yonatan elkayam

Evan Francis – Discovery

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:04:51 +0000

Evan and Yonatan met in college and became quick friends and collaborators. When Yonatan was assembling the Avant-Garde Ensemble at USC, Evan was one of the first musicians in mind. It was a time of discovery, exploring freedom within the music, and learning according to Evan, “how to let it take a natural form, letting it just happen and not forcing it.” Around that time Yonatan was studying with Dr. Art Davis, an advocate for experimental music. At one of the Ensemble’s performances Dr. Davis heard Evan and enlisted him to perform with him and Billy Higgins playing John Coltrane’s “Africa.” With a handful of songs developing and preparations beginning to record the album POTS(PleaseObeyTheSigns) Yonatan had written a piece for Dr. Davis entitled “One for Art.” However unfinished, the piece was helped by Evan who completed the end of the bridge, bringing a strong form and flow to the piece. Evan says about that period, “it got me way out of my comfort zone, and would prepare me for things I would do in the future.”

One For Art by Yonatan Elkayam and the Forefront
(Yonatan Elkayam-Composer, Producer, Upright Bass)
(Evan Francis – Co-Composer)

T.V. Franco (a.k.a. Guitarman) by Yonatan Elkayam and the Forefront
(Yonatan Elkayam – Composer, Producer, Upright Bass)
(Evan Francis – alto sax)

Evan Francis – Collaborations

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:25:07 +0000

Having left Los Angeles years ago with horn in hand, Evan set his sights on San Francisco ready to forge a new path. One of the first people he met was bass player and former member of the group Black Note, Marcus Shelby (marcusshelby.com/). Evan says about him, “he really pushes the boundaries with the suites he writes, inspired by history, social consciousness and sustainable living.” His time in the Bay Area has strengthened his ties to the Cuban music Salsa, specifically a style called Timba. The group Rumbaché (www.rumbache.com/), is the vehicle that moves through different rhythms bleeding into each other; as Evan simply states, “I love playing with that band.” Also in that vein, and someone Evan enjoys working with is artist Edgardo Cambon (www.musicandela.com/), a Uruguayan who has become a legend in the worldwide latin music scene, playing afro-cuban as well as afro-uruguayan music. Another Los Angelino who made his way to the Bay Area is musician/composer Cory Wright (www.corywrightmusic.com/). Years ago Evan, Cory and Yonatan all played and performed improvised music together, bonding friendships and musical journeys. Today Evan plays in Cory’s original jazz/classical/avant-garde project, saying “his writing is really cool, he’s got sections fading into each other in a really subtle way.”

Evan Francis – Joy

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Time away from his horn brings different kinds of inspirations for Evan. From reading western novels, and exercising to just warming up his horn playing long notes, he finds happiness in life’s simple pleasures. However, it’s his love for people of all walks of life keeps him grounded and focused. He enjoys his daily commute saying, “I like to be around people and see the vibe on the streets.” One of the greatest joys in Evan’s life is being part of different support systems. His involvement with people who are going through hard times fills Evan up with a tremendous amount of meaning and hope. He says, “there are a lot of troubled people out there. I hang out with them try to help work out their problems.” This artist brings joy and beauty to many through his compassion and heart as well as through his music.

Evan Francis – Artist

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:11:05 +0000

Evan Francis is an artist who is most influenced by the different forces he senses in the universe. He uses music to interlink these different connections and writes pieces that pull from many different sources. In his words, “the music I write for my group are obtuse pieces that fit together in a certain way, the purpose is to reflect the interconnectedness of the whole world.” He talks about being influenced by different art forms, including comic books; being most inspired by how different mediums stay creative within their specific constraints. In comic books, it’s the use of space, thought bubbles and both flashback and flash-forward techniques that really ignite Evan’s imagination. In relating it back to music he says, “in certain styles of cuban music, one section moves to another, while the rhythm from the previous section bleeds into the next section until a specific event occurs and the old rhythm is gone completely into the new. It feels like reality.”

Elan Atias – Roots

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:32:17 +0000

Elan and Yonatan met on stage playing in a Hollywood club. It was long time coming, as both of their families knew each other and were trying to make the connection for years. Their working relationship solidified as Nick Rosen brought Yonatan in for a writing session with Elan. Along with Marcel Camargo they crafted few songs, including the title track, for the new album “We Are“. Their approach and musicality opened a new direction for Elan’s music, enriching the overall artistic statement from this artist. Through working together, Elan and Yonatan developed a strong friendship, with their common roots, background and language solidifying them into firm friends. Elan simply puts it as, “it just feels like family.”

Nothing Without You by Elan Atias
Yonatan Elkayam – Co-Composer, Producer, Engineer, Upright Bass)

Elan Atias – Family

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:40:43 +0000

With so many different ventures on his plate, Elan Atias enjoys his time off from music with what gives him the most inspiration, his family. Listening to “We Are” there is a sense of joy and hope conveyed by Elan, a message lived throughly everyday by Atias. Being a great husband, father and provider has shaped his art on the off time. With little time to spare he also finds enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures, playing sports, watching a great movie, and eating a delicious meal. He says, “right now it’s hard, but I try to squeeze it all in. I wish I had more time.”

Elan Atias – We Are

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:52:19 +0000

With today’s release of the new record, “We Are” Elan embarks on a completely new part of his journey, as both artist and record label. His goal with the creation process was to write great songs with some of his closest friends, who are also some of LA’s finest musicians. Allowing the music to flow freely, he didn’t over think the writing process, entering into it without any preconceived ideas for the sound and genre. With the artistic side complete, and Elan’s feelings about it being described as “excited!,” Atias embarks on the job of marketing and promoting the record. With his first record being promoted and marketed poorly by a major label, Elan is enthusiastic about putting his personal touch on this part of the process. His goal is in making sure the life he breathed into these songs is met with many excited sets of ears, ready for music that uplifts and makes you feel good.

We Are by Elan Atias
(Yonatan Elkayam – Co-Composer, Producer, Engineering, Upright Bass, Percussion)

Elan Atias – Artist

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:54:16 +0000

With an artist like Elan Atias, music making has traversed the spectrum of styles and methods. For years with the notoriety of performing with The Wailers, Elan found himself recording and performing with some of the industries biggest artists. With his latest artistic statement Elan wanted to return to his roots, making music with some of his closest friends. Creating works that had no preconceived ideas or functions, the songs are just raw and organic with more influences of folk and acoustic music. For Atias the world is full of inspiration, and the process is enough to keep him creative. He states, “I love what I do, if I didn’t I wouldn’t do it.” The new record, titled “We Are” brings together all the things that feel right to Elan, great music, strong friendships and an overall enjoyment in the creation process. His joy in making it is clearly evident through the joy experienced while listening to it.