levels.

Jeff "Tain" Watts, Drums

Jean Toussaint, Tenor and soprano sax

David Kikoski, Piano

James Genus, Bass

www.tainish.com

The Oz Noy Trio Feat. Dave Weckl & Will Lee

Oz Noy started playing the guitar at a very young age and began playing with the finest musicians in Israel when he was only 16. In 1996, he arrived in New York and quickly blended into the local jazz scene. Noy has been greatly influenced by traditional jazz, which he mixes with blues, pop, rock, fusion and funk to create an original, exciting groove. He embarked on his solo career in 2003 and has since released four albums.

Noy’s ensemble includes two renowned musicians: bassist Will Lee and drummer Dave Weckl. Lee has appeared on more than 1500 records and has collaborated with many famous musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, The Barker Brothers, Pat Metheny, Steely Dan, Ringo Star, James Brown and Barry Manilow. You may recognize him from David Letterman’s show, where he has been playing the bass for over two decades. Weckl, who has been labeled one of the best drummers of all times, has collaborated with Michael Barker, Simon & Garfunkel, Chick Corea and many other musicians.

The trio successfully performs with original materials written by Noy, who combines jazz with rock and funk to create pieces that have a unique New York scent. 

Oz Noy, Guitar

Will Lee, Bass

Dave Weckl, Drums

New Gary Burton Quartet featuring Julian Lage, Antonio Sanchez, Scott Colley

The vibraphonist Gary Burton, the man and the legend, is one of the most influential jazz musicians around. Burton, now aged 67, was born in Indiana and taught himself to play the vibraphone, an instrument that was invented in 1921 and is strongly identified with the classic Big Band sound. He began his musical career at the age of 17, establishing his first quartet in 1967. During the 60’s and 70’s, he became one of the founding spiritual fathers of the jazz fusion phenomenon, borrowing rhythms, sounds and dynamics from rock music, while maintaining the jazz spirit of improvisation and harmonic complexity.

In the course of his career, he collaborated with young guitarist Pat Metheny and recorded duets with bassist Steve Swallow, guitarist Ralph Towner and renowned pianist Chick Corea. The encounter with Corea led to a long and very fruitful musical relationship between the two musicians. Burton’s music, distinctively characterized by its lyrical and aesthetic features, can be defined as classical jazz with a touch of fusion.

Gary Burton, Vibraphone

Scott Colley, Bass

Julian Lage, Guitar

Antonio Sanchez, Drums

www.garyburton.com

Ilan Salem quintet

The 49 year old flutist Ilan Salem is a prominent figure in the Israeli jazz scene. He fell in love with the flute at first sight (despite the fact that it is not a major player in the world of jazz), and has managed to use it to produce unique Eastern-Western sounds. He arrives at the festival with his quartet to give a debut performance of materials from their new album.

Salem has played with well-known Israeli musicians, such as Yoni Rechter, Achinoam Nini, Yehudit Ravitz, Esther Ofarim, and many prominent jazz musicians. He collaborated with American pianist Kenny Warner on his first album, was one of the first teachers at Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and was one of the first Israeli musicians to study at Berklee College of Music. He brought the methods of teaching practiced there back to Israel and passed them on to the generation of today’s young stars.

Along with the guitar and oud player Amos Hoffman and a young hand-picked rhythm section, Salem offers a wild and energetic performance.

Ilan Salem, Flute & alt flute

Amos Hofman, Guitar & oud

Nitay Herskovitz, Piano

Gilad Abro, Bass

Amir Bresler, Drums

Shem-tov Levy ensemble

The well-known, established Israeli musician, Shem-Tov Levi, keeps on refreshing and renewing his musical environment. These days, he and the members of his ensemble are celebrating seven years of work and the release of their second album.

Born in 1950, Levi is a composer, flutist, adapter, singer, and one of the most interesting musicians in Israel. Levi became a well-known figure in Israel after playing in the influential 70’s bands, Kzat Acheret and Tzlil Mechuvan, and continued establishing his reputation during his long and fruitful collaboration with popular and beloved singer Arik Einstein. Levi has written numerous songs along the years, many of which have become Israeli classics.

The ensemble’s music is unique. It is rich, very distinctive and includes both original pieces composed by Levi and Gypsy, Balkan and Arab music, jazz and classical music.

Shem-tov levy - flute, piano, vocal

Zur Ben- zeev, Bass

Gadi Ben Elisha, Guitar

Noam Chen, Percussion

Gershon Viserfirer, Oud & baritone

Sharli Sabach, Oud

Marsh Dondurma

The music played by the melodic phenomenon March Dondurma features an almost fantastic mix between the Big Band sound, Balkan melodies from a Kusturica film and tunes of a marching band. The ensemble includes five saxophones, three trumpets, two trombones, four drumming instruments and one giant sousaphone. They combine folklore tradition, jazz and funk with Arab, African, Gypsy and Latino music to create an enthralling, rhythmic, original and colorful result.

