SEPHARDIC FUSION
Gerard Edery, a composer, singer and guitarist, was born in Casablanca and raised in Paris and New York City by parents of Spanish, Moroccan and Argentine heritage. Though dormant for many years, Edery’s Judeo-Spanish roots came through in his love of music and song. “The music became a means to reassert my heritage,” Edery said in a statement.
“In learning and arranging for guitar, voices and percussion the vast repertoire of hauntingly beautiful Sephardic melodies and verses,” he wrote, “I felt a joy and fullness of purpose that made the musical experience profound and complete.”
The performer told the Forward that his aim is to bring Sephardic music to as many contemporary artists as possible in order to make them aware of its rich cultural heritage. He collaborates with an array of musicians — jazz, pop and Jewish — to bridge cultures and styles and share the inspirations Sephardic music and texts provide.
The classically trained baritone and virtuoso guitarist brings his latest collaboration to New York with a performance alongside Magda Fishman, a mezzo-soprano singer and trumpet player; Ofir Kaner, who plays piano and keyboard; percussionist Justin Hines, and bassist Emmanuel Mann.
Makor, 35 W. 67th St.; July 2, 8 p.m.; $15. (212-601-1000 or www.makor.org)
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