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"Band leader composer and saxophonist Tevet Sela has straightforwardly produced some of the most mindful modern jazz in Israel. Tevet Sela follows a sense of “let it go”. When this magical moment happens, his saxophone will shrill, snarl and weep every note to collide into a turning mass of sounds. Tevet Sela injects a high skill onto this release with creativity, spontaneity and passion, offering a very original music which is certainly worth the time."
Dr. Ana Isabel Ordonez, JazzReview.com, April 2007
"Tevet Sela Quartet presents an intelligent and skillful mix of classical harmonies with a
Kleizmer influence and North-African rhythms...An intriguing concert for all who love innovative and exciting jazz"
Time Out, September
2006
"Tevet Sela will undoubtedly be one of
the most influential saxophonists of the 21st century"
http://www.saxtalk.com , April 2005
"I'm really impressed by the quality of
composition and performance… his writing is adventurous… I couldn't
help comparing his music with that of the Yellow Jackets".
Chris Mann, www.smooth-jazz.de , June 2005
"… Tevet Sela's music combines classical
harmonies with a kleizmer influence and north-African rhythms, and it
all blends into a sweet honey-like mixture with a bass-guitar touch.
This musical mix is punctuated by Tevet's poignant saxophone, like a
surprise chilli in strawberry jam, which doesn't overshadow its color
yet keeps generating curiosity and fascination…"
Svetlana Kolbanjowa, Kaskad newspaper (Kaliningrad)
Tevet Sela is a virtuoso saxophonist and
composer, and one of Israel's most prominent musicians. Over the last
years, Tevet has been leading his own quartet, which exclusively performs
his music.
In his repertoire, Tevet weaves together
elements of soulful Jazz-funk with African and Middle Eastern music.
Tevet's style of music came from him being exposed at an early age to
the rich blend of cultures found in Israeli society, ranging from Jewish
to North African music, and from Middle Eastern to Western music. This
singular mix of influences characterizes Tevet's instantly recognizable
and individual style.
Tevet, who is also a bassist, has an extraordinary
sense of rhythm manifested by his ability to transform the saxophone
into a rhythm instrument and to combine his tight rhythmic lines as
an integral part of the rhythm section. This rhythmic approach, along
with Tevet's song oriented compositions, makes for a complete and satisfying
experience.
Tevet started playing classical piano at
the age of 7. When he was 12 he began playing the saxophone and his
interest in Jazz started to grow. At the age of 16 he started to compose
his own music and began his professional musical career. Tevet soon
became a much sought after session player, playing at the house bands
of the most popular Israeli television shows as well as contributing
solos for soundtracks and artists releases, both in Israel and abroad.
Tevet, who is also a graduate of the prestigious
Thelma Yelin School of Arts, has toured in France and the Netherlands
as it's big band featured soloist. In addition, Tevet holds a Diploma
in music education, and has over the years won several scholarships
of the America-Israel cultural fund.
Tevet has enjoyed the Israeli Foreign Ministry's
endorsement on several projects such as representing Israel in an international
UNICEF benefit concert. This concert was broadcasted from the Netherlands
to 35 countries throughout the world and featured international artists
such as: David Bowie, Des'ree, Youssou N'doure, Al Jarreau, and more..
In the year 2000 Tevet established his
own band and started to record and perform his original compositions.
In the spring of 2003 Tevet's debut album 'Tevet Sela' was released
and followed by a tour in international jazz festivals and venues, both
in Israel and abroad. Tevet's live concerts generate interest and enthusiasm by both European and Israeli audience. His music is frequently played by radio stations around the world including the BBC Radio, and leading Jazz stations in the USA. The Album is nominated for the 'jazz album of the year' and the 'jazz composition of the year' awards at the JPF Music Awards 2006.
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