| Composer, Songwriter,
Keyboardist, Vocalist
Brian Gelfand draws on many influences to create a unique blend of modern musical styles and traditional Jewish themes. He holds a Master's Degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory, a BA in music from Colombia University, and a BA in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Brian has been composing and performing his own music for fifteen years in New York and Boston. During his tenure as an artist-in-residence at the Arad Arts Project, Brian performed all over Israel, including at the Knessett and the Dead Sea. Brian's unique compositions expand the emotional and stylistic range of Jewish music. |
Brian
Gelfand
The Brian Gelfand Group
This New
York based group has performed around the country
impressing audiences critics.
Accessible yet unique the Brian Gelfand Group pushes the boundaries of Jewish music from what they are to what they could be. The Brian Gelfand Group uses music to present and wrestle with contemporary Jewish issues. Their performances include original works in English and Hebrew and some rearranged modern Israeli classics.
The English repertoire contemplates the relationship between individual versus communal identity. The original Hebrew songs attempt to provoke a personal connection with Jewish texts.
Gelfand uses various musical styles to interpret ancient sources in a meaningful way. The group's modern Israeli repertoire celebrates their connection to Israel. The Brian Gelfand group brings together the extensive talents and experience of composer/songwriter/singer Brian Gelfand - vocals, piano and keyboards, with
Musicians:
Alec Berlin- acoustic and
electric guitars
Alec's experience playing rock, blues and jazz has lent imagination
and wit to ensembles ranging from duos to jazz big bands, original rock
groups, and musical theater. He appeared across the country as part of
the national touring companies of "Grease" and "Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat." Berlin has performed extensively in his hometown
of Cleveland, Ohio as well as in Washington D.C., Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Boston, Massachusetts, New York City and Israel, where he led the Alec
Berlin Quartet as a member of the Arad Arts Project. Alec met Brian while
earning a Master's Degree in Jazz
David Levine - drums and
percussion
Drummer and composer David Levine has been playing professionally in the
New York area for ten years. He has performed in a variety of musical
settings, including musical theater, original rock bands, and studio work.
A graduate of Columbia University, the Jewish Theological seminary and
New York University, David's musical palette includes swing, jazz, rock,
disco, show tunes, pop Latin and Middle Eastern. While at JTS, David joined
Brian's band and they have been playing together for the last ten years.
Danielle Upbin - vocals
Vocalist Danielle Upbin's love for music and Judaism is evident from her
captivating performances. Her musical theater experience includes performances
throughout Israel and the United States, including her work as a featured
performer with Elizabeth Swados. She was a member of the a cappella group
"The Clefhangers" while attending Barnard College. She is currently a
rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Danielle first
performed with Brian in Israel in 1994 and has been part of his band ever
since.
Performances listed at
Actual Art:actualias
Update
For more information
write to Brian
New CD in process.
Available Now
Brian Gelfand
Al Kol Eileh
Esah Eini
Never The Right Time
Erev Shel Shoshanim
Tov Lehodot
Ashira
Welcome Home
Mi Ha'ish?
Dodi Li
Hinei Lo Yanum
Cover Image:
Chet of the Aleph
Bet series
painted by Wendy Angel
