Roy Assaf
While completing his master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, Roy established his reputation as one of the most sought-after young pianists in the New York jazz scene. In 2012, he released his debut album, Respect, on Jazz Legacy Productions accompanied by Reuben Rogers on bass and Greg Hutchinson on drums.
Roy was ready to establish a band of his own.
“I’ve always dreamt of having a band that works regularly together,” he explains, “a band that shares a special musical connection, sound, feel, and time. I want to bring the experience of playing with musicians I admire and also share my own voice, both as a musician and as a human being.”
In 2013, Roy formed a trio with Raviv Markovitz on bass and Jake Goldbas on drums. Together they began to establish the unique voice of the Roy Assaf Trio. They have performed across North America at venues such as The Blue Note and the Rubin Museum of Art. Their debut album, Second Row Behind The Painter will be released in May 2014.
“I love playing in other people’s bands, painting their compositions with the colors I hear in my head,” Roy says. “But for now I’m excited to dive into my own personality as a pianist, composer, and band leader; deliver stories from my life into my music; and discover what Raviv and Jake bring from their own backgrounds to the trio.
“It’s a journey to unknown boundaries. We take the audience on a quest every time we take the stage.”
Awards
1.ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award (2008) 2. 31st Downbeat Student Music Award - Outstanding Performance (2008) 3. 30th Downbeat Student Music Award - Best Arrangement (2007) 4. Charlie Palmieri Memorial Piano Competiion - 2nd Place (2006) 5. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute Award (2004-2006) 6. America-Israel Cultural Foundation Prize for Young Musicians (2000-2004)
Tags
Album Review
- Andarta by John Barron
- Augmented Reality by Dan Bilawsky
- Respect, Vol.1 by Dan Bilawsky
- Second Row Behind The Painter by Dan Bilawsky
Live Review
Read more articlesMarch 19, 2014
“Roy Assaf is an amazing pianist—you will defiantly be learning a lot of good things about him.” (Kenny Barron, April 2007)
“Roy Assaf is a strong young pianist with a good sound and feeling. He was a pleasure to work with and brought some good energy to my ensemble.” (Joe Lovano, May 2005)
“I was impressed with his knowledge of the Jazz idiom, his harmonic concept and the flow of ideas during his solo improvisation. I believe he has a great talent and a potential to become one of the “players” in the Jazz world.” (Michel Camilo, Dec. 2003)
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Tel Aviv
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Roy Assaf has been teaching piano and instructing jazz ensembles worldwide, while focusing on the following areas: - Basic theory - Various piano techniques - Classical repertoire - Jazz repertoire - Improvisation - Ear training - Jazz harmony - Accompanying singers and horns - Group communication for jazz groups * 2002/03: Band Instructor at the jazz department of The Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts (Israel) * April 2007: Introduction to Jazz Workshops at PS 36A School (New York City) * Roy Assaf is currently available for private lessons in the New York City metropolitan area
Album Discography
Guardian Angels
From: Respect Vol.1By Roy Assaf
Tabacon
From: Augmented RealityBy Roy Assaf
Videos
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