TORU

Toru Takiguchi was born in a small Japanese town near Mt. Fuji. He was raised on music and nature. He shares his affinity for music with his family, his classical-pianist mother and flutist brother. Toru started to play the guitar at age 12. At 15, he joined a band and started to perform in local music venues. When he was 16, he was introduced to the Keith Jarrett CD, "The Paris concert", which fueled his interest in jazz and his desire to amass a large CD collection. Toru played in rock bands throughout high school and listened to Jazz in his headphones. Soon afterwards, he back-packed through Asia and Europe, exploring different cultures, music and people, and he decided to come to New York.

Since moving to Brooklyn, Toru leads his own trio and has joined many kinds of groups/projects. He is a member of "Archtex Sounds", the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church Musicians, and an artists' group "momomo" in Japan. In addition, Toru gives private guitar lessons and teaches at The Japanese-American Society of New Jersey.

Toru has attended the Yamaha Academy of Music and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, studying with Tota Hiraga, Yuji Yamamoto, Sean Moran, Sebastian Noelle, Clinton Dadian, and Paul Oden.

KIM

Kim Garey has been playing drums since the age of 10, and has been studying, teaching, and performing on the instrument ever since.  She began to study music privately, then in her middle school and high school band and jazz band program, and then went on to study percussion and composition at Wichita State University, Wichita, KS.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her double bachelor’s in Percussion performance and Music Composition, and her Masters in Music Composition. She has studied with such drum greats as Joe Morello, Michael Spiro, Matt Wilson, Steve Houghton, and Allison Miller.

A native of Kansas, she moved to the New York City Metro Area in March of 2006 and has been busy performing since she arrived.  She has worked with legendary jazz masters such as Don Braden, Junior Mance, and Tim Price.   She is performing regularly with the Gina Fox Band, the Ryan Anselmi Quaret, and  the Tim Price/Ryan Anselmi Tenor Maddness Ensemble.  You can keep in touch with her latest gigs at www.myspace.com/kimgarey.

GIL

Born and raised in Israel, Gil Smuskowitz quickly learned that his destiny lay in the field of of agricultural politics. Fearing that his family would suffer from the repercussions of his liberal ideas, Gil decided to disguise himself as a failed musician. Unfortunately, the disguise worked too well, and he ended up fooling himself.  Gil now seeks out a way to fulfill his destiny, in which baby carrots rule the world, and sweet potatoes are no longer feared or loathed.  He will someday find a way. Until then, he works as an office assistant by day, a musician for hire by night, and couch potato/carrot whenever possible.

Rebel Spirit Music | Read

"The crux of Avi Wisnia’s sound is familiar melodies and samples of classic lyrics and melodies, and yet his sound is somehow completely refreshing.  Combining bossa nova with soul and jazz and adding startlingly clever lyrical turns, Wisnia creates his award-winning (CMJ’s Zig Zag Live competition, for one) sound. 

On "Something New," Wisnia paradoxically borrows something old, adding new twists to lyrics from the Beatles ("all the lonely people"), and Gloria Gaynor ("go on go, walk out the door"), and sampling the beat from "Girl from Ipanema," all to a toe-tapping beat.  The bossa nova sound plays heavily into the stunning "Sunday Afternoon," which perfectly captures the vibe of the lazy weekend hours with its swaying melody and lyrics like "you take my hand and we stroll along / spread the blanket and reach with your eyes to the sky."  Wisnia is at his best though on the lyrically brilliant "Rabbit Hole."  "I hate the words you feed me / you hate how loud I chew / well it looks like I’m stuck in this rabbit hole with you," Wisnia laments.  It’s an ultimately romantic song though, with the final line: "Where do you think I’m going / I’ll give you one clue / I’m going to bring the rest of my things back to this rabbit hole with you." 

If Wisnia’s sampling of lush, complex songs are any indication of what’s to come, listeners will be waiting eagerly for more."
(Alyssa Rashbaum - MTV, SPIN, VIBE, Rebel Spirit Music)

Subba-Cultcha | Read

"Gloriously summery jazz-soul fusion, awash with shiny pianos and smooth vocals – a little like an acoustic Maroon 5, but with more Bossa Nova, more attitude, and more talent in his little finger – the band is currently New York based, but expect them to come crashing onto our shores during 2008 – they have the talent to take Radio 2 by storm. And that’s a complement." (Chris Merriman)

Indie-Music | Read

"Order up a cocktail at a swanky lounge in SoHo and tune into the sounds of Avi Wisnia as he and his band bring a clever twist to jazz-flavored bossa nova on his new EP Avi Wisnia Presents:. With piano chops that recall Bruce Hornsby and a voice that is reminiscent of the folk singer David Wilcox, Wisnia offers up seven tracks of witty and introspective songs.

The songs all have a fits-like-a-glove feeling to them. The grooves create a feeling that the band members are really listening to each other and the tracks have a sense of a live performance without sounding too spontaneous.

