Tal Yahalom

Tal Yahalom is an award-winning guitarist, composer and bandleader based in Brooklyn, New York since 2014.
In his music he seeks to weave a wide spectrum of aesthetic elements into a distinct musical language - exploring the worlds of post-bop, alternative-rock, impressionistic classical music, and various South American guitar traditions.

Described as “among the most uniquely gifted guitarists on the NYC improv scene” (NYC Jazz Record)and “one of the most impressive jazz players of his generation” (Bill Kirchner), he is committed to creating engaging storytelling, thoughtful interplay, and unique sonic environments that go beyond the traditional functions of the guitar.

Yahalom performed as a semifinalist at the 2019 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition, earned 1st place at the 2015 Detroit Jazz Festival National Guitar Competition, 3rd place at the 2016 Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Competition, and received an AICF scholarship award of excellence in 2014-2015.

As a leader, he performs regularly with various solo programs, different trio configurations (whichfeatured Dan Weiss, Caroline Davis, Rogerio Boccato and Tom Rainey) and a chamber-jazz quintet which just released its debut album - March 21st, 2025 on Adhyâropa Records.

Tal released ‘Solo Standards’ in June 2023 - an ambitious and creative take on classic jazz repertoire, arranged to showcase the guitar as a multi-dimensional instrument that holds several roles simultaneously through innovative techniques and textures.
Additionally, he has released 3 Solo Guitar EPs to date and is featured on albums presented by labels such as JazzHausMusik (DE) and Out of Your Head Records (US), among others.

Since 2014, Yahalom has been co-leading the trio ‘KADAWA’, performing in major festivals and renowned venues across Europe, New York City and Israel, while receiving praise from publications such as The New York Times, All About Jazz (IT), NEXTBOP and The Vancouver Sun (CA).

Tal is also an active part in many collaborations and stylistically diverse projects in the New York and international creative music scene, led by musicians such as Adam O’Farrill, David Leon, Nick Dunston, Lisa Hoppe, and Gabriel Zucker.
He has performed at acclaimed international venues such as National Sawdust, The Jazz Gallery, RouletteIntermedium, The Cornelia Street Café, Elastic Arts, Cliff Bell’s, Tranzac Club (CA), Loft (DE), Bunker Ulmenwall (DE), Vortex Jazz Club (UK), The Jazz Bar Edinburgh (UK), unTUBO (IT), Teatro CajaGranada (ES), The Zone (ISR) and Beit Haamudim (ISR).

Awards

Semi-finalist - 2019 Herbie Hancock Institue of Jazz International Guitar Competition
3rd place - 2016 Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Competition
1st place - 2015 Detroit Jazz Festival National Guitar Competition
AICF scholarship award of excellence (2014-2015)

Tags