Today we’d like to introduce you to Ori Menache.
Hi Ori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born in the Kibbutz, Ein-Carmel, on the outskirts of Haifa, Israel. I was first introduced to the saxophone when I was ten, and when I turned fifteen, I started studying jazz at the Israeli Conservatory in Tel Aviv with the best teachers for jazz in Israel. By then, I realized music would be a big part of my life. I had the opportunity to play multiple times in Israel’s best jazz clubs: Beit Ha’amudim, Shablul Jazz Club, and Levontin 7. I also had the opportunity to play in the Red Sea Jazz Festival with both my band and the Eyal Vilner Big Band. In 2019, I started my Bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music, and I found myself studying with my saxophone heroes, such as George Garzone, Godwin Louis, and Walter Smith III. It was such a privilege to learn from these musicians – in a way, almost surreal. After graduating from Berklee, I moved to NYC to continue my journey as a performing musician. The authenticity and intensity of the city drew me in, but I also knew I could find many musicians who wanted to create the same kind of music I do. Throughout my music career thus far, I’ve had the opportunity to work with great musicians and groups all around the world, such as Ely Perlman, Bundesjazzorchester, Nicole Zuraitis (Grammy-Winner), Alain Mallet, Shai Maestro, Kevin Harris, and Noah Preminger.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was smooth. I was just a kid discovering the wonders of music – discovering jazz, improvisation, and sounds for the first time. That was wonderful… no responsibilities, only unveiling and exploring. I also grew up in a very musical and community-centered environment, which was very supportive. My first saxophone teacher, Nimrod, may he rest in peace, was like a father figure to me. He taught me how to love and listen to music, and he did it with so much warmth. That’s one of the reasons why it was tough for me to move to Boston. Coming to a big city in America, straight from my little hometown next to the mountains and the sea, was an intense transition. I thought I would never be able to finish Berklee, for example. I know it sounds spoiled of me, but it is what it is. I guess that’s what happens when you come from a little bubble somewhere, where you are the star of the scene, and then you arrive in the US and are suddenly a small fish in the big ocean. My second teacher, Erez, may he rest in peace, died very young, too. I feel like both of my teachers sent me on my journey with a lot of skills and wisdom, but with their loss, I felt pretty much alone. However, even without their loss, I don’t know of any teacher or school on the entire planet that could prepare me, or anyone, for NYC. However, I’m looking forward to learning some important lessons from the city of New York itself and the amazing musicians in it – I know this city has so much to offer me, and vice versa.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an alto saxophonist, jazz player, composer, and flute player. I find the alto saxophone to be the instrument I am best at and the one I can express myself the most on. I’ve always loved the depths of the world of jazz; I feel like jazz is the music I can always relate to. It is music that many times affirms the way I feel because it’s music that has to come from the most honest place within people. I’d say I’m trying to create music that is influenced by jazz and its infamous cats, like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. But I’m also influenced by more modern music. Alongside my journey as a jazz musician, I’m trying to create and produce my songs as well. Coming from Israel, it’s hard to not be influenced by one of the most unique music scenes in the world. I’m influenced by Matti Caspi (The Israeli Stevie Wonder), Shem Tov Levi, Tomer Yeshayahu, and Yehudith Ravitz. I feel like I’m on my way to creating my sound, influenced by jazz and indie pop. It’s a little bit hard to describe it since it’s in the process of forming – I feel like it’s always easier to title a genre in hindsight.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I like to listen to Ram Dass’s podcast, Be Here And Now – the way he talks about life helps me put life into perspective. He comes from the world of Buddhism and shares his very interesting life experiences with people. Additionally, I’ve been tremendously influenced by Kenny Werner’s book Effortless Mastery. Werner talks about a new stress-less, loving, effortless way of approaching, practicing, and creating music. The book helped me to put everything in perspective as well, acknowledging that music is here to make our lives better. Many musicians are facing a lot of stress and a lack of self-esteem including myself. I was privileged to take a course in Effortless Mastery at Berklee with Kenny Werner himself. I will take some of his methods with me forever. I also frequently meditate and love to use Insight Timer, an app for meditation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ori_menache/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000596073385
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ori-menashe-40255225b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_j6IDPivmrjrgP0LkOHOqQ
Image Credits
Rhiannon Mueller
