Renowned jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Omer Avital is set to release his latest album, New York Now & Then, on April 8, 2025. This new project pays tribute to the vibrant and dynamic jazz scene of New York City, blending Avital’s deep mastery of rhythm, melody, and improvisation. The album captures the essence of New York, reflecting Avital’s personal journey as an artist while celebrating the city's musical legacy.
New York Now & Then mirrors Avital’s evolution as an artist, incorporating his Israeli roots alongside the multicultural influences that define New York City. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, creating a seamless bridge between jazz’s rich history and its exciting future. With each track, Avital brings to life the spirit of the city — a place where the energy is ever-present, and where jazz thrives, constantly evolving and attracting new talent and immigrants from all corners of the globe.
“The feeling of New York City is everywhere in this music. The pulse of possibility, the 'anything can happen' vibe,” says Avital. “New York Now & Then is both a reflection and reinvention of the city’s jazz scene. It’s my love letter to the city, its diversity, and its transformative energy.”
The album was recorded between 2020 and 2024 at Avital’s own jazz club, Wilson Live in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where the music was captured during a period of social distancing and masked performances due to the pandemic. The energy from these sessions is palpable, with the sounds of great friends, soulful music, and street food adding to the club's vibrant, lively atmosphere.
With a mix of nostalgia and modernity, New York Now & Then is a powerful testament to the living history of jazz and Avital’s continuing influence in shaping its future.
The album features contributions from a talented group of musicians, including:
Eviatar Slivnik – drums (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6)
Itay Morchi – drums (tracks 4, 5)
Edo Gur – trumpet and flugelhorn
Yonathan Guedj – alto saxophone
Alexander Levin – tenor saxophone
Evan Amoroso – trombone
Lucy Wijnands – vocals (track 5)
New York Now & Then will be available for streaming on all major platforms starting April 8, 2025. The first single, “Sheikh Ali,” will be released on January 30, 2025.
About Omer Avital
Omer Avital is a visionary composer and bandleader whose work transcends traditional jazz boundaries. Praised by critics as "extraordinary" (New York Times) and "roaringly inventive" (Jazziz), Avital has earned global acclaim for his genre-defying ensembles and innovative compositions, blending jazz with Middle Eastern, European classical, and traditional Sephardic music. His work with the Omer Avital Quintet and his project Yemen Blues exemplifies his ability to fuse different musical influences into cohesive, emotionally resonant pieces.
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