2007-06-01
Musician Profile - Feature
Why is jazz such an important art form?
There are many reasons why jazz is an important art form. Like other art forms, it brings beauty and love to the world, and helps break the monotony of every day life. But it also has an element that makes it stand apart of other art forms. It allows people of all cultures and places to get together and make uplifting music. Jazz is a bridge made of blues and bop, swing and bossa, up tempos and ballads. It’s the hippest bridge to cross.
What do you consider to be unique about your new CD Keepin’ It Open?
My CD, Keepin’ it Open (Motema Music) represents who I am artistically. It is an honest musical statement. That fact alone doesn’t make it unique. What makes it unique is the fact that it is a reflection of Roni Ben-Hur, and like all other people in the world, I am unique. I am very happy that I was able to make that kind of musical statement.
What drew you to the style(s) of music you perform?
What I like about the music I perform is its beauty, depth of emotion, swinging beat, and the freedom it allows. These attributes, as well as the personalities of all the wonderful jazz artists I came across drew me to jazz.
Describe one of your most rewarding moments performing on stage.
I remember on one of the nights I was playing with Barry Harris at Birdland, NYC, and we were playing a ballad. When we finished, there was a moment of silence before the applause started. The audience was that moved. Looking around, all of us on the bandstand were full of emotions. With these kinds of moments I know we played the right way.
Can jazz help a person discover possible answers to the meaning of life?
I think that jazz provides you with challenges that demand a serious examination of the meaning of life. It doesn’t give you the answers, though.
How important is the spiritual aspect of life to you?
Spirituality is very important to me. I think it gives human kind a chance to step back from their immediate surroundings and get a glimpse into the magic of the universe.
Describe any life threatening or life changing experiences you have gone through.
I’ll never forget a day in my life when I was five years old. I was in Israel, and the air sirens were wailing. My mother carried me in her arms, and with my older siblings in tow we ran to the bomb shelter. My two oldest brothers were in the army, and we had no word from them (they made it back safely). That moment always reminds me how fragile life can be, and how it is this way to so many people, as we speak.
Describe the main thing you love about the music/entertainment industry.
“The cowboys, the wrestlers, the tumblers, the clowns…” Seriously, all the wonderful people and places you come across, and the fact that you don’t have to get up in the morning to go to an office.
Describe what you don’t like about the music/entertainment industry.
The fact that you mix art with business can be frustrating at times, but I try to keep the right perspective, and remember that it’s not a crime to try and make money.
THE LIGHTER SIDE
Have you ever had a train wreck, catastrophe or maddening experience while performing?
Many times…in my dreams. In real life, once I drove to a gig I had with my wife, Vocalist Amy London. I got her sound system in the car, her mike, her music, the percussion she likes to play, and when I got to the gig I realized that I forgot my guitar…
What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Truthfully, I have no idea
EXIT STATEMENT
Give us your best wish for mankind.
I can think of many grandiose wishes, but times being what they are, my wish is that we’ll wake up in the morning to find out that George Bush and Dick Cheney decided to leave public life immediately.
On a more realistic tone, I wish people would realize how great life can be if we cared enough about each other and about the planet we live in.
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Featured Releases
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 | Keepin' It Open
features Jeremy Pelt, Ronni Mathews, Santi Debriano, Lewis Nash |  listen
 buy
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Other Products
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 | Talk Jazz Guitar
Roni's popular Jazz Guitar Instructional book is the only official guitar book featuring the 'Barry Harris Method' - Published by Mel Bay |
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