VOICES FROM THE DESERT : Einat Betzalel jazz ensemble
sunday 8 march 2015 - 6PM
Cité-Bleue - 46 av. Miremont - 1206 Geneva
introduction / video memory of the evening
Extraits musicaux / videos
videoclip / videoclip

Einat Betzalel (IL) – Voice
Hakim Boukhit (FR) – Bass
Nicolas Gerber (CH) – Piano
Dominic Frey (CH) – Drums

Einat Betzalel was born in 1978 to a Yemenite mother and Bulgarian father on a Kibbutz in Israel – a collective agricultural community in the countryside. Einat began to perform at age 6 and continued developing her passion for music and art throughout her youth. Upon reaching the age of mandatory army service, Einat was accepted to the prestigious Military Entertainment Unit. She performed throughout Israel, Europe and the Mediterranean for two years. Einat completed her studies at the "Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music" and went on to work with the top artists in Israel.
Over the years, Einat began to write original texts and music. Her unique style was born through the blend of her cultural roots, the special way of life on the Kibbutz, her exposure to Israel's vast array of cultures (from Russian to Yemenite) together with musical influences such as Aretha Franklin, Rachelle Ferrell, Stevie Wonder, Fiona Apple, Erykah Badu and more.
Einat Betzalel's debut stage performance was brought to fruition through collaboration with her brother, Eyal. Einat brought the soul and funk grooves and Eyal, the Arabic-Gypsy-Folk sounds. Through this partnership, Einat's individual sound was created. Einat's debut album was produced by the talented Udi Simhon.
Einat is influenced by the concept of "giving" which was a primary value on the Kibbutz. She and her music have matured in light of her inspirations: love, belief, truth, nature, people and life experiences. Einat describes it as "the wonderful harmony of God".

Hakim Boukhit one of the most active composer, producer and bass player of the Urban Sound scene. A multi instrumentalist respected and appreciated for his humility. Always in the service of music. Hakim performed in big festivals as: Open Air Gampel, Tropical Village, Montreux Jazz Festival, Caribana Festival, Paléo Festival, Willisau Jazz Festival, North See Jazz Festival. Hakim also played in prestigious places as the Madison Square Garden, The Zenith- Paris, Bercy, Royal Festival Foyer. He had the opportunity to work with the greatest, on stage or in studio:
Quincy Jones,Jacques Schwarz Bart (D'Angelo, Erykah Badu), Jason Lindner (Meshell Ndegeocello, Lauryn Hill), Yosvany Terry Cabrera, (Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Eddie Palmieri), Ron Wright (Amp Fiddler, Georges Clinton) Hakim also worked with Kelly Rowland ("Destiny Child", USA), Djam-L (FR), Lesly Ja (FR), Rj One (FR) , Makeba Riddick (Songwriter for Rihanna, Beyoncé, USA), Jimi Sissoko (FR) , Solo Dos (CH) , Cindy Santos (CH), Busta Flex (FR), Jalane (FR), Einat Betzalel (IL), Alias Lj (FR), Renee Neufville (USA), Nadia (FR).

Organising this concert was made possible thanks to the trustfull support of AMJ's members.