Gilad Atzmon

Gilad Atzmon

Atzmon writes on political matters, social issues, Jewish identity and culture. His papers are published around the world in, amongst others, the following publications: The Guardian, Rebelion, The Daily Telegraph, Uprooted Palestinians, Veteran Today,Palestinian Telegraph, Counterpunch, Dissident Voice, Aljazeera Magazine, Information Clearing House and Middle-East-Online, Palestine Chronicle, The People Voice, Redress. His papers are read by millions worldwide, his website receives tens of thousands of hits a day: www.gilad.co.uk.

Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz). As a multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet and Flutes. His album Exile was the BBC jazz album of the year in 2003. His albums often explore political themes and the music of the Middle East. Until 1994 he was a producer-arranger for various Israeli Dance & Rock Projects, performing in Europe and the USA playing ethnic music as well as R&R and Jazz.

Coming to the UK in 1994, he gained a masters degree in Philosophy from the Unversity of Essex and recovered an interest in playing the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe that had been in the back of his mind for years. In 2000 he founded the Orient House Ensemble in London and started re-defining his own roots in the light of his emerging political awareness. Since then the Orient House Ensemble has toured all over the world. The Ensemble includes Eddie Hick on Drums, Yaron Stavi on Bass and Frank Harrison on piano & electronics.

Over the years Gilad Atzmon's music has moved more and more towards a cultural hybrid. As a bandleader and reed player he has been amazing his listeners with his powerful personal style that combines great bebop artistry and Middle-Eastern roots in a sophisticated, sometimes ironical manner. Influenced by Coltrane’s powerful approach on the sax, Gilad's live performances are simply breathtaking and overwhelming.

His latest album, highly acclaimed, is THE TIDE HAS CHANGED. Previous albums, bestselling and prize winning, include REFUGE, EXILE, IN LOVING MEMORY OF AMERICA.

As a member of the Blockheads, Gilad has also recorded and performed with Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. Gilad has also recorded with Robert Wyatt, the Water Boys and many others. In 2007 Gilad extended his role as a Producer, working with outstanding singer-songwriter Sarah Gillespie to produce her debut album released in September 2009. In 2008-9 Gilad also produced the Brazilian percussion star Adriano Adewale. The multi ethnic Irish band Yurodny and is currently producing the UK legendary bass player Norman Watt-Roy’s debut album.

His novels 'Guide to the perplexed' and 'My One And Only Love' have been translated into 24 languages.

See: www.gilad.co.uk
www.myspace.com/giladatzmon
www.jazzaproductions.squarespace.com

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