1.       Could you tell us a little about your band?

The band is called the Uri Gurvich Quartet. All of our members are of different nationalities; I am the only Israeli, the other members are from Argentina, Bulgaria, and Cuba. We met at Berklee College of Music in Boston and have been playing together for six years.

2.       How many albums have you released? What is your most recent one?

I have recorded two albums for Tzadik Records. The first was The Storyteller, released in 2009 and a new album called Babel, released on April 23^rd this year. The reason for this name is that it represents the mix of cultures and languages in the band.

3.       What will your performance at The Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park include and showcase?

This show is part of the CD release tour. It will be a one hour set and the music will be mostly from the new album. There will also be an arrangement of some Israeli music.

4.       What is your musical background? Who are your biggest influences?

I was in the army band during my [military] service. After that I studied at the Rimon School [of Jazz & Contemporary Music] in Tel Aviv and then at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. My main influences are the great jazz artists; Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, and mainly John Coltrane. Also various Israeli musicians like Sasha Argov, and some Middle Eastern music such as that from Morocco and Yemen.