Livin The Chai Life
Here is a growing list of famous musicians who were former Chai Notes members…
Chad Lefkowitz-Brown. Now playing with Taylor Swift, I met this amazing (and humble) saxophonist played when I first heard him playing by at 72nd steet subway and was blown away. Chad played with us for almost 2 years before he was discovered by Taylor. I wanted him to ask Taylor if she likes klezmer, but still waiting to hear back.
Victor Prieto, Victor was just nominated for a 2014 grammy! Victor plays very passionately, and could really tear up a bulgar. But, I personally think Victor’s favorite part of bnai mitzvahs were the candlelighting ceremonies, inside joke.
Jo Lawry, We played very few gigs with Jo before she was quickly picked up by Sting, but we will brag about her singing b’nai mitzvahs with The Chai Notes anyway.
Andrew Gould, before being a finalist at the Monk Jazz Contest, Andy, played with the Chai Notes. In fact, I’ll tell you a secret, Andy is the nephew of none other than famous clarinetist and mandolinist religious Jewish bluegrass player, the one, the only…Andy Statman.
Ashley Pezzotti
Even before singing with The Chai Notes, Ashley Pezzotti had already performed with Grammy award winning artists including Keith Urban (that’s him in the picture playing guitar), Latin singer Juanes, Chick Corea, Delfeayo Marsalis, Vampire Weekend, and Arturo Sandoval.
Arianna Neikrug
Arianna Neikrug sang with The Chai Notes pretty much until she won first place in the prestigious 2015 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, got a recording contract. Keep an eye on her. She has already shared the stage Steve Miller, Alice Cooper, Kenny Burrell, Neil Young, Al Jarreau, Mindy Abair, James Moody, George Benson, Karrin Allyson, Gretchen Parlato, and Roseanna Vitro.
Jon Natchez
Multi-instrumentalist, Jon Natchez, formerly Chai Notes Saxophonist, just won a Grammy! Jon graduated from Harvard as a member of the original band, the Charvard Chai Notes. He was there at the band’s debut at Brown in 1999 for the Klezmerpalooza show case. Since graduation, Jon has obviously made a name for himself with Indie music. See NPR article below, and then see the Grammys 2018 for where he is today! https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2011/06/21/137209270/meet-indie-rocks-most-valuable-sideman
Who will be the next Chai Note to become famous, so book us now, loll!!