Testimonials & Photos
in concert | private events | clinics/workshops

A musical experience is something shared by musicians and listeners in the same moment. Since Asefa is a collective, including the listeners' perspective is valuable to us and everyone. We may play the music, but without the audience we would be like a tree in the forest that fell with no one around to hear it. Did it make a sound?
We want to know what you think about our sound. Don't be shy :)

See what others have to say about us below.


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In Concert
One might call this a musical journey, but that's too mushy. Anthropological? Too dry. Asefa celebrates a living and indomitable music that pops up everywhere, on various continents, in rural and cosmopolitan forms. This is alt-country like you've never heard it. This is jazz from unexpected contexts. This is Mitteleuropean proto-blues. This is music that honors both ritual and experimentation, reminding us of the vitality and variety within the Jewish tradition -- a tradition that is, given the Diaspora, everyone's to a degree. Listen and trace your own roots, whatever they are.

Jon Zobenica

 

...Great music, great players, full of energy. Guys your instruments reminds me of my mother land "Africa". keep up the good job! You are the best because your energy with the flute/sax revibrate the strength of crew....more grease to your elbow.

Ike Ejiogu

 

I was particularly captivated by the circular lines being played by the Ud. They reminded me of what I like about other music such as acoustic country blues and Indian classical music. The music spoke to me in a heavy way.

Wills Glasspiegel - 12/17/06

 

You guys rock! I was blown away and moved by the jamming sound you create. All the percussion and the sax/oud combo was really cool. I can't wait for the album that I just bought and I can't wait to see you guys perform again!

Jeremy Riggles

 

Dear Sam and Orchestra,
Last night my wife and I were privileged to witness your performance. Wow! We were truly impressed with your beautiful style of music! I especially loved the way you played some of the Klezmer songs and the old Chassidic Melodies.

Mendel Meyers

 

I've had the good fortune of listening to Sam Thomas and Asefa several times and their performances are entertaining, moving, and inspiring. Sam and Asefa are all accomplished musicians. Whether Sam is playing a mournful niggun on clarinet or the whole band is caught up in a frenetic Sephardic groove, the audience is always engaged.

Les Krevsky

 

Sam Thomas' Asefa epitomizes the dynamism of contemporary Jewish music. While respecting tradition, Thomas has re-interpreted many melodies to make them conducive to his improvisational bent in which he has used a wide array of influences to shape new territories. His work is truly inspiring and shouldn't be missed.

Stephen I. Klein

 

asefa is a true musical experience that leads down many dusty ancient roads and misty cobble stone alleys. the fusion of world music, new jazz and middle eastern vibes are a tasty treat to the music lover in all of us. Kudos to Sam, Shanir and the rest of the band!

Gary Levine

add your own thoughts...  |  concert music page

 

 

Private Events
I was simply thrilled with Asefa's greatİperformance at my wedding. For weeks afterwards, attendees kept raving about how amazing the music was, how unique the band's sound was, and how energized the dancing was because of it. People really appreciated the unusual twist on traditional Jewish melodies, which is the reason why I chose Asefa for my wedding. Thanks for making my simcha truly unforgettable!

Josh and Julia Weinberg, Married in Lakewood, NJ

 

Asefa gave us the most incredible gift at our wedding -- a rhythmic musical experience enjoyed by all. From the ceremony to the end of the reception, this group contributed to create the vibe we imagined. We couldn't get enough. We love Asefa and highly recommend them!

Susanna Shapiro and Gabe Seiden, Married in Washington DC

 

Thanks so much for your awesome performance at our wedding. Asefa really made the celebration unique and a lot of fun. Guests are still telling us how much they enjoyed theİmusic and what a "breath of fresh air" it was compared to all the other weddings they've been to. Your talent and professionalism made it a pleasure for us to work with you in planning our wedding, and we would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family. All the best!

