Composer and multi-instrumentalist Raz Mesinai was born in Jerusalem in 1973. His first two decades were spent in frequent transit between Jerusalem and New York City, where he became immersed in both the worlds of traditional Middle Eastern music, and the dub and hip-hop scenes of the eighties and early nineties in New York City. Mesinai’s electronic and electro-acoustic music exists at the crossroads of composition, sound design and modern studio production. Raz was a featured artist in the “Next, Next Wave” festival of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and opened for Nubian master musician Hamza El Din at Lincoln Center, a personal highlight. Raz has received commissions from the Lincoln Center Festival in both 2000 and 2001, and In 2004, following his developing interest in visual narrative and storytelling in music, Mesinai was a Fellow at the Sundance Composer’s Lab. This year Mesinai was commissioned to compose works for Ethel, Maya Beiser, VIA, and The Kronos Quartet.
“Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick” drum & percussion pieces by Amir Ziv & Steve Honoshowsky with special guest, Billy Martin
Amir Ziv
“The astounding drum work of Amir Ziv may convince even the most ruff-neck kids that they’re in the hands of a master.” URB - Chris Muniz
Since arriving in the US in 1990 from his native country of Israel, Amir Ziv has emerged as one of the country’s most forward-thinking & visionary drummers, setting deep marks in both the Nu-Jazz as well as the “live” electronica scenes. His work with his band Droid featuring the work of Miles’ musical director/producer/synthesist – Adam Holzman, bassists Tim LeFebvre and Yossi Fine and trumpeter Jordan McLean, produced some of NYC’s most on-the-edge “live” electronica. Amir’s other band that he leads is KOTKOT, featuring percussionist to the stars Cyro Baptista, NYC’s “downtown” guitar-God Marc Ribot and bassist Shahzad Ismaily. Notable sideman credits such as Trey Anastasio, Cibo Matto, Beat The Donkey and Graham Haynes and his educator status have brought recent demand for his musical skills the world over.
Steve Honoshowsky has been a percussionist for almost fifteen years and has professionally performed on drums and percussion for almost nine years. Steve teaches private instruction and is a facilitator of the TRAP (The Rhythmic Arts Project) program. He has performed for audiences all over the country in a variety of different musical groups ranging from jazz, funk and metal to many solo drum performances as well. One of the many groups he has performed in called No Use For Humans has had very positive reviews from many international music publications such as Progression, READ, and High Times magazines among many others. No Use For Humans have performed throughout the tri-state area and have opened for Skeleton Key, Captured By Robots, and The Legendary Pink Dots. In addition, Steve’s has studied with Chris Pennie (Dillinger Escape Plan/Coheed and Cambria) and Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin & Wood).