Jazz trio Zafio to debut at Red Sea Jazz Festival ahead of second album

Israeli piano trio Zafio will make its debut at the Red Sea Jazz Festival on November 26, appearing as the youngest ensemble in this year’s lineup.

The performance by the 22-year-old musicians coincides with the release of their third single, “Firebird,” ahead of their second album, The Raft, scheduled for international release on January 29.

The band – composed of pianist Itay Simhovich, bassist Ilai Salomon, and drummer Yali Stern – formed seven years ago as students at the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts. The trio’s sound mixes contemporary jazz with electronic music, classical influences, and Hebrew music.

The upcoming album, The Raft, was recorded at Nilento Studios in Sweden and combines acoustic jazz with electronic elements.

The project features guest appearances by guitarist Gilad Hekselman and American saxophonist Ben Wendel, who features on the new single “Firebird.” A live music video for the track, filmed at Soho House in Jaffa, was released at the same time.

Pianist Shai Maestro served as album's producer, artistic director

Pianist Shai Maestro served as the music producer and artistic director for the album. The Raft will be distributed through the record label owned by bassist Avishai Cohen and his manager.

The project highlights a pattern of mentorship within the Israeli jazz scene. Cohen recently hired Zafio’s pianist, Simhovich, into his own international touring ensemble.

The arrangement reflects Cohen’s own career beginnings, when Chick Corea brought him into his band and signed him to his label. Cohen later provided a similar career platform for Maestro, who has now produced Zafio’s record.

Zafio’s set at the Red Sea Jazz Festival will feature live arrangements of the material from The Raft. The performance follows the earlier release of two other singles from the album, “Gratitude” and “Rafti.”