Tovah and Yaakov Freedman, Married in Teaneck, New Jersey

 

We were so happy with Asefa at our wedding. Their unique blend of musical styles - Jazz, Moroccan, and Klezmer (not to mention classic rock)- was the perfect fit. There is something so original and refreshing about Asefa's sound that you feel both removed from the everyday world and yet curioulsy at home. One foot rooted firmly in the past, the other grooving in the present.

Ted Nusbaum and Heidi Balk, Married in New York, NY

 

Asefa was the perfect band to perform at our wedding. The versatility of the music was exactly what we needed for multicultural nature of our families. The performance of various Jewish songs, Jazz and Funk was beautiful and created a sound that was original and enjoyable. This definitely added to our enjoyment of our most special day. The guests were extremely impressed as the band skillfully and smoothly moved from traditional Jewish wedding songs to romantic Ladino songs. In fact, the music was so amazing that more guests commented on their enjoyment of this unique band than praised the bride's wedding dress!

Yoav and Kim Mejer, Married in Brooklyn, NY

 

Sam Thomas and his band are awesome - these guys don't entertain at your event - they become part of the party! Sam has played at numerous of our events, Purim, Chanukah, Sat night cafes...Lag B'omer on campus. Don't hesitate - if you are looking for REAL music - Sam is the man!

Rabbi Shmuel Posner, Chabad House of Boston

 

Asefa provided our wedding with the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, rootedness and improvisation that informs our sense and celebration of Torah. Truly amazing!

Pinchas & Aviva Angel, Married in New York, NY

 

Dear Sam and Orchestra,
In a world where the arts have become so commercialized it is refreshing to hear music that is original and innovative! I wish you and your band lots of Hatzlacha to continue to inspire people with music that comes from the soul.

Mendel Meyers

 

Asefa was the soul and groove that raised our wedding to amazing heights. Their music has a powerful edge and breathes new life into traditional tune.

Adam and Allison Gottlieb, Married in Queens, New York

add your own thoughts...  |  private events page

 

 

Clinics/Workshops
I enjoyed Sam Thomas's inspirational performance. I learned the different types of jewish music from Spain, Morocco, Israel, and many other countries. I really liked the different styles of music that i have never heard before. They were stuck in my head all day and it was such a wounderful experiece that i will definitly share to my congregation next time i lead services! Thank you Sam for the great time i had listening and participating in your performance!

Aleah Gonsalves

 

The Jewish Museum engaged Sam Thomas to discuss and present Moroccan Jewish music styles for its one-day seminar, Travel U: The Jews of Morocco. Prior to the performance, Sam explained the history of Shirat Ala Music and provided thorough handouts - very helpful take aways.

I was especially impressed with his patience in answering questions from the group -- he has great people skills! The performance was delightful and I highly recommend him for events to adults and children. My only regret...we wish we had made more time to a lot for his performance!

Marcia Miller, Director of Membership, The Jewish Museum, NY

 

Sam discussed with our students Jewish migration and immigration, all the while inserting musical interludes of klezmer, niggunim, or Ladino. The kids were entranced and forgot that in addition to being entertained they were also learning Jewish history!

Les Krevsky, Education Director: Union Temple Synagogue

 

Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto, Ca just hired Sam to do an adult education program as well as a children's program this past weekend. He was fantastic!!! The adult program was thought provocating, spiritual, meditative, entertaining & educational. The children's program was filled with interactive music from around the world. The kids and their parents loved Sam's style & knowledge of the musical Jewish world! Thank you Sam!

Marlene Gonsalves, Program Director and parent,
Congregation Beth Shalom

 

I am co-director of the religious school of Congregation Bínai Israel. Samuel came to our school to do a music program for our students in our Monday afternoon Hebrew school. His program was exciting and the enjoyed participating with him. He has a nice way with children; he is able to draw them in and spark their interest and curiosity.

Marilyn Reinman, Co-Director of Religious School
Congregation Bínai Israel, Albuquerque, New Mexico

add your own thoughts...  |  Workshops & Programming

 

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