Pianist from Brooklyn blends jazz together with eastern influences, among others from his native Israel. Shai Maestro has performed with Avishai Cohen (bass) together with Mark Guiliana (who played a sold out Bimhuis on October 9).

Shai Maestro (Israel, 1987) began playing classical piano at the age of 5 and after listening to Oscar Peterson at the age of 8 he became mad about jazz. He turned down offers from prestigious American music schools and at 19 he became pianist with the famous double bassist Avishai Cohen. For five years he celebrated success at the best known festivals and venues in the trio with Cohen and drummer Mark Guiliana, who will play the Bimhuis this month as well. Shai moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he formed his own band in 2011 with Peruvian bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Ziv Ravitz, known from Lee Konitz’ band. In his compositions he mixes jazz with strong influences from eastern music, among others from his native country.

‘Impassioned, emotionally rich compositions’ (Jazzwise).

‘A formidable composer and performer who frequently fashions the sounds of his native Israel into the stuff of improvised fantasias’ (The Guardian).

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 till 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).

1 SET – NO INTERMISSION

Shai Maestro piano, Jorge Roeder bas, Ziv Ravitz drums