Gilad Atzmon

Gilad Atzmon "was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz) A multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet, Sol, Zurna and Flutes. Atzmon is also a prolific writer, and most of his articles can be read on his website.  He is the author of The Wondering Who?, an examination of Jewish identity politics.

About his musical career
"Until 1994 he was a producer-arranger for various Israeli Dance & Rock Projects, performing in Europe and the USA playing ethnic Jewish soul music. Highly involved in the Israeli musical scene he recorded for 'Ofra Haza', Yeuda Poliker and many others. He also toured with Memphis Slim and supporting many international jazz names such as Jack De Johnette, Michel Petrucciani, Richie Byrach and many others.

"Coming to the UK in 1994, Atzmon recovered an interest in playing the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe that had been in the back of his mind for years. He founded the Orient House Ensemble in London and started re-defining his own roots in the light of political reality. Since then the Orient House Ensemble has toured all over the world.The Orient House Ensemble includes Asaf Sirkis on Drums, Yaron Stavi on Bass and Frank Harrison on keys.

"Also a prolific writer, Atzmon's essays are widely published his novel 'Guide to the perplexed' and 'My One And Only Love' have been translated into 24 languages all together...

"As a member of the Blockheads, Gilad has also recorded and performed with such as Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. Gilad has also recorded with Robert Wyatt, the Waters Boys and many others."

Affiliations

 * Cofounder, Palestine Think Tank

Related Sourcewatch articles

 * Global Music Foundation
 * A list of Gilad's writings and other commentary