Itamar Erez CD-release “Mi Alegria” Concert, with Hamin Honari, Francois Houle, James Meger & Kevin Romain
and Opening Act The Giving Shapes
Tickets: Online Here, 1-800-838-3006, & Highlife Records, 1317 Commercial Drive
General Admission $20 + charges (advance) & $25 (door) /
Buy CD with advance ticket and save $5 on CD. ($35 advance with CD)
Itamar’s music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply. It blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own. This award-winning and internationally renowned musician offers a glimpse into his rich and inventive musical universe of original world/jazz in concert this June, accompanied by a who’s-who of Vancouver musicianship.
On June 20th, Itamar will launch his groundbreaking new release and 4th CD Mi Alegria. This release includes stunning new works with collaborating local and international musicians such as:
Francois Houle (clarinet), Hamin Honari (percussion), James Meger (bass), Kevin Romain (drums), Ilan Salem (flute), Dani Benedikt (percussion), and Celso Machado (percussion).
ABOUT ITAMAR EREZ – www.itamarerez.com
Israeli-born Erez’s first CD Desert Song was recorded in Vancouver in 2006 with The Adama Ensemble. His 2nd CD, Hommage” (2010) was recorded while in Israel, with special guest artists Omar Faruk Tekbilek and others. His most recent CD New Dawn (2013) was a collaboration with percussionist Yshai Afterman and with Antonio Serrano (harmonica). Itamar performed and toured in Europe, and gained recognition and much praise on that continent’s World/Jazz scene.
Recipient of the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the Israeli Prime Minister Prize for Composers, Erez travels the world, and has shared stages with such musicians as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tomatito, Avishai Cohen, Jean-Louis Matinier, Zohar Fresco and others. During the last few years, he performed in Canada, USA, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Israel, India, Tunisia & Colombia.
In addition to performing internationally, he gives workshops and masterclasses, teaching his unique approach to music and guitar playing. Itamar is on the guitar faculty at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School Of Music.
ABOUT THE GIVING SHAPES – https://www.thegivingshapes.com/
The Giving Shapes is a collaborative project between harpist/vocalist Elisa Thorn and pianist/vocalist Robyn Jacob that formed in fall 2017 at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Combining elements of through-composed music, improvisation, and extended instrumental and vocal techniques, their music triangulates aspects of new music, creative music and song-writing.
Forming a bridge between their classical training and their explorations within the Canadian creative and indie music scenes, their sound reflects their broad influences from artists including Nico Muhly, Bjork, Jonny Greenwood, David Lang and Caroline Shaw.