Isra-Alien

Artist Information

Biography

Isra-Alien is a band with innovative compositions and imaginative arrangements - deeply rooted in Israel's diverse musical traditions.
The result is a unique fusing of a myriad of influences (Greek, Balkan, Eastern-European, and Jewish/Klezmer), with daring improvisations and inventive textures, showcasing both guitarists’ musical worlds.

Gilad Ben Zvi, and Oren Neiman are both Israeli guitar players who moved to New York in 2001 and made it their musical home. They met originally during their mandatory service in the Israeli army, and have been close friends and musical collaborators ever since.

In April 2009, Isra-Alien recorded their debut album "Isra-Alien". The duo has since been touring in support of the new album in the New York area and Israel, and will continue to do so throughout 2010-11 in addition to writing and rehearsing new material.

Isra-Alien's debut album was chosen by Music Connection Magazine as one of the top 25 independent albums of 2009.

The live performances are humoristic and lively, and include stories and personal anecdotes about the music, the compositions and the musicians.

"...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have played together for years and it shows in every note, verse and exchange..." Music Connection Magazine July 2009

Instrumentation

Oren Neiman - Nylon String Guitar
Gilad Ben-Zvi - Steel String Guitar

Discography

Isra-Alien - 2009
First of All - The Oren Neiman Quartet 2006
Frolic And Detour - The Oren Neiman Quartet 2009

Official Website

http://www.israalien.com

Links

• Facebook

Audio

• Santorini Sunsets
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• The Audrey Hepburn Smile
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• Mesecina/Moonlight
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• Circus
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Lyrics

• The Audrey Hepburn Smile

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• From The Director Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield CT [+ Show ]
  

  I am pleased to share with you high praise and recommendation for Isra-Alien, recent performers here...I am pleased to share with you high praise and recommendation for Isra-Alien, recent performers here at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University. They were a hit!
  
  It is rare to find performances that combine so fully and genuinely exceptional musicianship and charm.While their ability as masterful guitarists speaks for itself, Gilad and Oren’s personal involvement in repartee and story-telling enhances the audience experience in meaningful ways.
  
  Through their insights, we have a deeper understanding of the music’s foundation and their desire to share it with us.
  
  The music somehow was at one time both international and personal: fresh yet familiar. Hearing various textures, colorful tonality, and intricate solo moments in contrast to powerful interplay made for a truly unforgettable afternoon.

• Music Connection Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  "...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have pl..."...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have played together for years and it shows in every note, verse and exchange..."

• Q Magazine
  

  "...the music is intriguing and features a wide variety of musical sounds..."

• Israeli Deputy Consul to the South East [+ Show ]
  

  “It is because of groups like yours that Israel is known worldwide as a center for cultural depth an...“It is because of groups like yours that Israel is known worldwide as a center for cultural depth and beauty…”

• Program Director Jewish Federation of The Quad Cities [+ Show ]
  

  “…In each performance, Gilad and Oren’s finely tuned guitar playing mesmerized the audiences and lef...“…In each performance, Gilad and Oren’s finely tuned guitar playing mesmerized the audiences and left them wanting more. In between the music, they told personal stories of themselves that added a real connection between them and the listeners.”

Setlist

2 45-60 minute sets. Mostly original compositions written by Gilad and Oren, as well as some Israeli folk songs and eastern european gypsy songs.

Basic Requirements

Calendar