Ram Erez and Ya'ala Balin Octet

Doors at Shablul club open an hour and a half before the show starts. It's recommended to arrive close to doors-opening time for the show, part of the marathon event 'Flying to Vote – Invited to Perform.' A rare opportunity to enjoy wonderful Israeli musicians who have made their mark abroad, and also to show appreciation for the fact that they came from so far away, especially to take part in the elections. Bassist Ram Erez leads a wonderful octet of musicians in beautiful original music, and hosts Israeli jazz singer Yaela Ballin, who has lived and worked in New York for over two decades and is coming to Israel specially to vote in the elections. Ram Erez, a highly active musician on the Israeli scene who regularly collaborates with the country's best musicians, this time steps to the front of the stage and presents a refreshing octet with original arrangements of his own, written especially for this ensemble. At the center of the ensemble is the cello — an unusual instrument in the world of jazz, which Ram plays in his own unique way. The combination of the rhythm section, the wind quartet, and the cello creates a rich and unconventional sound. The ensemble will perform Ram's own compositions, which combine the elegance of 1940s and '50s jazz traditions with a contemporary Israeli aesthetic. Over the years the octet has hosted several singers, but this is the first time Yaela Ballin joins them — after years in which Ram accompanied her as bassist in her own ensemble. This time the roles are reversed: Yaela is the guest in Ram's ensemble, bringing her New York spirit to captivating and moving performances in special arrangements. Ram Erez – cello, composition, and arrangements. Yonatan Kozlovsky – trumpet. Yehonatan Cohen – flute and saxophones. Yuval Darvakin – tenor sax. Yoav Tripman – trombone. Guy Moskovich – piano. Aran Hardy – bass. Doron Tirosh – drums. Guest: Yaela Ballin (NY) – vocals.