Zafio

“The Raft” — A Mesmerizing Fusion of Piano, Synths, and Futuristic Rhythms

Itai Simchovich — piano, additional keyboards | Ilay Solomon — double bass, synth bass | Yahli Stern — drums, SPD

The boundary-pushing piano trio “Zafio” brings a unique sound to the festival stage, skillfully blending contemporary jazz, electronic music, classical influences, and echoes of rich Hebrew melodies. The trio’s members formed the group while they were still students at the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, developing a distinctive musical identity rooted in deep rhythmic and harmonic exploration and the live communication found only among the closest of friends.

Their second and ambitious album, “The Raft,” recorded in Sweden and artistically produced by international pianist Shai Maestro—and featuring musicians such as Gilad Hekselman and Ben Wendel—marks the ensemble’s creative peak to date. The performance combines acoustic jazz, synthesizer keyboards, synth bass, and electronic drum pads (SPD), creating emotional depth and compelling spontaneity in a mesmerizing musical journey.

Performance duration: 60 minutes
Photo: Ilay Shimhon