Avram Fefer

The Afro-Semitic Transcendental Repertory Orchestra (A.S.T.R.O.)

As the jazz musician son of a Jewish immigrant born in a Siberian labor camp, much of my work involves reconciling cultural influences. My involvement with Indian, Arabic, Eastern European, and African music has affected nearly everything I do as an artist. Most importantly, my work has been inspired by my Semitic background and my life-long embrace of African-American musical heritage. In early 2023, I created an ensemble to formally address and perform music and poetry that reflects these dual cultural components at the heart of my musical practice.

The Afro-Semitic Transcendental Repertory Orchestra (A.S.T.R.O.) creates groove-based modern jazz with influences from Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle-East. Harnessing the poetic power of multidisciplinary performing artist Carl Hancock Rux within the original compositions and improvisations of my ensemble, we present performances honoring the unparalleled contributions of Jewish and African Americans to American culture; specifically the remarkable history of collaboration in America’s greatest musical gift to the wider world — the music we call Jazz. The unabashed power of this cultural alliance is highlighted through our presentation of global jazz that celebrates Liberation and Transcendence in all its forms.

The current social and political landscape underscores the importance of our work — instead of bowing to the forces of intimidation and division, we are actively celebrating and building upon these historic artistic coalitions and focusing on the power of our work to touch and transform, while respecting the audience’s intelligence and ability to process challenging music. We approach our shows much as a preacher, mystic, or rabbi might — harnessing the power of melody, groove, poetry, interaction, abstraction, and improvisation to seduce, challenge, and ultimately provoke the listener into a state of loving determination. Audience members have been known to thank us in tears at the end of a performance.

Featuring: 

Carl Hancock Rux (Voice/Poetry) 

Avram Fefer (Saxes/Bass Clarinet/Composer)

Jonathan Goldberger (Guitar)

Hill Greene (Bass)

Reggie Nicholson (Drums)

Plus Special Guests