The uncompromisingly innovative and creative musical skills that Bershadsky possesses are often found in composers of the past, but are a rare combination in composers today. It is no surprise to find that Alex credits the works of Johann Sebastian Bach as one of the many influences in his own development of what is best described as “academic eclecticism.â€
Background
Alex was born in Latvia, but he and his family moved to Israel when he was only two years of age. In Israel, he was immersed almost immediately in an environment of his nation’s top musicians. Undoubtedly, this exposure to master musicians had a tremendous effect on Bershadsky’s development as a performer and composer. For over twenty-five years, Alex had priceless opportunities to perform alongside the crème de la crème of talent - both in television and radio. Bershadsky has also had the privilege to perform at prestigious events in Israel such as The Red Sea Jazz Festival, and Rigas Ritmi - which is the largest annual rhythmic music festival in the Baltic region.
In the 1990’s Alex successfully formed two bands, “RTZ†and “Zonzee.†It was with these two groups that this young composer truly begins to show the culmination of his talents. Significant part of the material for both “RTZ†and “Zonzee†was penned entirely by Bershadsky. “Zonzee†has released two albums, Time Flies in 1999, and Buzz in 2005. Buzz featured legendary guitarist Mike Stern and the album received great press acclamation. It was with the Jazz/Fusion band “RTZ†that Alex toured Europe extensively in the 1990's.
It wasn't long before Alex crossed the Atlantic to perform in places such as world famous Jazz venues such as The Blue Note in New York, and officially representing Israel through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While in Los Angelas, Bershadsky recorded sessions at Steve Vai's Mother Ship Studio with the famous Argentinean guitarist Carina Alfie and worked with the likes of producer Neil Citron. Now, Alex finds himself as one of the top musicians in Israel, and it is now his talent that is gleaning worldwide attention as he begins a solo career with his latest project entitled Junk.
Bass musician magazine Oct/Nov 2007
Review by Damian Erskine
Alex Bershadsky - JUNK
"Israeli Fret-less Bass phenom, Alex Bershadsky, is sure to secure himself a slot in the minds of bass lovers and players everywhere. Having toured festivals around the world as a member of the Israeli fusion band "Zonzee" (and representing Israeli jazz at the Blue Note, NY at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), those "in the know" have already known Alex to be an accomplished player, lyrical soloist and sure footed technician. His first solo release, "Junk" has proven Alex to also be a wonderful writer.
While this album will take us down many roads stylistically, Alex's voice on the instrument (4 string fret-less Zon Legacy Elite) is strong and comes across beautifully in every setting. From the beautiful and haunting melodies of "Drift" to the hard driving and uber-funky "That's the Way It Is" or the Willis inspired "Rush Hour", this album will surely have you checking his website for scheduling to see when he's coming to town. This band Smokes."
Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor
Myspace Backgrounds
My music on itunes img width="61" height="15" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeit unes61x15dark.gif"