Yonathan Avishai / Ensemble

**Additional Details**: This is the first performance in a special three-night residency at Shablul, where the esteemed pianist and composer Yonatan Avishai will reveal three different aspects of his work in a musical journey that delves into the depths of this unique creator. Beginning with ensemble work, continuing with a piano trio dialogue, and concluding with an intimate solo. The ensemble performance first premiered at Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, where it received much acclaim, and it was performed at Shablul twice in May 2025 to a full house and enthusiastic audience. Now it returns as part of the residency. Surrounded by wonderful musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, Yonatan offers the audience a unique musical experience with original and new materials, expressive sound, and a lot of groove. Avishai also dares to sing and narrates with his original texts that touch the depths of the soul.

**Performers**:

- Yonatan Avishai: Piano

- Mayo Shaviro: Cello

- Yonatan Albalak: Guitar

- Roni Avrini: Percussion

- Shachar Haziza: Drums

Yonatan Avishai is undoubtedly one of the most original and unique pianists and creators in contemporary jazz, both Israeli and European. His qualities as a virtuoso pianist gained worldwide recognition in the early 2000s as a member of the ensemble Third World Love – a phenomenon bordering on cult status in the global jazz scene, alongside trumpeter Avishai Cohen, bassist Omer Avital, and drummer Daniel Freedman. Avishai built an international reputation thanks to his intimate, lyrical, and deep playing style, combining influences from traditional jazz, classical music, folklore, and Mediterranean music. Critics often praise his ability to make silence, space, and melody an integral part of his improvisation – reminding them of the greatest pianists, primarily Ahmad Jamal. Over the years, he has collaborated with leading artists, especially with trumpeter Avishai Cohen, with whom he recorded and performed worldwide. His albums as a leader released by the prestigious ECM label received critical acclaim for their originality, musical depth, and unique sound. In 2019, he was even selected as "Musician of the Year" by Jazz Magazine, highlighting his status as one of the most prominent pianists of his generation.

**From the Critics**:

- "Enchanting and moving, Yonatan's music is carried by continuous breath... it's impossible not to be impressed." - Jazz Magazine

- "In his playing as well as in his writing, Yonatan Avishai gives the feeling that he is in a continuous search for deep intimacy... always to touch the essence." - France Musique

**Photo**: Yossi Tzbakar