STORIES
Stories is the 2021 recording from renowned guitarist and composer Roni Ben-Hur. On his latest collaboration with some of the finest musicians on the international jazz circuit, the jazz guitar virtuoso shares a fascinating collection of 'stories' from his genre-busting 40-year multicultural musicaljourney.
"Recording Stories has been a unique and very fulfilling experience, allowing me to incorporate songs I loved since my childhood, and ones that speak to social issues that are important to me, with the exquisite mastery of the artists in this album. Each person on this recording brought their stories to mine, adding beauty and depth that was beyond my imagination, making it a tale I wanted to listen to again, and again. I feel very blessed to be able to share this with the world," shared Ben-Hur.
Roni Ben-Hur is a master in the world of straight-ahead jazz, but his unique style also reflects the Brazilian, Middle Eastern and African musical landscapes that are so much a part of his heritage. This album is a dazzling compilation of great Stories from that rich treasure chest that yearn to be heard again and again.
The ABRAXAS SESSIONS
“The most recent Abraxas live recording features Ben-Hur, a master of his craft known for his affinity for bebop. Together with bassist Martin Gjakonovski and drummer Vladimir Kostadinovic, he delivered refined straight-ahead jazz in his performance. The warmly resonant double bass and the constantly swinging drums give the guitarist—who at times really steps on the gas—the freedom to let cascades of notes spill from the fretboard.
Ben-Hur is a guitarist with clear musical statements, equally adept at chord solos and a bluesy, soulful style of playing. Particularly beautiful is the closing track: a version of the standard "Manhã de Carnaval.”
-Jazz International
Five Stars!
"The jazz guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, born in Israel in 1962, has been living in New York for many years, where he has earned an international reputation as a virtuoso guitarist. With “The Abraxas Sessions Vol. 2”, he once again demonstrates his mastery as a live performer together with his side crew — Martin Gjakonoski on bass and Vladimir Kostadinovic on drums. The album takes the listener into a multifaceted sound universe in which original compositions, jazzy standards, and improvised passages merge, inviting the listener on an exciting musical journey.”
-In Music