Burning Bush by Ari Ben Moses Band

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- Paul Weider, JUF News

ARI BEN MOSES has emerged as one of World Rock and Reggae's most dynamic singer/songwriters. Reggae bass lines, African and Latin beats; Middle Eastern and traditional Jewish scales, punctuated with gritty NYC Funk Rock are all masterfully blended by this superb singer, songwriter, and keyboardist.

His music often compared to Carlos Santana and Peter Gabriel, Ari's compelling lyrics, powerful voice and brilliant piano playing have captivated live audiences across the United States. With the release of his CD, "Burning Bush", his innovative Sound has been featured on WLIB-AM, WBAI-FM and WSIA-FM Radio in New York City; WNUR-FM and WHPK-FM in Chicago; and Radio Eshel 106-FM in Israel. Through the internet, he has successfully reached listeners in Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

A native New Yorker, Ari grew up in Westport, CT, where he trained in classical music and jazz. Recognized at an early age for his musical abilities, he was presented with an award for pianistic excellence and a scholarship to Berklee School of Music by famed Jazz musician and educator Dr. Billy Taylor. After a brief stint in acting (as Ari Lehman, he played the first Jason Voorhees in the horror classic "Friday the 13th"), Ari decided to return to his passion and New York City, where he studied jazz piano in its breeding ground with masters Gay Mehegan and Joanne Brackeen; and enrolled at New York University, studying big band orchestration and jazz piano with Jim McNeely and Vladimir Shafranov.

Finding inspiration in the West African and Reggae music scenes, Ari began to venture beyond the western tradition. He toured nationally and in Cote D'Ivoire, West Africa, as keyboardist and vocalist for many international artists, including Ishmael Isaacs, Ijahman Levi, Sister Carol; and Majek Fashek, with whom he made two albums, "Spirit of Love" (Interscope) and "Rainmaker" (Tuff Gong).

In the late 1990's Ari began to explore the music of his Jewish ancestors, infusing traditional melodies and rhythms into his eclectic compositions. To reveal the direction of his music, Ari formed a group with the best local artists, the ARI BEN MOSES BAND. Together, they approached Ari's exotic musical expressions with a refreshing, vibrant energy and urbane confidence.

The ARI BEN MOSES BAND has toured throughout the United States and has performed at clubs and music festivals from New York to Chicago; Woodstock, NY, to Taos, NM, to Aspen, CO, to Salt Lake City, UT. For two consecutive years, ARI BEN MOSES BAND was highlighted at the Fifth Avenue Festival (Brooklyn, NY) and performed twice at Bethlehem Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA). In 2004, ARI BEN MOSES BAND was selected to perform at the Greater Chicago Jewish Music Festival, and given distinct honor to follow internationally-renowned Israeli singer/songwriter, David Broza.

Ari Ben Moses has participated at the International Arts Festival (New Orleans, LA) and Harlem Week at Grant's Tomb (NY, NY). He has appeared at the Apollo Theatre and Red Rocks Amphitheatre and on the TODAY SHOW (NY). In 2002, Ari Ben Moses was a featured performer at the Limmud Conference (international gathering to further Jewish learning), held at Nottingham University in England, where he also delivered lectures on Jewish Music in Renaissance Italy and Kabbalistic Imagery in Psalm 150.

In emphatic response to the tragedy of September 11, Ari Ben Moses was a Red Cross volunteer at Respite 3 at Ground Zero; and a participant of September Concert, New York-based organization dedicated to the memory of September 11 and a celebration of universal humanity through music.

Ari Ben Moses regularly performs for Loyola University Chicago's Hillel. He has donated his music for The Manhattan Society Benefit for Multiple Sclerosis (USS Intrepid, NY); the 39th Annual Fall House Tour: A Benefit for United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (Waldorf Astoria, 2002) and Taste of Elegance for the American Cancer Society - North Shore Region (Hilton Northbrook, IL, 2005).

The engaging showmanship and superior musicianship of ARI BEN MOSES BAND have consistently received enthusiastic response and have developed a strong following.

Ari Ben Moses is currently based in Chicago, Illinois, where he and his wife are renovating an historical Victorian home.

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