Gilad Atzmon has been called “surely the hardest-gigging man in British jazz. His albums often explore the music of the Middle East and political themes. He has described himself as a “devoted political artist.”
Along the years Atzmon has managed to merge the music of the Middle East and Eastern Europe together with Jazz and contemporary improvised music. Atzmon believes that if multi cultural identity has any meaning, it better establishes itself in terms of beauty. His powerful personal style combines great bebop artistry and Middle-Eastern roots in a sophisticated, sometimes ironical manner.
The Observer says: “He creates his own cross cultural idiom.” Jazz UK finds his whirlwind approach “dynamic, charismatic and exasperating”.
This multi-reed talent shows “a seemingly effortless ability to demolish and rebuild any old tune he chooses to play” Time Out
Influenced by Cannonball Adderley’s powerful approach on the sax, Gilad’s live performances are simply breathtaking and overwhelming
“It is almost impossible to separate Gilad Atzmon’s music from his humanist stand. His is a music born out of a rage against oppression, sadness at exile and a profound belief that playing music can and must make a difference. However there are other forces at work in Atzmon’s music. As an exile he is concerned with questions of identity and belonging, as a musician he passionately loves jazz and as an artist he wants more than anything to communicate and as anyone who has seen Atzmon live can attest humour is a major part of his show.”
Gilad Atzmon at Jazz Big Day at Athens Concert Hall on May 31, 2104 . More about it http://jazzonline.gr/en/jazzenda/item/2597-jazz-big-day-at-athens-concert-hall.html
