Home » Jazz Musicians » Roni Ben-Hur

Roni Ben-Hur

Jazz guitarist Roni Ben-Hur has earned a sterling reputation as a musician and educator, renowned for his golden tone, improvisational brilliance, compositional lyricism and ability to charm peers, students and listeners alike. Eminent jazz critic Gary Giddins wrote in the Village Voice: “A limber and inventive guitarist, Ben-Hur keeps the flame alive and pure, burning in every note… He’s a guitarist who knows the changes and his own mind.” Roni — born in Israel in 1962 but a longtime American citizen, based in the New York City area — has recorded a dozen-plus albums as leader or co-leader, with The New York Times praising his “crisp, fluid style” and Time Out New York calling him “a formidable and consummately lyrical guitarist.” He has developed a rare facility in both straight-ahead jazz and samba/bossa-nova styles, underscored by his work with masters in each field, from bebop piano sage Barry Harris and winds ace Frank Wess to beloved Brazilian vocalist Leny Andrade and composer Marcus Valle. 

Roni’s newest album as a leader, Stories — released by Dot Time Records in March 2021 — features a poetic mix of songs and instrumentals, one that sees the guitarist tracing a line from childhood musical memories in Israel to his life today as a globally minded artist. JazzTimes, in its glowing review of Stories, noted the guitarist’s inspired interplay with such generationally diverse talents as pianist George Cables and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, as well as vocalists from Israel and Mexico; the review went on to laud Roni and company’s brand of storytelling as “distinctive” and “uniformly engaging.” Always an educator as well as a performer, Roni has directed the jazz program at New York’s Kaufman Music Center for more than 25 years. Along with creating acclaimed educational products – such as the method book Talk Jazz: Guitar — Roni has also directed international music camps for two decades, currently leading his Roni Ben-Hur Jazz Camp in Vermont and France. Jazz guitar star Russell Malone got it right when he said: “Everything Roni does is beautiful. He has the magic touch.” 

Originally from Tunisia, Roni’s family relocated to Dimona, Israel, where he was born into a large, working-class family — and grew up not only with good ensemble values but also a sense for the necessity of improvisation. Going on intuition above all, the guitarist began performing in wedding bands and in Tel Aviv clubs as a teenager enraptured by the recordings of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Joe Pass, Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell. The young musician also came to love the classical Spanish repertoire via the iconic guitarist Segovia, hearing a Moorish sound that resonated with his family’s North African roots. Later, after moving to New York City in 1985, he would fall for Brazilian music, particularly through the work of guitarist-composer Baden Powell. 

Read more

Tags

1
Radio & Podcasts

Roni Ben-Hur, Nicole Zuraitis, Andrew Cyrille and Others

Read "Roni Ben-Hur, Nicole Zuraitis, Andrew Cyrille and Others" reviewed by Jerome Wilson


This program features recent recordings by Roni Ben-Hur and Nicole Zuraitis, older tracks from Andrew Cyrille and Bobby Hutcherson, and much more. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Andrew Cyrille Quartet “Go Happy Lucky" from The News (ECM) 00:57 Simon Belelty “Lady Luck" from Pee Wee (Jojo) 6:14 Host Speaks 13:13 Adam Lane's Full Throttle Orchestra “House of Elegant" ...

3
Liner Notes

Wondering: Harvie S and Roni Ben-Hur featuring Sylvia Cuenca

Read "Wondering: Harvie S and Roni Ben-Hur featuring Sylvia Cuenca" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Though it may seem to be shrouded in mystery, there's a clear explanation for the dovetailing dynamic and palpable chemistry between guitarist Roni Ben-Hur and bassist Harvie S. “We listen intently and we play with a lot of generosity toward each other," shares the noted six-stringer. Believe it or not, it's as simple--and sophisticated--as that. In documenting their work in a trio with drummer Tim Horner on 2018's Introspection, Roni and Harvie formally cemented their longtime partnership ...

2
Album Review

Harvie S, Roni Ben-Hur with Sylvia Cuenca: Wondering

Read "Wondering" reviewed by Troy Dostert


One of the drawbacks of being a consummate sideman is that it can be hard to find time for one's own projects as a leader. That is certainly the case for bassist Harvie S who, in a long career, has distinguished himself with superb work in support of Sheila Jordan, Don Friedman, Alan Broadbent, and many others; however, the sheer quantity of those efforts can cause his own releases to fall through the cracks. Hopefully that will not be the ...

1
Liner Notes

CeCe Gable: Next Year's Song

Read "CeCe Gable: Next Year's Song" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


To hear CeCe Gable sing is to encounter pure truth. A late bloomer whose early passion for dance was eventually eclipsed by the lure of jazz, she's spent the past three decades honing her craft and establishing herself as a sincere storyteller adept at honoring a lyric and elevating every number she inhabits. Since first taking to the studio at the dawn of the new millennium, CeCe has gone on to develop a body of work that speaks volumes about ...

