Tel Aviv Jazz Festival returns with international lineup

The fourth edition of the Tel Aviv Jazz Festival is scheduled to run from November 19 to 21 at Bet Romano. The event, which takes place under the aegis of the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and the Teder Group, is curated by trumpeter Sefi Zisling and bassist Jonathan Levy. Entry to all performances at the festival is free of charge.

Among the international guests is Neal Sugarman, a saxophonist from Boston who has been based in Switzerland for the past eight years. Sugarman will perform with a trio led by Israeli guitarist Ron Magril, known as Blue Break Beats. The collaboration began when Sugarman visited Israel and was introduced to Magril by a mutual acquaintance. Sugarman noted that he was impressed by Magril, describing him as a sweet guy who lives and breathes jazz, blues, and swing. The two musicians have previously toured together, with Sugarman taking Magril on the road with his band, Sugarman 3.

Sugarman, who co-founded the independent record label Daptone Records with Gabriel Roth, emphasizes the importance of ensemble playing and communication with audiences. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, and Steve Cropper. Daptone Records has released music by artists such as Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones, and The Budos Band. A record by Magril is also scheduled for release on the Daptone label in the near future.

The festival lineup includes a diverse array of musical styles and genres. Hebrew Israelite vocalist Margeeah Aharon will perform with American-born, Greek-based singer-songwriter Alek Lee. Additionally, Iranian-rooted singer Liraz Charhi will host Grammy Award-winning Iranian-American multi-instrumentalist Sahba Motallebi. British jazz vocalist Emma Smith will perform a duo set with pianist Yonatan Riklis, while American pianist and vocalist Johnny O'Neal will also appear on the stage.

Local jazz veterans and emerging artists are also featured. Octogenarian saxophonist Mamelo Gaitanopolous will lead a quintet, and the crossover group Shalosh will perform. Shalosh drummer Matan Assayag has previously worked with Sugarman. Guitarist and oud player Amos Hoffman, who relocated to the United States after a successful career in Israel during the late 1990s and early 2000s, will front a quartet. Other performances include a duo by pianist Alon Tayar and drummer Daniel Dor, as well as a blues-focused concert led by drummer Yonatan Rosen.

The festival also features larger ensembles and educational showcases. Pianist and educator Ronen Shmueli will guide The Rimon Jazz Institute Ambassadors, while jazz pianist Nitai Hershkovitz will lead a set at the Cinema Royal. Drummer Mark Moshayev will present a quartet that incorporates global sounds and rhythms. Bassist Shay Hazan and The Kadosh Brothers trio are also part of the program, offering energetic performances with Middle Eastern influences.

Chen Arieli, the Tel Aviv Municipality's cultural portfolio holder, stated that the festival reflects the city's open and creative cultural spirit. She noted that free entrance in a public domain allows various sectors to enjoy quality music and discover jazz in its many forms. This approach is part of the city's commitment to preserving Tel Aviv as a hub for creativity and artists, ensuring that culture remains an inseparable part of daily life.

In addition to live music, the festival will include DJ sessions and screenings of thematically related films. The event highlights the resilience of the local music scene and the continued engagement of international artists with Israeli audiences. The diverse lineup aims to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, from traditional jazz to funk, soul, and experimental genres.

The festival serves as a significant cultural event in the region, bringing together artists from different backgrounds and generations. It provides a platform for both established names and newer voices in the jazz world. The free admission policy is intended to make high-quality music accessible to a broader audience, fostering a deeper connection between the community and the arts.

With its mix of international guests and local talent, the Tel Aviv Jazz Festival offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary music. The event underscores the importance of artistic exchange and the enduring appeal of live performance. As the festival approaches, anticipation builds among music lovers eager to experience the vibrant sounds and creative energy that define this annual celebration.