Ofer Landsberg Bio Shortly after his arrival in New York, aged seventeen, Jazz guitarist Ofer Landsberg was performing regularly with legendary Jazz Greats such as; pianist Frank Hewitt, drummer Jimmy Lovelace, pianist Gil Coggins and Jimmy Wormsworth. Distinguishing himself as a striking talent and key player within the scene, he frequently fronted gigs at the celebrated clubs “Smalls” and “Fat Cat” including musicians; Ari Roland, Zaid Nasser, Mike Mullins, Grant Stewart, Dwayne Clemons, Chris Byars and Sacha Perry. It was also during this time when Ofer met the famous Barry Harris and became a steady participant of his workshops. Born in Israel, Ofer started playing guitar aged seven. Quickly recognized as an astounding young player, he began to study with the great Alto saxophonist Arnie Lawrence. Following this period Ofer and Arnie collaborated on many performances together. As evident in his playing, he states Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Elmo Hope, Don Byas and Art Tatum as his primary influences and continues to devote himself to their artistry, emerging with his own unique voice in the music. In August 2015 Ofer brought his Quintet to The Red Sea Jazz Festival as a headline act. His performances both in Israel and abroad have comprised of various tours in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, The Netherlands and Cyprus, including festivals such as the Jazz Tel Aviv Festival (Cinemateque), Aphrodite Hills Jazz Festival (Cyprus) and Swansea Jazz Festival (Wales). Recent 2015-2016 European tours have included performances as a guest artist from London at “B-flat Jazz Club” and “MochaBar” in Berlin, “Vogler Jazz Bar” in Munich, “Swansea Jazzland” in Wales, numerous venues including “Murphy’s Law” and “De Bordelaise” in The Netherlands and “Jazz Club d’Annecy” in France with the Luca Stoll Quartet featuring the great Alvin Queen. From 2005-2013 Ofer taught guitar and improvisation at the leading Israeli Conservatory “Shtricker”, the “Shtricker-New School(NY)” University Program, Conservatory Misra, Ironi Alef Arts High School and Mizmor Music School. He has also worked as a guest instructor of the “Jazz Futures” Bi-Communal Program, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and Fulbright Centre in Cyprus. Currently based in London, Ofer continues his career as a performer, frequently leading his own group at some of the city’s most in demand Jazz clubs and the famous Ronnie Scotts.
