The 60's. Also: Tom Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Bebel Gilberto, Nick Drake, Kings of Convenience, Norah Jones, Chet Baker, Joni Mitchell, Marc Cohn, Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, Martin Sexton, Tracy Chapman, Stevie Wonder, Aimee Mann, Iron & Wine, Rockwell Church
Sounds Like
a night on the beach, sunday morning in bed, a warm afternoon sipping chai on the porch, watching a busy playground from a distance, getting romantically drunk, that time when you didn't know whether to cry or just stare out the window, saturday morning pancakes, a really good pair of socks
Originally from Philadelphia, singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia combines classic Brazilian Bossa Nova with a catchy, singular sound that critics have described as "completely refreshing" and "lyrically brilliant." Imagine a performer who seemlessly fuses the piano virtuosity of Ben Folds, the subtle stylings of Norah Jones, and the heartbreaking melodies of John Mayer. A wordsmith as well as a composer, Avi's clever lyrics give a knowing nod to his contemporaries, while his smooth vocals assure you that this is truly something new. Avi showcases his own music with unexpected arrangements, and he experiments with contemporary pop tunes from artists like Lauryn Hill, Bjork, Wilco and The Cure, stripping them down, taking them apart and reviving them with a new bossa spirit.
Avi Wisnia divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia. He and his talented ensemble continue to play shows across the country, performing at such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center and World Café Live, and in renown music festivals including SxSW and CMJ. Avi has won CMJ's Zig Zag Live Competition, was named a finalist in Rolling Rock’s National Band Search, and received several songwriting honors for his song "Rabbit Hole." Avi Wisnia and his band have also shared the stage with such diverse artists as hip-hop legends The Roots, indie-rock darlings Au Revoir Simone and entertainer Tony Orlando.
Giving back to his community through music has always remained a priority. In 2008, Avi created The No Brainer Benefit Concert with his family, which continues to raise funds and awareness for The National Brain Tumor Society. He has organized and hosted events like the annual Make Music New York Festival, The Bent Compass Party (for LGBT artists) and The House of Tribes Fundraiser (for Habitat for Humanity). Avi works with students, from high-schools to pre-schools, encouraging a new enthusiasm for music through discussions, workshops and interactive performances. Avi is also the ensemble director and creator of The New York Megaphonica.
Avi is currently recording his first full-length studio album with a release date scheduled for later in 2009.
The debut EP, "Avi Wisnia Presents:", is available now!
...at CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/aviwisnia
...at Digstation: see above
...on iTunes!
...on Avi's website: www.aviwisnia.com
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Thanks, Avi. I really appreciate your coming by. That was lots of fun playing with you last week, too. I was a little disappointed by how short the set was, actually. I look forward to playing again soon. Good luck with the recording.
hey
so we're back again with new members and completely new songs. It would be cool if you could check out our page and let us know what you think, even if you don't think anything of it. We have all the info on what's been happening in our new blog. We are playing shows again so come see one and come talk to us.
-and again sorry for commenting like this.
thanks
american art
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