Like a summer breeze
that lifts a seagull over a tropical beach, the music of the Shimon
Ben Shir Group is warm, inviting and takes the listener on a journey
to destinations that reflects the far reaching places around the globe
that the group represents.
Shimon Ben-Shir: Basseses
- Berklee College of Music graduate, Shimon Ben-Shir grew up in Israel,
surrounded by the sounds of Middle Eastern music. Since 1994 Shimon has immersed himself in the New England music scene,
playing in a wide range of bands covering diverse musical genres, including big band, jazz, blues, rock and pop.
Shimon is the leader of “The Shimon Ben Shir Group” with considerable performances in many notable venues throughout the
Boston area.
Amir Milstein: Flute
- A graduate of the "Rubin Academy of Music" in Jerusalem (B.M.) and New England Conservatory (M.M.), Mr. Milstein established his career in the world-music scene, founding acknowledged ensembles such as Bustan Abraham and Tucan Trio with which he has recorded and performed worldwide.
Amir has collaborated with Israeli and international artists and is featured in over forty albums worldwide.
Amir composing music for ensembles and dance groups, as well as the film scores. Amir currently lives in Boston and teaches at the New England Conservatory and Northeastern University.
Eyran Katsenelenbogen: Piano
- Eyran is a classically trained pianist with a unique jazz style. Eyran has been committed throughout his life to the medium of improvisational piano. "He is a passionate man who feels deeply, and he has the talent to express those feelings through his playing and his writing." - Cadence.
Related to Mendelssohn, Eyran was born in Israel, and was first taught by Aida Barenboim, mother and teacher of Daniel Barenboim. Eyran continued his music education at the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston. Currently, Eyran is a member of the faculty in NEC’s Preparatory School and School of Continuing Education.
In addition to solo touring throughout the US and Europe, Eyran is also continuing his Classical Meets Jazz two-piano collaboration with Russian classical pianist Andrei Ivanovitch.
Diane Wernick: Saxophones
Received her B.A. in Jazz Education from North Texas State University
and her M.A. in Music Performance from Northern Illinois University.
Diane's teaching experience includes: JPMC since 1994, teaching saxophone,
clarinet, and flute, The Berklee College of Music's Ensembles department,
and Directing the Middle School Jazz Band at Buckingham Browne & Nichols.
Twenty years of teaching and performing make her comfortable working
with a variety of musical settings including jazz combos, swing big
bands, sax quartets, and woodwind ensembles.
Duncan Martin: Saxophones
Saxophonist Arranger and Composer A New England jazz stalwart for
40 years, Duncan Martin is an active teacher as well as performer.
He is conductor and arranger for the John Payne Saxophone Choir, which
has appeared at the Regattabar, Ryles, the Tam, and Sculler's, three
times performing with President Bill Clinton. Duncan is also a member
of the septet Pzazz and leader of his own quartet.
Diana Fischer: Keyboards
Pianist/vocalist Diana Fischer received a Bachelor's in Jazz Performance
from the New England Conservatory of Music where she studied with
Tom McKinley. She has an extensive background in classical piano and
voice.
Dani Danor: Drums
- Israeli born Dani Danor is an accomplished jazz drummer. In Israel Dani has performed with various jazz groups in major venues across the country such as the Shablul Jazz Club, Milestone and the Yellow Submarine, as well as the International Red Sea Jazz festival in Eilat. Dani has played with Israel’s top jazz players such as Amos Hoffman, Yuval Cohen, Ofer Shnieder, to name a few.
Dani is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies at the New England Conservatory of Music. At NEC, Dani has been studying with world-renowned jazz musicians including Billy Hart, Bob Moses, Cecil McBee, Jerry Leake and Frank Carlberg. Dani has also appeared on New England’s WICN radio station as well as the NECN channel. And perform regularly in local venues such as the Beehive, Lily pad, Stork and Wally’s Jazz Café.
Since 2004, Dani has been supported by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and is a current recipient of both the NEC’s Beneficent Society Scholarship and the Eubie Blake Scholarship.
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