Omer Klein

Biography
Articles

Omer Klein is one of the rising stars of the creative music scene in New York. As a pianist and composer he creates a fascinating combination of Jazz, Israeli music and North-African roots. "…amidst this all-star cast, Klein in particular dazzled with torrents of turbo-charged one-hand rolls and tumultuous lyricism." - Tom Greenland, ALL ABOUT JAZZ, New York. Since moving to New York in 2006, the young Omer Klein has become one of the city's most sought-after musicians. He released his debut CD, Duet, on Fresh Sound Records, and performed his music in some of New York's finest venues, including Carnegie Hall. At 24, Omer had already shared the bandstand with such notable musicians as Omer Avital, Joel Frahm, Johnathan Blake, Meshell Ndgeocello, Ferenc Nemeth, Jason Lindner, Avishai Cohen, Donny McCaslin, Joe Martin, Jaleel Shaw, Mark Juiliana and Eric McPherson, to name a few. Omer grew up in Netanya, Israel, where he started to play and compose at the age of 7. After completing his studies at the prestigous Thelma Yellin high school of the arts, he was acknowledged by the Israeli ministry of culture as an "Outstanding Musician". In 2003 Omer co-founded Mura, a unique group composing and performing music to texts by Israeli poets. Mura's music was received exceptionally well by audiences and critics. TIMEOUT TEL AVIV wrote: "One of the best groups in town, and without a doubt the most profound one." In 2005, after leading his own trio at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Omer received a special scholarship and merit award from the famous New England Conservatory in Boston. He moved to the US and began studying with Jazz masters like Danilo Perez, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Ran Blake and others. Soon he was hired to instruct ensembles at NEC, and started playing every weekend in New York jazz clubs such as Smalls and Fat Cat �" mainly with his close friend, bassist Omer Avital. In 2006 Omer was granted an artist visa and moved to New York. Omer's music was described by "Ha'aretz", Israel as "deeply rooted in Israeli, Arab and North-African music." His compositions and improvisations combine his deep love for the Jazz tradition, his passion to explore and master the piano, and his strong connection with the sounds of his homeland. All this create a non-compromising, personal musical style, which is nonetheless inviting and communicative.

Omer Klein, Haggai Cohen Milo, Air Bresler: Life & Fire

Read "Life & Fire" reviewed by Neil Duggan

by Neil Duggan
March 21, 2023

If you're going to release an album to celebrate 10 years as a trio, then here is a fun way to do it. Invite your friends and family to the studio, sharing the experience and bringing a celebratory mood to the recording, it's an anniversary party after all. Omer Klein grew up in Israel, moving to the US in his early twenties, and is in 2023 resident in Germany. He is considered a major artist in Israel and has won ...

Album Review

Omer Klein: Fearless Friday

Read "Fearless Friday" reviewed by Ian Patterson

by Ian Patterson
January 6, 2016

From Israel to Boston and then to New York, Omer Klein has followed the path of so many of his compatriots--up to a point. His debut as outright leader, Introducing Omer Klein (Smalls Records, 2008), announced a unique voice, one that blended folkloric, classical and contemporary colors quite seamlessly. Three further recordings cemented Klein's reputation as one of the most talented pianists of his generation. Then, with New York at his feet, Klein moved to Germany. The change, however, has ...

Interview

Omer Klein: Theme and Variations

by Robin Arends
August 12, 2014

One of the numerous talents that Israel has produced in the last decade is pianist Omer Klein. He is a much sought-after guest at various music venues in Europe, Israel and the U.S and last April he had his first tour in Canada. Klein, grew up in Netanya, Israel. After he received a special scholarship Klein moved to jny: Boston where he attended the New England Conservatory. In 2006 he moved to New York where he quickly became a notable ...

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Album Review

Omer Klein: Heart Beats

Read "Heart Beats" reviewed by Jim Santella

by Jim Santella
May 5, 2009

Considering the rhythmic spark that freshens this program, it is fitting that Omer Klein's solo piano album begins with a drum solo. Sitting down at the drum set, he introduces his forte with hands on drums and a personalized muffle that contains the basic building blocks of life: Heart Beats. Elsewhere, he spends his time at the piano working up daydreams and reveries that float impressions closely identified with his song titles. “Alma" and “Ship of Fools" rely on simplicity ...

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Album Review

Omer Klein: Introducing Omer Klein

Read "Introducing Omer Klein" reviewed by John Barron

by John Barron
June 2, 2008

Since receiving a scholarship to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, Israeli born pianist Omer Klein has amassed an impressive resume in the U.S. After moving to New York in 2006, the twenty-five year old musician began working with an impressive list of artists, including Joel Frahm, Clarence Penn, Ben Street and Donny McCaslin.

Introducing Omer Klein marks Klein's recording debut as a leader, and features bassist Omer Avital, drummer Ziv Ravitz and percussionist Itamar Doari. The all ...