Jazz great Charlie Parker, master of the alto sax, is one of Ganor's favorites
Ganor on Louis Armstrong: 'We stand on the shoulders of giants'
Photo: Getty Image Bank
Jazz guitarist needed to refresh
Ofer Ganor has played with Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis. He riffs on Israeli jazz, staying up late and Cheerios
Ofer Ganor, 34, is regarded as one of the country's leading jazz guitarists. He is a graduate of the famed Berklee College
of Music in Boston, and has played with such musical giants as Herbie Hancock,
James Moody,
and Wynton Marsalis.
He answered seven questions from Ynetnews about his return to Israel, his influences and the state of Israeli jazz.
1. Why would an accomplished and renowned musician such as yourself decide to up and leave New York, the jazz center of the world, and come back to Israel?
The balance of living is often interrupted when one finds himself in unnatural surroundings for long periods of time. New York was an intense and foreign environment for me and after seven years in the U.S., I felt I needed some time to refresh myself.
2. Is there such a thing as Israeli jazz? If so, how does it measure up to American or European jazz?
Israel has many talented and dedicated musicians that measure up to any that I heard in New York. Jazz is the high art form of spontaneous group improvisation developed in America by African-Americans. Its rhythmical roots go as far back as the oldest African tribal music and its harmonic complexities draw upon the rich European tradition. Israeli jazz is witnessing a rejuvenation as we see more musicians that are coming back from New York and passing on their experiences to the younger generation. There are a few talented and dedicated local young musicians that I am sure will make an impact on the global jazz scene.
3. Is it true that even in Israel jazz musicians' lifestyles resemble that of Count Dracula?
A lot of the work is at night, if that is what you mean, but I spend my days practicing, studying and teaching. It is definitely a unique and rewarding lifestyle.
4. You've played with some major jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis. What was it like? How has it influenced your career?
When I was a student at the Thelonious Monk Institute, we traveled to India for three weeks and played concerts with Herbie Hancock. Playing with him has been an extraordinary experience. His teachings have opened up doors for me that will keep food on my table for the rest of my life (All I need now is a table).
5. Can music offer us some understanding of our own culture and lifestyle?
The most important thing of playing in a group is listening and respecting each other. This is what I try to teach my students. When you listen to Miles Davis' “Kind of Blue,” you can notice the sensitivity and respect those musicians had for one another. We can all learn from that.
6. Who is your favorite jazz musician of all time, and do you find yourself plagiarizing his music or playing style (willingly or unwillingly)?
I love Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker the most. Being a guitarist, I chose Wes Montgomery as a role model. His sound and his lyricism touched me. Clark Terry, the great trumpet player, said that the three steps to mastery are imitation, assimilation and innovation. We stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before us so we can see further.
7. What is your favorite cereal of all time, and how has it influenced your music?
I guess I like Cheerios straight, no chaser.
