Since his debut CD, “Backyard,” featured him with the Barry Harris Trio in the mid-1990s, critics have had high praise for guitarist and
composer Roni Ben-Hur.
Among his most ardent admirers is award-winning critic Gary Giddins, who selected Roni’s CD, “Anna's Dance,” as "One of the top ten Best Jazz CD's of 2001" in The Village Voice. He described him as “a guitarist with a low flame burning in every note.” Such sentiments are enthusiastically echoed by his growing audience, who voted him "Best New Talent" in the JAZZIZ 2000 Readers’ Poll.
Roni’s love affair with jazz began during his teens in his native Israel. Born to a family who emigrated from Tunisia to Israel, he grew up with the exotic, seductive rhythms of North Africa and the soulfulness of Sephardic Jewish folk melodies and prayers.
Roni moved to New York City at age 22 and began studying with quintessential bebop pianist Barry Harris. Since 1993, he has performed regularly with Harris, and has continually developed his own unique style. He’s a versatile, contemporary jazz musician with a strong, relaxed voice, long, melodious lines, brilliant harmonies, and a clear bell tone. As a leader, Roni has won praise from jazz critics around the world. He has also recorded numerous CDs as a sideman. In New York, he can be found performing in such major venues as Birdland, Town Hall, Symphony Space and the JVC Jazz Festival.
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