Avi Rothbard

Avi Rothbard

Guitarist and composer Avi Rothbard is one of New York’s prominent jazz guitarists and a jazz clinician.
Born and raised in Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, Israel, Mr. Rothbard has moved to Boston, Mass. In the summer of 1995, after receiving a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. During his Berklee years, Mr. Rothbard has received The Jimmy Hendrix Award, Boston Jazz Society Award, Guitar Dpt. Achievement Award and The William Leavitt Award. Mr. Rothbard is further holding a Masters degree in jazz performance from the City College of New York.
Since moving to New York City, Avi Rothbard has led his own ensembles in some of the major jazz clubs in town. Most notable local appearances include Jazz at Lincoln Center, Rose Hall, Blue Note, Iridium, Birdland, Fat Cat, Smalls, Sweet Rhythm, Minton’s Playhouse and Smoke. As a sideman, Mr. Rothbard has worked with jazz greats such as Freddy Cole, Gregory Porter, Ben Riley, Richie Cole, Jeremy Pelt, Jerry Weldon, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery, Sean Jones, Jared Gold, Gary Versace, Jay Leonhart, Warren Vache, Mike Clark, Ray Drummond, Gene Bertoncini, Grant Stewart and Uri Caine. Mr. Rothbard took part in numerous world stages and jazz festivals around the world. He has five CDs as a leader and his latest album “City Colors” is due on December 2013.
While studying and paying his respect jazz guitar greats such as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell and George Benson, Mr. Rothbard has found a musical blend that bridges modern and traditional jazz into a personal style and a strong identity.