Pianist, Composer, Music Therapist, and Innovator in Avant-Garde Jazz

Daniel Sarid is an Israeli pianist and composer, celebrated as a leading voice in the country’s avant-garde jazz scene. He is known for dynamic artistry and boundary-pushing compositions that blend complexity with deep emotional expression . Over a career spanning three decades, Sarid has continually “probed, examined, explored and engaged in no small amount of envelope-pushing” in his music , establishing himself as a key figure in contemporary jazz.

Education and Influences

Sarid honed his craft in New York City, studying at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. There, he trained under legendary jazz educator Jaki Byard, whose eclectic approach to jazz history and technique left a profound mark on Sarid’s musical vision . He also drew inspiration from pianist Kenny Werner, absorbing Werner’s Effortless Mastery philosophy that emphasizes natural, unforced musicianship. These mentors instilled in Sarid a balance between technical precision and creative freedom. The influence of Byard’s boundless musical knowledge and Werner’s Zen-like approach to performance continues to resonate in Sarid’s playing, where deep intuition meets exploratory risk-taking.

Collaborations and Recordings

Throughout his career, Sarid has been involved in numerous groundbreaking projects. In the early 2000s he formed the Daniel Sarid Trio, and he has performed and recorded with renowned improvisers such as saxophonists Assif Tsahar and Ori Kaplan. Notably, Sarid collaborated with Tsahar and Kaplan on the album Cries of Disillusion (2001) and released an earlier trio album Pearls of Peril (2001) under his own name . Critics have praised Sarid’s inventive approach on these recordings – adventurous yet sophisticated works that showcase his avant-garde leanings within a jazz framework . After a hiatus from recording, Sarid returned with Loventuruos (2017), a standout trio album that captures his modern creative voice. Reviews highlighted how the music “maintain[s] a delicate balancing act, reconciling seemingly contradictory musical forces” – being free and exploratory yet lyrical, abstract but dynamic . This ability to fuse intricate, complex improvisation with heartfelt melodicism has become a hallmark of Sarid’s style.

Levontin 7 and Community Impact

Beyond performing, Sarid has played a crucial role in shaping Israel’s jazz and experimental music scene. In 2006, he co-founded Levontin 7, a now-legendary music club in Tel Aviv . As a co-manager of Levontin 7 (alongside Tsahar and conductor Ilan Volkov), Sarid helped transform the venue into a vital hub for diverse musical genres and creative exploration . Under his leadership, Levontin 7 became known as the “it” place in Tel Aviv for boundary-pushing music – on any given night one might hear free jazz, indie rock, electronic noise, or even a classical recital, all under one roof . This open-minded programming fostered a rich community of musicians and listeners. By offering an inclusive space where jazz, rock, electronic, and avant-garde artists could connect and thrive, Levontin 7 has kept “the musical word far and wide,” leaving virtually no genre untouched on its stage . Sarid’s contribution to the club nurtured an ecosystem for experimental music in Israel, and even after he stepped back from management, the influence of his vision is evident in the venue’s ongoing eclectic spirit.

URU Trio and Debut Album

For the past decade, Sarid has devoted himself to an intimate and deeply personal project: a trio named URU, featuring bassist Nadav Maysel (Meisel) and drummer Ofer Bymel (Beimel). This long-term collaboration was a slow-burning endeavor – the trio spent about eight years in “sonic exploration” and refinement of their sound before ever entering a recording studio . The patience paid off with the 2021 release of their debut album, איזה יום (Eizeh Yom), which in Hebrew means “What a Day.” The album is an evocative work that blends poignant lyricism with innovative soundscapes, reflecting the beauty and complexity of everyday life. In Sarid’s words, the music they arrived at is highly visceral and challenging, yet also humanized by touches of melody and voice: “The instrumental side really digs deep and the human voice is so tender. I think that works well,” he says of URU’s new, more song-oriented direction . Indeed, Eizeh Yom captures that delicate interplay – adventurous jazz improvisation grounded by a lyrical, emotive core. The project also symbolizes a culmination of the trio’s shared journey: the album “sums up over eight years of joint work and creation” together . URU’s music has been showcased in live tours around Israel, often with guest artists, affirming Sarid’s commitment to collaborative creativity.

Album cover of URU’s debut איזה יום (Eizeh Yom), released in 2021. The Hebrew title means “What a Day.” The album culminates a decade of collaboration between Sarid and his trio members.

Musical Style and Recognition

Sarid’s music has garnered praise for its balance of intricacy and emotion. Jazz publications have noted his ability to combine complex, forward-thinking compositions with raw expressive depth. As one reviewer observed, his trio’s performances can be both “free and exploratory yet lyrical,” managing to be abstract in form but still dynamic and engaging to the heart . Sarid’s piano playing is technically sophisticated – at times drawing on the dense, high-energy approach of avant-garde icons like Cecil Taylor – yet he also knows when to let simplicity and melody speak. He can shift from intense tone clusters to moments of sparse, poetic lyricism, all in service of a cohesive musical narrative. This versatility pushes the boundaries of jazz while remaining connected to its core essence. Publications such as All About Jazz and others have highlighted Sarid’s distinctive voice, remarking on the articulate, sophisticated, and exciting character of his trio work and the genuine feeling behind his improvisations. His contributions continue to inspire the next generation of Israeli jazz musicians, ensuring that improvisational music remains vibrant and ever-evolving.

Personal Life and Music Therapy

In addition to his performance career, Daniel Sarid is a dedicated music therapist. He uses his deep understanding of sound and emotion to support others through music, applying improvisation and listening as tools for healing. Sarid has expressed that “our need as societies and individuals is for healing and therapy, and music is my way” – a philosophy that guides both his therapeutic work and his artistic outlook. This humane perspective underscores all of Sarid’s endeavors, illustrating how he views music not just as art or entertainment, but as a means to nurture the human spirit. Beyond his professional life, Sarid is also a proud father and devoted companion, embracing the richness of both family and art. He remains committed to creating music that challenges, inspires, and connects people, staying true to the adventurous creativity that has defined his journey. Through performance, community-building, and therapy, Daniel Sarid’s influence resonates well beyond the stage, marking him as a truly multifaceted contributor to the world of jazz and beyond.