I really dug the last track, "Moving" where Wisnia steps out of himself and makes his piano breathe. His voice sings a very mellow and tranquil song while the piano fights against the time and the chords. This track really shows what Wisnia's band and his piano really can do. This is a very fun and witty EP for the wink-wink, nod-nod dry humor crowd." (Darryl Gregory)

The Villager

one of New York City's A-List musicians (Scott Stiffler)

The Big Takeover | Read

"Like a cross between Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Ben Folds, Joni Mitchell, and early Billy Joel. But his approach is refracted through the prism of Brazilian bossa nova, occasional acoustic guitar folk forays, and ‘70s singer/songwriter fare—“I Wish That I Could Stop Writing Songs About You” and “The Back of Your Hand” are especially Mitchell-esque, and “Goodnight” sounds like Art Garfunkel doing jazz—then sings with a smoothly smoky voice that recalls Elvis Costello and Joe Pernice both in sound and delivery.  Others such as “Sunday Afternoon” have that mellow, rainy-day bossa nova feel with words in the most wistful of English.  A nice change of pace.” (Jack Rabid) 

 Synthesis: Artist of the Day | Read

"...I dig on Avi's lounge-y, honey-voiced jazz.   While, "Rabbit Hole," the first song that popped up on Avi's page, instantly struck me a G. Love & Special Sauce (hold the sauce, please) meets a Jonathan Richman that you can take home to your parents (you know, less bug-eye stare, more witty conversation), with a later-day Elvis Costello delivery. The winking jazz hinted at with that first track comes into full blossom with "Something New" and "Sunday Afternoon," which drift along in a pleasant haze. I'm digging it. For those in the NYC area, check out his upcoming show dates after the jump. But first, acquire an appreciation for expensive cigars and fine single malts; that might be your best way of preparing for Avi's music."  (Spencer)

Indie-Music.com: Editor's Pick

"Clever songs, interesting vocals, hooky melodies!"

  CMJ: Avi Wisnia Wins Round 2 Of Zig-Zag Live | Read

"Rabbit Hole" receives Honor Award in 9th Annual Great American Song Contest | Read

NBC10 and DigPhilly.com: It's a 'No Brainer' - Philly Bands Rock For a Cause

When Dov Wisnia, now 29, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007, it was a scary time for his entire family. But the Wisnias received help and support from family, friends and the Brain Tumor Society in ways they couldn’t imagine.

“The support we received was incredible to see,” said Avi Wisnia, Dov’s brother. Understandably, the family wanted to get involved and give back.

So they decided to contribute with what they know: music. “There’d been an idea of doing a concert for the Brain Tumor Society kicked around for awhile, but it never materialized,” Wisnia said. “But as my family and I started to get more involved, we really took to the idea and wanted to make it happen."

The result is the No Brainer, the first-ever benefit concert in support of the Brain Tumor Society, on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Fuzion (460 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia). The event will serve as a kickoff for the Society’s Race for Hope, a 5k run/walk that will take place on November 2.

The family invited Philly musicians from diverse backgrounds to join Avi Wisnia’s Brazilian bossa nova-influenced band: Josh Joplin, Karen and Amy Jones, Ivy Chanel and Cowmuddy. The genres range from hip-hop to country-tinged rock. Nickelodeon’s Ryan Willard will MC the evening.

While the music is the highlight—and definitely the main attraction—it’s not the only thing. There will also be raffles, a silent auction with goodies from local businesses and opportunities to sign up to participate in the race.

Tickets are $20, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Brain Tumor Society. To reserve yours, visit the No Brainer’s Web site. They’ll also be available the day of the event at the door.

The No Brainer runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and if you show up sometime during the first hour, your first beer is free.

The Bulletin (philadelphia): Run For Hope to Benefit Brain Tumor Research

Local performers united to raise brain cancer research funds and awareness at Fuzion Grill and Social Club's The No Brainer concert on Sunday. Organized by Avi Wisnia and his family, the event was inspired by his brother Dov's current struggle with the illness. Avi's band - along with acts by Josh Joplin, Karen and Amy Jones, Ivy Chanel and Cowmuddy - performed as a fundraiser for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), in anticipation of its Nov. 2 Race for Hope - Philadelphia.

"Brain tumor research is remarkably underfunded," Avi said of his motivation for organizing the event. "The National Brain Tumor Society's Race for Hope - Philadelphia raises critical funds to support innovative research initiatives and support services for brain tumor patients and their families."

According to NBTS, 500 Americans are diagnosed with a brain tumor every day; about 200,000 Americans have a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Currently, there are over 120 different types of brain tumors, which make effective treatment complicated. These tumors can surface as malignant or benign, but in either case can be injurious or life threatening.

Since its inception in 1989 through 2007, the NBTS Research Grant Program allocated over $13 million in basic science and translational research projects throughout the United States and Canada. It allotted $4.5 million for research this year alone to support research it calls "underfunded." Besides research funding, NBTS provides medical information, workshops, support groups, financial assistance and other resources for patients and families.

