Isra-Alien
Ossining, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | SELF
Music
Press
“…In each performance, Gilad and Oren’s finely tuned guitar playing mesmerized the audiences and left them wanting more. In between the music, they told personal stories of themselves that added a real connection between them and the listeners.” - Sheryl Hassell-Bennett,
“It is because of groups like yours that Israel is known worldwide as a center for cultural depth and beauty…” - Sharon Kabalo
“It is because of groups like yours that Israel is known worldwide as a center for cultural depth and beauty…” - Sharon Kabalo
I am pleased to share with you high praise and recommendation for Isra-Alien, recent performers here at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University. They were a hit!
It is rare to find performances that combine so fully and genuinely exceptional musicianship and charm.While their ability as masterful guitarists speaks for itself, Gilad and Oren’s personal involvement in repartee and story-telling enhances the audience experience in meaningful ways.
Through their insights, we have a deeper understanding of the music’s foundation and their desire to share it with us.
The music somehow was at one time both international and personal: fresh yet familiar. Hearing various textures, colorful tonality, and intricate solo moments in contrast to powerful interplay made for a truly unforgettable afternoon. - Gary Wood
I am pleased to share with you high praise and recommendation for Isra-Alien, recent performers here at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University. They were a hit!
It is rare to find performances that combine so fully and genuinely exceptional musicianship and charm.While their ability as masterful guitarists speaks for itself, Gilad and Oren’s personal involvement in repartee and story-telling enhances the audience experience in meaningful ways.
Through their insights, we have a deeper understanding of the music’s foundation and their desire to share it with us.
The music somehow was at one time both international and personal: fresh yet familiar. Hearing various textures, colorful tonality, and intricate solo moments in contrast to powerful interplay made for a truly unforgettable afternoon. - Gary Wood
"Neiman's thoughtful playing...has the ability to cut to the bone...The fallacy of being lost in ornamental doodling is the risk of every jazz guitarist, but it's completely absent in Neiman's almost ascetic playing." - All About Jazz
"...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have played together for years and it shows in every note, verse and exchange..." - July 2009
"...the music is intriguing and features a wide variety of musical sounds..." - July 2009
"Gilad Ben Zvi, combines virtuosic technical prowess, with a modern, clear sound " - Israeli musician and music critic.
"Gilad Ben Zvi, combines virtuosic technical prowess, with a modern, clear sound " - Israeli musician and music critic.
“Oren is an extraordinary new talent on the jazz guitar scene” - (guitar player- Blood Sweat & Tears, former VP – Mercury Records)
“Oren is an extraordinary new talent on the jazz guitar scene” - (guitar player- Blood Sweat & Tears, former VP – Mercury Records)
"Neiman's thoughtful playing...has the ability to cut to the bone...The fallacy of being lost in ornamental doodling is the risk of every jazz guitarist, but it's completely absent in Neiman's almost ascetic playing." - All About Jazz
Discography
Isra-Alien - 2009
First of All - The Oren Neiman Quartet 2006
Frolic And Detour - The Oren Neiman Quartet 2009
Photos
Bio
Isra-Alien is a band with innovative compositions and imaginative arrangements - deeply rooted in Israel's diverse musical traditions.
The result is a unique fusing of a myriad of influences (Greek, Balkan, Eastern-European, and Jewish/Klezmer), with daring improvisations and inventive textures, showcasing both guitarists musical worlds.
Gilad Ben Zvi, and Oren Neiman are both Israeli guitar players who moved to New York in 2001 and made it their musical home. They met originally during their mandatory service in the Israeli army, and have been close friends and musical collaborators ever since.
In April 2009, Isra-Alien recorded their debut album "Isra-Alien". The duo has since been touring in support of the new album in the New York area and Israel, and will continue to do so throughout 2010-11 in addition to writing and rehearsing new material.
Isra-Alien's debut album was chosen by Music Connection Magazine as one of the top 25 independent albums of 2009.
The live performances are humoristic and lively, and include stories and personal anecdotes about the music, the compositions and the musicians.
"...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have played together for years and it shows in every note, verse and exchange..." Music Connection Magazine July 2009
Links
