Members of the band:

–       – Fred Jacobowitz (clarinet/saxophone) – Julliard graduate, one of the most prominent American Klezmer musicians

Fred Jacobowitz received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Juilliard School of Music. He made his New York Debut at Carnegie Recital Hall as winner of the 1984 Artists International Competition. He was a featured soloist on radio stations WBAI and WQXR in New York City, with the Goldman Band, and in recital throughout the Metropolitan New York area. As a chamber musician, he has participated in the Marlboro Music Festival and played in the Verrazano Winds Woodwind Quintet in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Jacobowitz was Principal Clarinetist in the Annapolis (Maryland) Symphony Orchestra from 1989-2002. He is equally at home in the worlds of Classical, Jazz and Folk, having performed and recorded with his Kol Haruach Klezmer Band <www.kolharuach.com> and his duo, Ebony and Ivory . He has performed as recitalist and soloist throughout the US and Canada and in Panama. Mr. Jacobowitz now resides in Raleigh, NC, where he teaches and freelances, and he can often be heard playing concerts with his wife, North Carolina Symphony Principal ‘Cellist Bonnie Thron.

–         Alex Gordez (six-string acoustic-classical guitar, composer)

Alex Gordez is a virtuoso guitarist. He specializes in Classical, Jazz and World Music, with over 30 years of experience in music education, theater, live performance and studio environments. He has played countless festivals and venues across the country and around the world. Alex’s music style combines contemporary Argentinean Tangos, Modern Jazz, Brazilian music and Flamenco, incorporating his Jewish roots and his favorite Romany (Gypsy) styles. Alex started playing classical guitar at age of eleven and graduated from Glier Music College in Kiev, Ukraine, as a jazz performer (guitar), arranger and composer. In 1988 he debuted at the International Jazz Festival in Ukraine and then started touring – performing jazz, and World music. At this time, he started thinking about how to infuse world music with a jazz vocabulary. In 1991 Alex moved to Israel, and became a part of the Gesher Theater Company, where he explored the theatrical application of his original works. Four years later Alex moved to the United States, and currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his family.

From 2005-2013 Alex was co-director of Via Romen, a world-class ensemble that has impressed audiences both here in the US, Israel, Singapore and Canada, playing alongside the revered Russian seven-string guitarist Vadim Kolpakov, and violinist Arkady Gips ( both whom traveled and performed with Madonna on her past world tour). Recently, Alex was chosen to represent Kremona Guitars at the exclusive National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), a show which is regarded as the premier trade-show of the industry. His latest project “Alex and Mutual Friends” features Alex as a band leader and composer, performing modern jazz/flamenco fusion originals, further pushing the boundaries of classical guitar. Passionate about sharing his love of music, Alex also teaches Classical, Jazz and Spanish guitar and music theory at his private home studio in the heart of downtown Raleigh, NC.

* Percussionist, violinist, accordion player and other musicians to compliment the Duo are available upon requests.

The Raleigh Jewish Music Ensemble is a great choice for many settings including: small intimate clubs, private parties, festivals, college programs, and wedding receptions.