Born: August 25, 1984 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Guitarist Nadav Remez is one of today’s emerging voices on the Jazz scene, and his music is gaining the attention of both fans and music critics worldwide. His melodic abilities on the guitar have been described as “haunting”, and his music as an intriguing combination of modern Jazz, Alternative Rock and Jewish Folk. On his long-awaited debut release, entitled “So Far” (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records), he brings these different influences to the table and mixes them in a way that was never heard before, backed up by his all-star New York band.
Growing up in Israel, Nadav’s musical education took a critical turn at the Thelma Yellin high school for the arts, known for producing well-known international jazz musicians. There, Nadav was exposed to many varieties of musical traditions, both western and eastern, that allowed him to form his unique musical vision.
Nadav received a full scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2005, and in 2007 he was invited to participate in the prestigious Montreux Gibson Jazz guitar competition, where he was selected as a semi-finalist. In 2008, Nadav continued his studies at the New England Conservatory, where he studied with the likes of Miguel Zénon, Billy Hart and George Garzone. He quickly became one of busiest musicians in the area, as he collaborated with notable musicians such as Myron Walden and Jamey Haddad, and performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals, including the Blue Note in New York and the Nancy Jazz Pulsations in France. During that time, he started writing music for his first album as a leader, and in June 2011, Nadav and his band went into the studio to record a concept album with nine songs which sum up his latest life experiences, put into musical form.
The band features some of the most talented and sought-after musicians on the jazz scene today, including James Wylie, Steve Brickman, Shai Maestro, Avri Borochov, Ziv Ravitz and Itamar Borochov. Released on April 15th, 2011 on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, ‘So Far’ was celebrated by a US release tour at venues such as Smalls (NY), Chris’ Jazz Café (Philadelphia) and Twins Jazz (DC).
”A Thoughtful composer and accomplished player, Israeli- born guitarist Nadav Remez has fashioned an auspicious debut of poignant melodies, rich harmonies and stirring improvisations that ring out with clarity and emotion.” -Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
“Israeli guitarist and composer Nadav Remez is one of the best recent discoveries of the jazz scene… A natural sense of phrasing and a mastery of the language are making this young soloist particularly promising.” -L’Est Republicain
“Long after the last note fades, it’s Nadav Remez’s fine compositions and arrangements that stand out… Must-have!” -Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest Jazz blog