6
Album Review

Roni Ben-Hur: Stories

Read "Stories" reviewed by Jerome Wilson


Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, originally from Israel, has absorbed a lot of different cultures and styles into his music. That is reflected on this CD in the variety of music played here: straight ahead jazz as well as Latin and Middle Eastern folk melodies. Mexican singer Magos Herrera brings a sense of husky passion to the songs “La Serena" and “A Redoblar" that sits nicely beside Ben-Hur's warm guitar chords, Ingrid Jensen's soaring trumpet and George Cables' crafty piano ...

8
Album Review

Roni Ben-Hur: Stories

Read "Stories" reviewed by John Chacona


Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is an old soul. Uninterested in ostentation, the Israeli-born guitarist has been content to release a series of warm-hearted recordings that favor partnership over pomposity. Half his 12 leader dates have been duets or are co-credited. Stories isn't one of them, but it might as well be. This is an ensemble recording, patient and glowing with wisdom. Ben-Hur is helped by the elder masters he often chooses to bring gravity and wisdom to his dates. ...

3
Radio & Podcasts

Flying Blind

Read "Flying Blind" reviewed by Patrick Burnette


Time to plunge our hands into the review-copy grab-bag and hope nothing bites. Good news—no flesh wounds, just four brand-spankin' new 2021 releases by artists who are also new to us (if not the public at large) and all of them have something to offer. Trigger warning—the Dave Mathews Band may be mentioned, briefly during this episode.Playlist Discussion of Paul Bedal's album Cerulian Stars (BACE Records) 7:45 Discussion of Jeff Coffin's album Let It Shine (Ear Up Records) ...

Read more articles
6

Performance / Tour

Roni Ben Hur Brings His Trio To Blues Alley On March 20

Roni Ben Hur Brings His Trio To Blues Alley On March 20

Source: GoMedia PR

Critically acclaimed guitarist Roni Ben-Hur will perform with his trio, featuring bassist Harvie S and drummer Sylvia Cuenca, at Blues Alley on March 20. Ben-Hur– born in Israel in 1962 but a longtime American citizen, based in jny: New York City—has recorded more than a dozen albums as leader or co-leader. The Blues Alley show is partially sponsored by the Israeli Embassy. “Roni is an extraordinary musician. It is a pleasure and an honor to welcome him to Washington,” said ...

1

Performance / Tour

Guitarist/Composer Roni Ben-Hur Celebrates 30 Years On The NYC Jazz Scene With Two Nights At The Kitano!

Guitarist/Composer Roni Ben-Hur Celebrates 30 Years On The NYC Jazz Scene With Two Nights At The Kitano!

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

RONI BEN-HUR CELEBRATES 30 YEARS ON THE NYC JAZZ SCENE WITH TWO NIGHTS AT THE KITANO, NYC FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 11 & 12 Showtimes are 8 & 10 PM On Friday & Saturday, July 11 & 12 at The Kitano, guitarist/composer/bandleader Roni Ben-Hur celebrates 30 years on the New York City jazz scene with two trios that reflect his career. During his three decades here, audiences could always find him naturally placing one foot in Brazil/Latin America, ...

Recording

Roni Ben-Hur & Santi Debriano - Our Thing Featuring Duduka Da Fonseca

Roni Ben-Hur & Santi Debriano - Our Thing Featuring Duduka Da Fonseca

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

A Sublime Musical Conversation Exploring Many Facets of the Jazz Diaspora, New CD from Motema on August 14, 2012 CD RELEASE CELEBRATION: September 11 @ The Jazz Standard Roni Ben-Hur & Santi Debriano Featuring Duduka Da Fonseca Performing music from Our Thing Sets @ 7:30 & 9:30 PM The idea and inspiration for Our Thing was born in the summer of 2011 within the walls of the beautiful Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Sardaigne, a 12th century church atop the tiny village of Saint ...

Performance / Tour

Guitarist/composer Roni Ben-Hur Celebrates His 50th Birthday With Two Nights At The Kitano!

Guitarist/composer Roni Ben-Hur Celebrates His 50th Birthday With Two Nights At The Kitano!

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

Roni Ben-Hur 50th Birthday Celebration at The Kitano, 212 885 7119, 66 Park Avenue (@ E. 38th St) July 13 The Roni Ben-Hur Quartet with Special Guest, Frank Wess Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute), Santi Debriano (bass), Tim Horner (drums) July 14 Roni Ben-Hur's Afro-Samba and Beyond Band Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Santi Debriano (bass), Portinho (drums), Café (percussion) About Roni Ben-Hur Guitarist/composer Roni Ben-Hur is proud to announce a ...

