About
Called “the next big jazz guitarist” by NPR, hailed by the New York Times as a “whiz kid”, and dubbed “incredible” by the Montreal Gazette, Nir Felder is a new voice in jazz guitar. Growing up right outside New York City, Felder spent his youth playing in rock bands while learning about jazz at the local record store, inspired by icons from John Coltrane to voodoo chile Jimi Hendrix.
After attending Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, Felder moved to New York City in 2006 and quickly became one of the city’s most highly sought after sideman, performing and recording with an eclectic group of luminaries including Diana Krall, Brad Mehldau, John Mayer, Chaka Khan, Common, Dave Matthews Band, Terri Lyne Carrington (with whom he recorded the Grammy-winning “Money Jungle”), Vijay Iyer, Jack DeJohnette, Meshell Ndegeocello, Blood Sweat and Tears, Dianne Reeves, the New York City Opera, and many others.
Seeking a more personal creative outlet, Felder first formed his own quartet in 2010, recording his debut album “Golden Age” (Sony/OKeh) which was critically acclaimed by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The New York City Jazz Record, All About Jazz, and Downbeat. Felder’s latest project released this year, is a set of two trio recordings featuring bassist Matt Penman and drummer Jimmy Macbride. Using the studio as an instrument and the latest in sound design technology, the result is a layered music that blends jazz improvisation with other genres that stretches the boundaries of what a jazz record can be.
“The Hammertone Octave Twelve is the best instrument of its kind I’ve ever played or heard. Supremely playable, incredibly in tune, with amazing tones and an inspiring look. There’s not much more you could ask for in an instrument.”
