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Oren Neiman

"The fallacy of being lost in ornamental doodling is the risk of every jazz guitarist, but it's completely absent in Neiman's almost ascetic play. This doesn't mean that his playing is simple; far from it..." --Jakob Baekgaard, All About Jazz Guitarist Oren Neiman's music is both innovative and in the forefront of today's jazz styles, as well as being celebrated for his technical precision. His compositions explore a combination of Jazz sensibility with Middle Eastern rhythms and melody. Born in Ramat-Gan, Israel, and raised in Toronto, Canada, and Israel, he grew up listening to many different kinds of music, He started playing mainly in rock bands, but soon became interested in jazz. He started studying the music, and playing in various venues around Israel. Oren considers both of his cultural backgrounds to be integral to his music and has a strong connection with both countries. In August 2001, Oren moved to NY, where he received his BFA from SUNY Purchase, studying and playing with John Abercrombie, Pete Malinverni, and Charles Blenzig. During his school years, Oren was a recipient of the Ullendorff memorial foundation Scholarship. After graduating, Oren continued his studies with master teacher Bobby Hansman who helped him to further his search for his own voice on the instrument. Oren's current projects include: Recording and performing with The Oren Neiman Quartet: with their second album Frolic and Detour released in April 2009, the band is currently performing in support of the album. The OrchesTorah project: Premiered March 2007 at Makor's MANifest, this project is a large (9-piece) ensemble that plays music Oren wrote in response to biblical narratives, beginning with a trilogy of city inspired pieces. This project has developed into an educational program that includes audience text exploration and performance of the pieces. The energetic acoustic duo "IsraAlien" led by fellow Israeli guitar player Gilad Ben Zvi, this duo delves into the world of Mediterranean gypsy music and is currently touring in support of their first self-titled release "IsraAlien" (April 2009) Producing and performing in Nigunim--A Festival of New Improvised Jewish Music, Oren put together this festival in 2009 to create a stage in Westchester NY for his music as well as other performers of this genre. Oren has regularly performed with his quartet in NY venues like The Bitter End, Detour, Joe's Pub, The 55 Bar, Cornelia St. Cafe and Makor, as well as touring nationally and internationally (most recently Spain, Canada and Israel).

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234
Album Review

Oren Neiman: Frolic and Detour

Read "Frolic and Detour" reviewed by Jakob Baekgaard


Sometimes, the best way to renew tradition is to go back to it, which is exactly what Oren Neiman has done on Frolic and Detour, an album that finds the guitarist digging deep into his Israeli roots while still remaining true to the instrumental voice he established on First Of All (Self Published, 2007). Neiman still works with a quartet, but gone are the fluid runs of tenor saxophonist Mike Stewart and instead he has enlisted the talent of trumpeter ...

371
Take Five With...

Take Five With Oren Neiman

Read "Take Five With Oren Neiman" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Oren Neiman: Born in Ramat-Gan, Israel, and raised in Toronto, Canada, and Israel, Oren grew up listening to many different kinds of music. He started playing mainly in rock bands, but soon became interested in jazz. He started studying the music, and playing in various venues around Israel.In August 2001, Oren moved to New York, where he received his BFA from SUNY Purchase and studied with John Abercrombie. After graduating, Oren continued his studies with ...

227
Album Review

Oren Neiman: First Of All...

Read "First Of All..." reviewed by Jakob Baekgaard


Discussions of who deserves the recognition of being a “guitarist's guitarist" often bring up such names as Tal Farlow and Johnny Smith. They are guitar players who step naturally into the spotlight, easily grabbing the attention of the ears, technically superb and lyrically sophisticated with a clear, recognisable tone.

There's also another type of a “guitarist's guitarist," whose talent lies in working behind the scenes. His (or her) talent is the ability to create an atmosphere around the ...

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81

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Oren Neiman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Oren Neiman

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Oren Neiman's birthday today!

JAZZ MUSICIAN OF THE DAY Oren Neiman

“The fallacy of being lost in ornamental doodling is the risk of every jazz guitarist, but it\'s completely absent in Neiman\'s almost ascetic play. This doesn\'t mean that his playing is simple; far from it..." --Jakob Baekgaard... more

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174

Recording

Guitarist/Composer Oren Neiman to release "Frolic and Detour"

Guitarist/Composer Oren Neiman to release "Frolic and Detour"

Source: All About Jazz

Soon to be released: Oren Neiman Frolic and Detour A new album to be released beginning of April 2009 by Oren Neiman's quartet. Frolic and Detour features nine new compositions of Neiman's and continue his blending of modern jazz sensibilities and middle eastern and other various rhythms. The album also features Kenny Warren on trumpet, Doug Drewes on bass, and Kenny Shaw on drums. Look for it soon at CD Baby and showcased at All About Jazz. CD Release Parties ...

"...Neiman has moved forward and found his own voice. First Of All... is an album of coherent beauty, showing an ambitious player following his own musical vision." --Jakob Baekgaard, All About Jazz "...I can hear some Abercrombie and Goodrick in there, but Oren is clearly finding his own unique voice as a jazz guitarist..." Maurice Hogue, Host CKUW's "One Man's Jazz" “Neiman’s new recording (Frolic and Detour), with a new quartet, is quite a unique statement. It is predominantly Jazzy, but it also touches upon ethnic themes and rhythmic patterns, often using odd meters and unusual harmony

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Serenity Now

Self Produced
2023

buy

Frolic and Detour

Self Produced
2009

buy

First Of All...

Self Produced
2007

buy

Salt

From: Serenity Now
By Oren Neiman

Jerusalem

From: Frolic and Detour
By Oren Neiman

Videos

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