GILAD ATZMON

Gilad Atzmon with the Orient House Quartet at Lerwick Town Hall, March 2013. (Photo by Matthew Lawrence)

The JAWS Blockheads gig at Mareel goes ahead on 22nd November, over the next week or so I'll be putting up some bio's of this legendary band. First off,  Gilad Atzmon, no stranger to these shores, Atzmon has performed at the Town Hall and Mareel with Tim Garland, Asaf Sirkis and the Orient House quartet, Brian Kellock as well as hosting workshops with some of our young talent who have gone on to greater things.

Until 1994, Israeli born Atzmon acted as producer-arranger for various Israeli Dance & Rock Projects, performing in Europe and the U.S.A. playing ethnic music. Highly involved in the Israeli musical scene.

Toured with Memphis Slim and supported many international jazz names such as Jack De Johnette, Michel Petrucciani, Richie Byrach and others.

In 1996 through to 1998 awarded HMV Top Dog Award at the 'Birmingham Int' Jazz Festival'. Wrote Dance material with DJ Face and toured Japan with Simon Turner. Toured with 'Jazz Africa' ( Gail Thompson). Kenwood Dennard in the Middle East and recorded with Simon Turner.

1998-9 Toured and recorded with Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Mike Scott ( Water Boys), Little Mothers ('The Worry') and Simon Fisher Turner. Released a Solo Trio album 'Take It Or Leave It' ('Face Jazz') and a dance EP 'Juizz Music' ('Fruit Beard).

In 2000 performed and recorded with 'The Blockheads' and SFT. Released a new solo album 'Gilad Atzmon & the Orient House ensemble'(ENJA Records) and performed with the ensemble on prestigious U.K.festivals and stages as well as in Europe and the Middle East. Played with Bill Le Sages 'The Be-Bop Preservation Society'.

Gilad is an avid supporter of Palestinian human rights and campaigns tirelessly for justice in the region. He is a published author and commentator on middle Eastern politics.