Oded Lev-Ari
A skillful and multifaceted composer and arranger, seasoned bandleader and conductor, and in-demand producer, Oded Lev-Ari has established himself as one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians of his generation. Oded was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. He attended the Thelma Yelin High School for the Arts and served in the Israeli Defense Force Orchestra.
Lev-Ari is a recipient of the America Israel Cultural Fund scholarship, and graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with renowned Composer and Trombone player Bob Brookmeyer. He has written over 500 arrangements and compositions for chamber ensemble, jazz big band, Wind and Symphony Orchestra, and most recently was musical director for a Billie Holiday tribute concert, featuring Madeleine Peyroux. Lev-Ari also collaborated with Emmy award winning performer Theodore Bikel on a variety of live performance and recording projects. He lives and works in New York City.
Ingênuo - Choro Cançau Pixinguinha/Oded Lev-Ari
Choro, sometimes referred to as Brazilian Ragtime, literally means "to cry" or lament. Choro was very popular in Brazil in the twenties, and is now enjoying somewhat of a resurgence. Oded was first introduced to this tune by his friend and colleague, clarinet player Anat Cohen. The original version by Pixinguinha and Lacerda is fast and furious, but Anat played it much slower, and when she asked Oded to arrange it for her recording Noir, he used her tempo. Choro music is very conversational, rich with step-wise bass motion, and soaring melodic gestures. A perfect fit for the cello.
The cello duet version of Ingênuo was premiered by 2VC March 15, 2009 at B'nai Jeshuran.