Its third year in Philadelphia, the Race for Hope 5K is projected to draw 4,000 who currently raised over $350,000 for NBTS. Two days before Election Day, participants will run on Martin Luther King Boulevard starting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 9 a.m. Race-day registration will being at 7 a.m. and the family-friendly event will include a free Kids Fun Run for children under 10.

"My family and I founded the race in memory of my mom, Eileen S. Kelberg, who passed away in 1996 from the same tumor that Sen. Ted Kennedy has," Pamela Kelberg, Philadelphia race chairperson, said. She and her brother wanted to reach out to families like theirs in the tri-state area.

The Wisnia family, whose concert proceeds will be added to the money raised by Team Dov, had the same reaching-out idea.

"As with most people, my son's symptoms appeared very quickly and everything happened very fast," Judith Wisnia said. When Dov went into surgery, the neurosurgeon's office provided NBTS-published materials that were "understandable and reliable" to the family.

Recently, Mrs. Wisnia received a phone call from a friend whose sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She referred the person to NBTS and suggested attending Philadelphia's Brain Tumor Support group. Mrs. Wisnia hopes the Race will not only raise money for NBTS, but also awareness about the prevalence of brain tumors and the resources available to help patients and families.

"I believe with a passion that a cure can be found for brain tumors and the doctors agree with us," she said. " I don't feel like that is an illusive goal, but [rather] a very reachable goal."

Her optimism matches her son's. Dov, a 29-year-old real estate agent and passionate bass guitarist, recognizes that "nobody likes cancer." But he has decided to continue living his life zealously with a "mind over matter" approach and will participate in his first 5K with his family.

"A lot of people hear the word 'cancer' and think that their life is over," he said. "I really feel that a positive attitude makes all the difference, not just with cancer, but with anything in life. You gotta deal with the cards you're dealt."

While Avi said Dov did not change his outlook on life after he was diagnosed, his attitude has helped him deal with his brother's condition.

For example, Avi remembers Dov initiating a party in the waiting room the day of his surgery. Family and friends had come to wish him well, but visiting hours were almost over. Dov, dressed in a hospital gown, decided to address everyone in the waiting room over pizza and soda.

"The best thing for me to see is how he approached this the whole time," Avi said.
Avi cherished the "support system" of his family in the hospital and hopes that Sunday's concert demonstrated "a larger family."

"There's a larger family they can call on for support and to recognize what they're going through," he said of brain tumor patients and families. "It's important for people who have any illness to know that there are people willing to help them out, that there can be a positive side and a reason to celebrate."

He said the Race would further exemplify this celebratory notion.

"We are there for each other and we hope in raising money and awareness that we help other people do that for each other too."

To sign up for Race for Hope - Philadelphia, visit www.braintumorsociety.org. Pre-registration is $25; race-day registration is $35. For more information, e-mail racepa@braintumor.org.

(Erin Maguire, October 26, 2008)
 

Singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia is the son of a New Jersey rabbi, but his performances at the second annual Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference and Showcase March 27 and 28 will feature the classic sounds of the Brazilian bossa nova with “…pangs of soul, folk, jazz, and pop to create a new sound.”

But no one in Wisnia’s family is Brazilian or Portuguese.

“I just stumbled onto this music,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “I remember hearing ‘The Girl From Epanema’ and I identified with it.”

Wisnia explained that he took the classic Brazilian sound and fused it with music he listened to as he was growing up.
“Artists like Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell,” he noted, “along with some contemporary artists like John Mayer and Norah Jones.”

He’s originally from New Jersey but grew up near Philadelphia. He now lives in New York City where he teaches pre-school music.
“Then I gig around New York and Philly at night,” he said.

He’ll be performing in Philadelphia at Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom St. May 2.  While in Cape May, he’ll be solo at The Brown Room Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m., and with his full band at The Boiler Room, Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m.

Wisnia is the lead vocalist, and plays piano and xylophone. He studied music at NYU, and intended to compose and score music for movies.

“But I got into bossa nova,” he said. “I just dove right in on my own while at NYU.”
When he’s not working on his own compositions, he likes to listen to the classics, like Jobim, Joao Gilberto (husband of Astrid, lead singer on ‘The Girl from Epanema’) and their daughter, Bebel.

Most of what you’ll hear at his Cape May venues will be his original creations, since, as he noted, “That’s the nature of the festival. But I will perform some new twists on popular songs, too.”

When composing, Wisnia said he starts with a “taste of an idea.”

“The writing process is different from writer to writer,” he said, “and sometime from song to song. The really good ones haunt you. Sometimes I have to consciously sit at the piano and work it out, while other times, I can’t sleep because the melody and words just keep coming.
“One song—Rabbit Hole—wrote itself that way.”

His band will be recording and releasing their first studio album in the future, and if you want to get a preview of what you can hear live in Cape May at the festival, just log on to aviwisnia.com, where you can listen, purchase, and get a schedule of his appearances.

Not bad, for a sound he just stumbled onto.

(Jim Vanore, March 23, 2009)