ASEFA-Jazz

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.

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!

Asefa-Jazz 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.

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.

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.