Oded Lev-Ari

Listening: Wham

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go was playing at Bradly’s wedding, and the speakers were really bass heavy. This song has a really interesting, grooving, inventive bass part. Who knew? especially the “I wanna hit that high…” part. If you know who played it – send me a note.

Listening: Ullmann

When first introduced to Viktor Ullmann’s piano music I had a feeling that I could have written these – a very strong sense of common language, concept of the piano, and a strong connection to the overall aesthetic. Subsequent listening made this almost freaky. His personal story is remarkable and sad, but the music is moving and meaningful without it.

DownBeat Critics Poll

12 July 2008

I’m mentioned on the list of Rising Star Arrangers in the 56th DownBeat critics poll. Very cool to know my work is noticed.

My Dad

17 October 2007

My father was recently interviewed on the Israeli radio station 103FM, and oddly enough, I was the subject of the interview, as well as my lovely wife Amy Cervini. It was both strange and exciting listening to the live broadcast in my New York apartment.

Here is a recording of the interview by Rivka Michaeli, for your listening pleasure. It features selections from Noir as well as a song I wrote, performed by Amy on her CD Famous Blue

(If you don’t speak hebrew, he says really nice things about me):

Anzic Orchestra at the Village Vanguard - July 2nd

28 June 2007

Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra will be performing at the Village Vanguard on Monday, July 2nd.

Monday Nights at the Village Vanguard usually feature the Vanguard Orchestra, which used to be called the Thad Jones–Mel Lewis Orchestra. I heard about Monday Nights at the Vanguard growing up in Israel, and many of the resident musicians became my personal heroes. It’s a great thrill for me to be leading a band there, on Monday night, with my friend Anat Cohen.

So – please come and share our excitement! and if you can’t – be sure to catch Anat at the Village Vanguard July 3-8.

Here are the details:

Where: The Village Vanguard – 178 7th Ave, New York, NY
When: Monday, July 2
What: Anat Cohen with the Anzic Orchestra Arranged and Conducted by Oded Lev-Ari
Tickets: $30.00 at http://www.villagevanguard.com/

Anzic Store

4 June 2007

Anzic Records is growing and expanding! most recently, the Anzic Store was opened online. You can get Noir there, as well as some other exciting new releases from Anat Cohen, Avishai Cohen, Jason Lindner, Joel Frahm, Manuel Valera and the Waverly Seven.

Also, the store features a very cool audio player, which allows you to sample the releases in style.

Take a look! It’s the best place to get Noir

Noir Live at the Jazz Standard

5 May 2007

We will be celebrating the release of Noir – featuring Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra on May 8th at the Jazz Standard. It’s a rare opportunity to hear the music live, with an all-star band. I will be conducting my arrangements.

Here are the details:

When: May 8th, 7:30pm and 9:30pm
Where: The Jazz Standard , 116 East 27th Street New York City
Who: Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra, Arranged and Conducted by Oded Lev-Ari
What: Playing music from Noir , their recently released album on Anzic Records
Cover: $20 + tax

For reservations (and they are going fast!) please call the Jazz Standard: 212-576-2232 or visit them online.

Noir Now Available on iTunes

18 March 2007

Noir is getting some rave reviews, look at this one in All About Jazz for example.

What’s that you say? You really want to get one? well, you’re in luck! Noir was just added to the iTunes music store – it’s just a short download away! Click here for the iTunes Music Store.

ACQ's Famous Blue Available

13 March 2007

Famous Blue, ACQ’s debut album is now available for purchase on CDBaby. I produced this album along with Amy Cervini, and a song of mine – How He Sings is featured on the album as well. I am very happy with this album; it features some very talented New York musicians who are really exploring what makes them happy music-makers, without defaulting to traditional formats and sounds. So check out Famous Blue – every track is a little surprise!.

Noir is Available on CDBaby

23 January 2007

The CD Noir featuring Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra is now available on CDBaby. I arranged and conducted the music. You can hear excerpts on the music page, as well as on the CDBaby page. Working on this album was a complete joy. Anat is an old friend and a great musician, The Anzic orchestra is an amazing group of musicians [read the personnel list on CDBaby], and every person collaborating on this was great to work with. I think all this is apparent in the final result. Get your copy today!.

New Music Clips Posted

8 January 2007

I posted some new clips in the Music section. You can find excerpts from Carnaval de Sao Vicente and Cry, both from upcoming release Noir, as well as my song How he Sings performed by the Amy Cervini Quartet from the upcoming release Famous Blue. It may take a moment for the audio control to load, but I hope you will agree its worth the wait…

Monday Off CD is Released

13 November 2006

Vocal group Monday Off has released its long awaited CD. I was the producer for the project. You can check it out on CDBaby. We will be celebrating the release on December 4th at the Jazz Standard. See the Jazz Standard’s Website for more information.

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