Born: November Primary Instrument: Sax, alto
Born and raised in Israel, Uri began playing the Saxophone at age of 11. He was a member of the Israeli Air Force Big Band and the Tel Aviv Jazz Orchestra, and at 19, he won the prestigious Jazz Player of the year competition in Israel, leading him to represent his country in the IASJ convention. In 2002 Uri was selected to represent Israel in the European Youth Jazz Orchestra. Additionally, he is a member of the United Nations Youth Big Band. After his army service, Uri received a scholarship and relocated to Boston to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Uri graduated with honors and moved to New York City, where he currently resides. Over the past few years, Uri has performed in major international jazz festivals in the U.S., Europe and Japan, and has shared the stage with Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, New York Voices, Django Bates, Esperansa Spalding, Francisco Mela and many more. Uri’s debut album, “The Storyteller”, featuring Chris Cheek and rising star drummer Francisco Mela, is available through New York based label, Tzadik Records.
Last Updated: May 4, 2013
“The Storyteller, on John Zorn's Tzadik label, is his debut album as a leader,
and a very natural place for him to begin because it has become a true
hotbed for developing as well as established talent, and Gurvich is both: a
new name on the scene perhaps, but an artist who arrives fully developed in
his roles as bandleader, soloist, and most importantly as a composer. The
Storyteller is a wondrous recording. It showcases Gurvich's deep love of
progressive jazz as it weds itself to his knowledge and deep respect for the
folk music traditions of Israel, Yemen, North Africa, and Eastern Europe…
The Storyteller is a brilliantly auspicious debut by a major new voice in jazz.
Anyone interested in the form as either a student of its history or a
cheerleader for its burgeoning future would do well to pay close attention to
both the record and its creator. Gurvich may not be such a well-known name
now, but based on what's here, that's about to change. All Music Guide
A series of jazz extrapolations of Jewish themes. Gurvich’s quartet draws
inspiration from John Coltrane, bringing a similar sound and spiritual
centeredness to sounds rooted in another ancient tradition. Casual Listening
...a new Tzadik disc, The Storyteller, which features lush, emotive post bop
with an Israeli tinge Time Out, New York
Gurvich is clearly steeped in the influence of MY FAVORITE THINGS-era John
Coltrane, along with Middle Eastern roots music, but he and his crack band
bring these elements together in a way that is fresh, forward thinking, and
listener-friendly. Muze
"The Storyteller" Tzadik Records, 2009 (Debut Record)
"Entrances" Tzadik records, 2009 (sideman)
"So It Goes" Art of Life Recrods, 2009 (sideman)
"The Remains" Self - produced, 2010 (sideman)
"Elflandia" Chicken Madness Records, 2006 (sideman)
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Primary Instrument:
Sax, alto
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
visit: www.urigurvich.com for info
Clinic/Workshop Information:
visit: www.urigurvich.com