Shai Yuval
Singer-Songwriter, Drummer and Composer
Shai Yuval is a drummer, pianist, and composer who graduated with honors from the New School Jazz program. At the New School, he studied with many jazz legends, including Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Hal Galper, and Jimmy Owens. He also studied with several prominent musicians on the current jazz scene, including Kendrick Scott, Ari Hoenig, Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Ben Street, Matt Wilson, Aaron Parks, Ingrid Jensen, Jason Lindner, and Sullivan Fortner.
As part of his composition minor at the New School, Shai studied with composer Timo Andres. He was selected to showcase his composition Modern Prayer at a New School performance held at Lincoln Center. In addition, Shai had the privilege of having his piece Realizations performed by a string quartet featuring players from the Philadelphia Orchestra as part of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency.
During his studies, Shai was chosen to perform with an ensemble at the Bern Jazz Festival.
Originally from Israel, Shai is currently based in Brooklyn, performing in bars and clubs around the city, including 55 Bar, Fat Cat, Rue B, Rockwood Music Hall, and Mercury Lounge. He also works as a session musician. In recent years, Shai has toured Mexico twice with the Brooklyn Connection band and has performed at the Festival of New Trumpet Music and the Wilmington Jazz Festival.
In Israel, Shai was a regular performer on the jazz scene, frequently playing at Beit Haamudim, Yellow Submarine, and The Zone. He has also performed multiple times at the Red Sea Jazz Festival and has appeared at the Jerusalem Jazz Festival and Jazz Globus Festival. Shai has performed with Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Dave Douglas, Alex Sipiagin, Andy McKee (bass), Daniel Zamir, Jonathan Finlayson, and others.