The show where we uncover the stories, processes, and worldviews behind NYC’s most artful and creative musicians.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brave-sound-podcast/id1537645722

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ByvBpLEwvf1FkyZr40d11

Today's Guest: Shai Maestro (1987) is one of the most promising and talented pianists of his generation. Since his debut with his own trio in 2011, Shai has shaped a strong and unique personal identity and has portrayed an incredible musical fluidity, making Shai and his band one of the most powerful and harmonious groups in the jazz today.

2018 marked an important year for Shai, signing with major jazz label ECM and recording his first album “The Dream Thief” there, featuring his trio, but also him as a solo-pianist. Introspective, lyrical, virtuosic and differentiated. In its review of ‘The Dream Thief’, All About Jazz spoke of “a searching lyrical atmosphere, emotional eloquence and communal virtuosity that serves the music.” All of which also applies to ‘Human’, Shai’s latest release on ECM, where Maestro’s outgoing, highly-communicative band with fellow Israeli Ofri Nehemya on drums and Peruvian bassist Jorge Roeder becomes a quartet with the inspired addition of US trumpeter Philip Dizack. Shai’s expansive pianism is well-matched by Dizack’s alert, quick-thinking approach to improvising. And, as ever, Maestro is taking the music forward while also respecting its sense of tradition. ‘Human’ was recorded at Studios la Buissonne in the South of France in February 2020, and produced by Manfred Eicher.

Purchase a CD of Shai's new album "Human": https://www.ecmrecords.com/shop/1603275985

Stream it here: https://ecm.lnk.to/HumanFP

Instagram: @shaimaestro

Your hosts: Michael Shapira: michaelxshapira.com @michaelxshapira

Austin Zhang: austinzhang.org @austindiscovers

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/

Instagram: @bravesoundnyc