The March members – who have recently celebrated five years together, and the release of their third album – have managed to charm a loyal and ever growing crowd of followers. Their first performance in Machne Yehuda Market in Jerusalem was followed by spontaneous street parties and club performances across the country. They have also gained a reputation in various festivals across the world, among them the Jazz festival in Montreal. When the band celebrated their fourth birthday, they decided to do an “on the water” concert and sailed down the Yarkon River with only a few dedicated fans on board.

Finally, in case you were wondering, Dondurma is the name of a Turkish ice cream.

Idan Raveh, Trumpet

Aviran Ben Naim, Trumpet

Eli Preminger, Trumpet

Jacob Gorensteyn, Saxophones

Gal Dahan, Saxophones

Tal Gur, Saxophones

Danny Leibovich, Saxophones

Anton falko, Saxophones

Luisa Salomon, Trombone

Arnon De-Botton, Trombone

Noa Segal, Percussion

Oded Aloni, Percussion

Yair Reuveni-Salzman, Percussion

Dotan Yogev, Percussion

Udi Raz, Sousaphone

www.marshdondurma.com

Abate Berihun Quartet

The saxophonist, singer and composer Abate Berihun, magically bridges between jazz and African and Mediterranean musical experiences to create authentic and mature musical compositions.

Berihun immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia in 1999, when he was 32 and enjoying a successful career as the leader of a jazz ensemble in Ethiopia. After a long period of adjustment in Israel, Berihun got back into music and found his place in the local scene. He has established and led three bands: Kuluma, which played Afro-pop, jazz and Ethiopian songs; Tezeta, which is the name of an Ethiopian musical scale that is used to express dreams and wishes; and Ras Deshen, which is the name of the highest mountain in Ethiopia.

Berihun has a unique sound and some have compared his playing to John Coltrane’s. He arrives at the Eilat festival with a new program called Bridges.

Abate Berihun, Saxophone & vocals

Omri Mor, Piano

Alon Iofe, Percussions

Asaf Hakimi, Bass

Omri Mor & Andaloujazz Project

The talented pianist, Omri Mor, confidently glides along the rim separating Eastern culture from Western culture, the Orient from the Oxidant. Mor, who is now 26, started playing at the age of seven and has been drawn to different genres of music throughout his career. He studied classical music at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and started studying the principles of Andalucían Music (Algerian style) from the oud player and paytan Nino “Elmaghribi” Biton.

The long list of musicians with whom he has performed attests to his wide musical range: jazz musicians from Israel and around the world; rock musicians Berry Sakharof and Micha Shitrit; the Algerian Raï pianist Maurice El Medioni; the Maghreb Orchestra led by Nino “Elmaghribi” Biton; the Israeli Andalucían Orchestra with paytans Chaim Look and Lior Elmaliach; the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ra’anana Symphonette Orchestra.

In the Anadlujazz Project, Mor joins between his love for Jazz and Andalucían music, proving himself to be a promising, refreshing composer. Mor, who alone on the piano sounds like a one-man orchestra, is joined by the four Andalujazz musicians and together they offer an original, refreshing and passionate mix between East and West.

Omri Mor, Piano

Gilad Abro, Bass

Noam "kube" David, Drums

Haim Ohayon, Darbouka

Yoram Azulay, Tambourine

www.myspace.com/omrimor

Jaroslav & Daniel Jakubovic

For the last forty years, Jaroslav Jakubovic has been sharing his time between Israel and the US. The 63 year old saxophonist, musician and composer, was born in the Czech Republic, immigrating to Israel in 1968. During the 70’s he lived in the US, working with prominent musicians, such as Paul Simon, The Jackson Five, Bet Midler, Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton and Buddy Rich. Later, he returned to Israel and became one of the most influential local musicians of the 80’s, playing the saxophone and working as adapter, composer and producer with musicians Shalom Chanoch, Yehudit Ravitz, Arik Einstein, Margalit Tzanani and others.

In 2000, he moved back to New York and established a jazz-folk ensemble that plays original compositions and cover versions to famous songs. In 2009, he recorded an instrumental album that featured jazz adaptations to songs written by Shalom Hanoch, with whom he started working in the 80’s. His latest album, Coincidence, was recorded in collaboration with well-known jazz musicians, such as Randy Barker and Adam Nussbaum.

Jakubovic will be arriving at the festival to perform with his son Daniel and the ensemble he has been working with for the past few years. 

Jaroslav Jakubovic,  Saxophone

Daniel Jakubovic, Guitar

Yisrael Nachum,  Drums

Zur Ben Zeev, Bass

Adi Renert, Keyboards

Moran Baron, Trombone

Arad Yeini, Trumpet

Ofer Ganor Trio

The Ofer Ganor Trio plays modern, adventurous, energetic and lyrical jazz. Ganor started his career as a guitarist in New York and quickly found himself playing with jazz giants, such as Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Ganor has a unique sound that has been influenced by the music of Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall.

