Yonathan Avishai is a French-based pianist who is a major figure in the new Israeli jazz scene. This unique musician shares his passion for music, sound and history, whether he is performing in concert or at a theatre. Yonathan was born in Israel and grew up there. At a young age, he began to study piano and discovered jazz in his teens. He formed his own bands and began performing at festivals and clubs in his native country at 14 years old. He was a member of Arnie Lawrences Ensemble and accompanied American musicians (Walter Blanding Jr. Marcus Printup, Allan Harris). He was part of “The Left Bank”, which is a cooperative association made up of musicians to promote original music in Tel Aviv. This experience led him to become involved in the local and social aspects of cultural development. Yonathan was involved in organizing music events at various locations in the city. In 2001, as part of an European exchange program, Yonathan arrived in Alsace (France), to be a part of a socio-cultural centre. He moved to Dordogne in France in 2002 and became involved with the local culture scene. After completing his musicotherapy training in Bordeaux (Atelier of Musicotherapie Bordeaux), he began to teach and pedagogy in schools, special education and primary schools. He formed the Third World Love Quartet with Omer Avital and Avishai Cohen that same year. They recorded five albums and performed all over the globe. Yonathan and Bachir Mouhali, a percussionist, recorded an album in 2006 called Soledad (Fresh Sound Records). Yonathan, along with Sharon Mohar, explored the fields of theater and music in 2008. The “Compagnie L’air du Jeu” (The Playground Company), was born. In 2010, they produced a show called Il etaitune fois un gribouille. Yonathan and Bertrand Noel, drummer, formed a duo in 2010 and recorded a CD entitled Lost boys (Cristal Records). Yonathan relocated to Yonne, France in 2012. With bassist Yoni Zeldnik and drummer Donald Kontomanou, he has just created “Les Modern Times”. Yonathan is inspired by Mark Rothko, John Lewis, and Art ensemble of Chicago. He strives to expand the musical dimensions of his music. Each note is packed with dramatic energy. His compositions are rich in emotion, colour and sound. His compositions are restrained, subtle and feature great refinement from www.yonathanavishai.com
