Joshua Moshe Quartet: Erez

A meeting of Niggunim, Jazz, and Jewish Folk songs reimagined.

Erez, the cedar tree, stands tall and proud with its roots firmly planted. It provides shade and shelter from the wind whilst bearing witness to generations of stories and song.

Joshua Moshe is a captivating award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Melbourne, Australia. His upbringing in a Jewish family in South Africa exposed him to the vibrant saxophone-led music of Marabi alongside the ancient spiritual chanting of the synagogue, which continue to influence his music today.

Through his project, Erez, Joshua reimagines Niggunim - the spiritual and meditative wordless song forms of Hassidic Judaism - and Traditional Jewish Folk songs from all over the world as vessels for improvisation. Instead of performing the songs in a standard form, they use the songs and melodies as vehicles for improvisation to explore and experiment between the familiar and novel, between the old and the new.

Joshua has made a significant impact on Melbourne's vibrant music scene, seeing him win the prestigious PBS Young Elder of Jazz Award in 2019, and the Music Victoria Awards Best Jazz Release in 2023, with a string of nominations in between including an Australian Music Prize, Art Music Award, and another Best Jazz Release Nomination. He has performed at some of the countries most prestigious venues and festivals including The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The National Gallery of Victoria and The Melbourne Recital Centre.

For this special Rosh Hashanah show, Joshua will be joined by an exceptional group of collaborators who share his passion for pushing musical boundaries whilst staying rooted in tradition. Jonathan Skovron on guitar, Simon Starr on double bass, and Dave Beck on drum kit, each successful and celebrated musicians in their own right.

Prepare to be transported on a captivating musical journey as Joshua Moshe's 'Erez' combines the spiritual essence of Niggunim, the improvisational spirit of Jazz, and the time-honoured melodies of Jewish Songs in a celebration of the rich diversity of Jewish culture.

Joshua Moshe - Alto and Soprano Saxophone

Jonathan Skovron - Guitar

Simon Starr - Double Bass

Dave Beck - Drum Kit