Yonathan Avishai (France)

Israeli pianist Yonathan Avishai creates innovative, minimalist music combined with original traditional elements. Accompanied by Yoni Zelnik (contrabass) and Donald Kontomanou (drums), he arrives in Israel from France following the release of his new album Modern Times, which garnered rave reviews. The prestigious French magazine Citizen Jazz praised “the obvious enjoyment felt by the musicians,” and “the intricate, refined, and surprise-filled music, which is simultaneously made astonishingly simple.”

One of Israel’s most interesting jazz musicians, Avishai at times prefers to fill his professional life with theater, education, and music. The ensemble “Third World Love,” co-founded nearly a decade ago with Omer Avital, Avishai Cohen, and Daniel Freedman, has achieved worldwide renown. His personal sources of inspirations include John Lewis, the Chicago Art Ensemble, and the painter Mark Rothko.”Modern Times is a captivating work. Yonathan Avishai makes his piano sing and the rhythms dance” (Muziq).

Photo credit: Scott Chernis and Eric Garault

Length of Performance: 75 min.