Remaining faithful to his beloved traditional jazz, Ganor bases the performance on improvisation, which serves as a starting point for fascinating musical journeys that offer well-developed harmonies and feature dynamic rhythms and plenty of swing.

Ganor, who was born in 1970, collaborates with his twin brother Eyal, a double bassist, and with drummer and percussionist, Hagai Leshem. The three musicians have a mutual worldview and enjoy a special, deep bond that has been formed during the long hours they have spent playing together.

Ofer Ganor, Guitar

Eyal Ganor, Bass

Hagai Leshem, Drums

www.oferganor.com

Idan k & The movement of rhythm

Idan K – producer, percussionist and DJ – is the driving force behind this energetic ensemble, which includes eleven musicians. In a multi-cultural world of mixes and fusion, the group members offer a blend of electronic music and afro-beat; a sophisticated mix of African rhythm, House music, Latino, funk and reggae. Their unique musical vision drives the band beyond cultural boundaries to create a fascinating new sound, which is rooted deep in the traditions of the various musicians, yet redefines the genres from which they come. The result is an intelligent, intricate and very rhythmic musical creation that is conveyed to the audience in an entrancing and unique performance.

Odelyah Oknin, Vocals

Amir Pinto, Vocals & percussions

Liat Shamay, Vocals

Shacham Ohana, Bass

Shay Peretz, Guitar

Shaul Eshet, Keyboards

Tomer George Cohen, Saxophone

Matan Maman, Trombone

Matan Gov Ari, Trumpet

Idan Carmeli, Drums

Idan K, Percussions & backing vocals

www.myspace.com/idank

Ra-Ka-Tak, Beri Sakharoff and Rea Mochiach

Ra-Ka-Tak is a new project by the celebrated team, Berry Sakharof and Rea Mochiach, who join forces time and again to produce intriguing and exceptional musical collaborations.

Sakharof, a musician and popular rock singer, and Mochiach, a musician, producer and adapter, teamed up for the first time in 1993 to record the album “Signs of Weakness”, which combined rock ‘n’ roll with electronic music (an original endeavor at the time). The two juggle various genres and styles with great ease to create a local contemporary mix of funk, fusion, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, Middle Eastern music, classical music and dance.

The two artists explore unidentified territories through mutual creative stimulation and produce an energetic, innovative and rhythmic performance.

Rea Mochiach, Drums, electronics & vocals

Beri Sakharoff, Guitar, Keyboard & vocals

Amit Carmeli, Bass

Itamar Duari, Percussion, electronics & vocals

Omri Mor, Keyboard & vocals

FESTIVAL INFO
As every year the festival will hold master classes, featuring guest artists with a worldwide reputation. 

These master classes given to those who are interested, especially pupils and students are the perfect opportunity to meet with the artist up close, learn from, and ask questions on topics of interest to them.

Everyday, when opening the site at 19:00, there will be performances of the best young jazz bands in Israel.

On the third night of the festival the Soul Children of Chicago, featuring 25 members coming in from Chicago, will hold 2 concerts in the festival public square.

Eilat's port is awaiting, just like every year, the music lovers, for the huge celebration of the end of the summer with a lot of great music, good food, lots of drinks, pleasant atmosphere, an annual meeting with the biggest names in the world and in Israel. Red-Sea during the day, Eilat port at night – there's no better combination.

Tourism Company Kishrey-Teufa will work together with the festival directory and will provide a special service that will provide flight, hotel lodge and tickets to the festival concerts. Choosing the festival for cooperation shows understanding that a combination of quality content with tourism is a winner at both the global and local level.

For the project, the company teamed with all its representatives from all over the world in order to market packages for the festival. In addition, a special website set up under the address:

www.viajazz.co.il

Tickets & Packages:

Single admission ticket – 150-250 ILS

Master Class – 70 ILS

All-around Pass – 1,360 ILS - enables admission to all the concerts in the Main Halls, the club (subject to availability) and discounted Master-Classes.

Daily Pass – 560 ILS – Enables admission to all the concerts at the main halls during each of the festival days, admission to the club (subject to availability) and discounted Master-Classes.

2-Days Pass – Enables admission to all concerts at the main hall on the allocated dates and admission to the club (subject to availability).

Young-Pass – (Age 21 and under) – 560 ILS – A Wristband enabling a admission to all concerts, during all festival period - subject to availability. Discounted Master-Classes.

Daily Blue/Yellow Pass – 440 ILS – enables admission to 4 predetermined concerts.

2-Days Blue/Yellow Pass – 770 ILS - enables admission to 8 predetermined concerts.

3-Days Blue/Yellow Pass – 990 ILS - enables admission to 12 predetermined concerts.

4-Days Blue-Yellow Pass – 1,100 ILS - enables admission to 16 predetermined concerts.

Entry under 10 is free

Festival web site: