Hillai Govreen is an emerging clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer based in New York, quickly gaining recognition for her unique contributions to the contemporary jazz scene. Her upcoming album, Every Other Now, is a collaboration with bassist/composer Ben Meigners and features a stellar lineup of notable musicians from the New York music scene, including Steve Cardenas (guitar), Eric McPherson (drums), and Café Da Silva (percussion). Set to be released in June 2025 under the Fresh Sound label, Every Other Now promises to showcase Hillai's distinct musical vision and collaborative spirit.
A Journey of Musical Exploration
Hillai Govreen’s musical journey is marked by a rich blend of classical training, diverse genres, and a deep exploration of improvisation. Her previous album, Allusions (2021), was a duet with pianist Nitsan Kolko. The album highlighted a spontaneous musical dialogue, drawing from various ancient fables and weaving intricate themes into every performance.
In addition to her duo work, Hillai has demonstrated her compositional versatility through a unique nonet arrangement that combines strings and woodwinds. These ventures are a testament to her talent in both performance and arranging, earning her a dedicated following in the jazz community.
Collaborations with Renowned Musicians
Hillai has had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of internationally recognized musicians, further expanding her musical range and knowledge. Her collaborations include work with jazz legends like George Cables, Arturo O’Farrill, Anat Cohen, Allison Miller, and Steve Cardenas.
Her dynamic performances have taken her on tours across India, Europe, Israel, and the United States, where she has graced the stage at some of New York City's most prestigious venues, including Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland, National Sawdust, and Ornithology.
Musical Beginnings and Education
Born and raised in Israel, Hillai Govreen’s passion for music ignited at an early age. She began studying classical piano at just six years old and, by the age of 12, transitioned to clarinet under the mentorship of Professor Michael Gurfinkel. Throughout high school, Hillai was awarded multiple music scholarships from the American Israel Cultural Foundation, earning recognition as an “Outstanding Musician.” During this time, she played first clarinet in the Young Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hillai’s exceptional talent was further acknowledged when she received a full scholarship to study at the prestigious Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin. She eventually moved to the U.S. to continue her studies, graduating with honors from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2020. At The New School, Hillai studied with some of jazz’s most revered musicians, including Anat Cohen, Chris Cheek, Tony Malaby, Billy Harper, Steve Cardenas, and Reggie Workman.
Endorsements and Future Prospects
Hillai Govreen’s dedication to her craft has led to her being an endorsing artist for P. Mauriat clarinets and saxophones. Her innovative and emotive approach to jazz continues to captivate audiences around the world, and her upcoming album Every Other Now is highly anticipated as it promises to take her career to new heights.
With an impressive body of work already under her belt and a bright future ahead, Hillai Govreen is poised to make a lasting impact on the jazz scene with Every Other Now. Be sure to check out her latest album, coming June 2025!
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