The Chassidic Jazz Project combines traditional Chassidic melodies with contemporary jazz arrangements. The Chassidic Jazz Project’s unusual instrumentation viola, cello, saxophone, guitar, bass, drums and percussion creates a gorgeous chamber music effect that blends elements of jazz, fusion and new world, to create a multi-cultural sound that can be described as liturgical music at its best.
For drummer Reuben Hoch, it is the realization of a dream that began with a celebration of Israel’s 50th anniversary at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Florida in 1998. Reuben was urged in years prior by Dizzy Gillespie’s manager, Charles Fishman, and bassist Jeff Andrews to unfold his heritage by applying his jazz abilities to his religious background. Reuben did so, using Chassidic melodies he learned growing up (different from klezmer). Together with Bassist Ed Schuller and guitarist Tom Lippincott, the project draws on the influence of musicians that include Charles Mingus, Joe Zawinul and Charlie Haden.
Born in Brooklyn in 1959, Hoch was raised as an Orthodox Jew, attended Yeshiva, and prayed in Munkatcher and Satmar Chassidic synagogues. He began playing the drums at the age of 12 and by his senior year in high school, Reuben was active profesionally on the New York jazz scene and recorded with his first group, Repercussions. Heavily influenced by Art Blakey, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette and Elvin Jones, Reuben began playing with Blakey sidemen Valery Ponomaerov, David Schnitter and Lonnie Plaxico.
He remained musically active throughout college and while attending medical school in Tel Aviv from 1984 to 1988, became a member of the Israeli jazz quartet Zaviot. Zaviot toured extensively throughout Europe performing in major festivals, winning an award for most originality in the Red Sea Jazz Festival in 1986.
Since then Reuben appeared on many albums, including two as a leader of his own group, The RH Factor, which features Miles Davis alumnus Dave Liebman and a live CD at New York’s Knitting Factory. He was co-leader of the group West End Avenue, which featured the great Native American Saxophonist, Jim Pepper. West End Avenue released four CD’s.
They have performed for over 10,000 people throughout South Florida at venues including The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Hollywood Jazz Festival and Sunfest The Chassidic Jazz Project released a live recording of a January 2001 performance featuring guest pianist Don Friedman and Bobby Thomas Jr. Their multi-cultural sound has attracted fans of all types of music and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Adon Olam Medley
Bilavi