132

Performance / Tour

Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur @ The Kitano (NYC) on June 17-18

Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur @ The Kitano (NYC) on June 17-18

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

In Support & Celebration of Their New Recording On Motéma Music—MOJAVE Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur Featuring Victor Lewis & Café! The Kitano is located at 66 Park Ave., NYC, 212 885 7000 “An exceptional collaboration that has produced some exceptional music." —Straight No Chaser “The primary importance of Mojave is its global, yet accessible appeal. Anyone with an interest in Brazilian jazz music will find Mojave scintillatingly addictive" —Inside World Music Uniting their mutual love for both ...

156

Performance / Tour

Motéma Music Artists Nilson Matt & Roni Ben-Hur On Tour In Support of "Mojave"

Motéma Music Artists Nilson Matt & Roni Ben-Hur On Tour In Support of "Mojave"

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

Featuring VICTOR LEWIS & CAFE  

“an exceptional collaboration that has produced some exceptional music." —Straight No Chaser  

“the primary importance of Mojave is its global, yet accessible appeal.  Anyone with an interest in Brazilian jazz music will find Mojave scintillatingly addictive"  —Inside World Music

CD Release Celebrations For Mojave:

May 25 @ 7:00 PM—SOKA University- Orange County  

Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Nilson Matta (bass), Shunzo Ohno (trumpet), Josh Nelson (piano), Duncan Moore (drums) Campus Green Stage  

May ...

157

Recording

On May 10, 2011 - Motema Music Will Release "Mojave" From Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur

On May 10, 2011 - Motema Music Will Release "Mojave" From Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

On May 10, 2011—Motéma Music will release MOJAVE from NILSON MATTA & RONI BEN-HUR Featuring VICTOR LEWIS & CAFE CD Release Celebrations For Mojave: May 25 @ 7:00 PM SOKA University—Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Nilson Matta (bass), Peter Sarik (piano), Juli Fabian (vocals, debut American performance!), David Hodek (drums) Campus Green Stage May 27 @ 7:00 PM Dizzy's @ The San Diego Wine & Culinary Center—Roni Ben-Hur (guitar), Nilson Matta (bass), Peter Sarik (piano), Juli ...

59

Performance / Tour

Kaufman Center Hosts Jazz Concert Featuring Roni Ben-Hur, Santi Debriano & More

Kaufman Center Hosts Jazz Concert Featuring Roni Ben-Hur, Santi Debriano & More

Source: Chris M. Slawecki

Festi-Jazz NYC: Saturday April 9, 2011, 8 pm at Merkin Concert Hall: FREE

Jazz Musicians from NYC and the South of France Celebrate International Musical Connections

Featuring Renowned Jazz Performers Roni Ben-Hur, Santi Debriano, Amy London & Steve Williams with Ensembles from the Jazz Program at Kaufman Center's Lucy Moses School

This spring a free concert in Merkin Concert Hall reunites NYC jazz musicians with fellow performers from the annual Festi-Jazz Saint Cézaire summer festival in Provence, France. On April ...

82

Performance / Tour

From Israel to New York to St Paul: Roni Ben-Hur at the JCC

From Israel to New York to St Paul: Roni Ben-Hur at the JCC

Source: JazzINK by Andrea Canter

The St. Paul Jewish Community Center is not generally on the jazz map, but perhaps it should be. Once per year, the JCC turns its auditorium into a jazz hall to feature a visiting Israeli performer. (And there's a growing list to choose from, as the Israeli jazz diaspora continues to bring more and more talents to the American jazz scene.) Last spring, the JCC presented virtuoso flautist Mattan Klein. For 2011, the guest was the Roni Ben-Hur Quartet, featuring ...

165

Recording

On October 13, 2009 - Motema Music Will Release Roni Ben-Hur's "Fortuna"

On October 13, 2009 - Motema Music Will Release Roni Ben-Hur's "Fortuna"

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

On October 13, 2009 - Motma Music will release RONI BEN-HUR’S FORTUNA Featuring Ronnie Mathews, Rufus Reid, Lewis Nash and Steve Kroon “a guitarist with a veiled tone and hornlike attack like vintage Kenny Burrell.” --Francis Davis, The Village Voice On October 13, 2009, Motema Music proudly releases Fortuna, the much-anticipated new recording from guitarist, composer, arranger, educator and author, Roni Ben-Hur. Fortuna follows up Ben-Hur’s critically-acclaimed recordings, Smile (Motema, 2008), which was recorded with fellow guitar great Gene Bertoncini, ...

Top-notch guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is known to the growing number of listeners who have been captivated by his lyrical playing. He invests his solos with genuine emotion, never sounding as if he is merely running through the changes. Check out any of his recordings and you will wish to hear much more of this special talent." — Mark Gardner, Jazz Journal International (cover feature, Nov., 2006)

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Next Year's Song

Self Released
2022

buy

Wondering

Dot Time Records
2022

buy

Wondering

Self Produced
2022

buy

Stories

Dot Time Records
2021

buy

Brazilian Whispers

Origin Records
2020

buy

Our Thing

Motéma Music
2012

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.