Adir Kochavi Roots & More...

"Adir Kochavi Roots and More" is the brainchild of Adir Kochavi as he sought to follow his dream using the most significant and powerful instrument known to mankind that never fails to bring different cultures together - music! Delving deep into his history and Jewish Yemenite background Adir used his passion for music to tell the stories of his forefathers' journey from Yemen to Israel.

"Having born and grown up in Israel I've had the privilege to lead a very comfortable life thanks to the sacrifices and determination of my parents. But I never forgot the struggles they and my grandparents went through especially on their journey from Yemen to Israel," shares Adir. "So at the age of 21 I decided to live with my grandmother (Zvia) for 4 years as I had a burning desire to learn more about my history," he confessed. "Every day for hours I would sit listening to her stories about the struggles of living in Yemen as a Jew and the abuse and hardships they were faced with while on their way to Israel. She lost 3 daughters on the journey here," he reveals with solemn eyes.

"She will often sing songs which the Jewish community composed and sang together as they walked in solidarity towards Israel" he continues. "This was the fuel which ignited in me the desire to revive these songs and bring their stories to the masses in a form which they can relate to because everyone loves music."

About Adir Kochavi

Adir Kochavi is a well known trumpet player, composer, arranger and producer. He is actively playing and participating in different scenes of music and various projects in The Netherlands, Europe and South America but stays true to his passion of re-introducing Jewish Yemenite music to his fans.

Adir's personal style is a combination of several music genres from Jazz to Latin to R&B. He skillfully integrates these genres into motifs from the music he grew up with as a son of Israeli Jewish parents, who originally came from Yemen. His parents' sheer determination to provide a better life for their 4 children was Adir's source of inspiration. He witnessed a parent's selfless love as he saw his father gave up his love of trumpet playing to pursue a more conventional career in order to provide a secure future for his family and this has been the model by which he has patterned his life.

Adir received several American-Israeli Cultural Foundation Music Scholarships one of which afforded him the opportunity to study at the renowned “Sweelinck Conservatorium van Amsterdam”, Jazz department, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where he studied with Charli Green among others. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance degree.

Adir has worked and toured all over the world with the likes of Shlomo Gronich, the Fra Fra Big Band, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Eddie Conard, Zion Golan, Ruth Jacott (A Touch of Latin 2005/2006, 2006/2007), Rumbata Big Band, Humphrey Campbell, Edy Martinez Big Band, Gerardo Rosales, Javier Plaza y Orquesta Sonrisa and Masalsa. He also participated in the theater project "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" (the celebration of great soul hits).

In July 2007, he released his first solo album "RIKUD" featuring world renowned Yemenite singer, Zion Golan.

Adir' Kochavi's Project

"To whom much is given, much is expected" are the watchwords embedded in Adir's life philosophy. As an avid trumpet player with years of experience he is ever mindful of giving back and often gives workshops and teaches classes to the Youth and aspiring professional trumpet players.

Currently he also works as an educator and can often be found selflessly sharing his time and talent with underprivileged children in the community of Ashdod, Israel. On these occasions he uses music, especially the art of trumpet playing, to show them that there are many alternatives to escape their present circumstances, music being one of them.

While touring he's always excited to give workshops to upcoming professional trumpet players and musicians alike and it's a class that is always well received and appreciated by its participants.

Not forgetting his heritage and often being the only "yarmulke-wearing" band member on tour, Adir frequently finds himself giving spontaneous lectures on his Jewish Yemenite background. Thus he brings his music to full circle and deeper understanding to his fans, an experience not to be missed.

Adir Kochavi Roots and More Live Performances

"Adir Kochavi Roots & More" live performances have always received great reviews and leaves fans wanting more. It combines groovy pieces from Adir's album "RIKUD", arrangement and compositions to traditional Yemenite music infused with Latin, R&B and Jazz grooves and poignantly complemented with new pieces written by Adir. Currently his band consists of 6 members all of whom bring their talent and passion to their fans.

Band Members include:

Adir Kochavi - Trumpet, Tomer George Cohen - Soprano sax, Ofer Mizrahi - Guitar, Ben Danzig -Bass, Yair Tzabari - Vocals & Percussion, Itamar Aharon - Drums

 Today, if visiting the city of Tel Aviv you can always catch one of the band's live performances but if you are not planning a trip soon then be sure to check out their Videos or join the fan mailing list to find out when they will be in a city near you.

A TRIBUTE....

"My music is a tribute to my parents, grandparents and all people who've suffered and struggled to build a better life for the next generation. I never take for granted that I have this opportunity to play and make this into my career. Therefore each note I play is a note of gratitude to them," ends Adir.

Adir plays exclusively van laar trumpets & Flugelhorns