Avi Wisnia

Rank #1 Yardley, PA Singer Songwriter / Jazz / Pop

About

Members: Avi Wisnia, Toru Takiguchi, Kim Garey, Gil Smuskowitz

Sounds Like: Norah Jones, Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, Sara Bareilles, Gavin DeGraw

Manager: sethkrollaw@gmail.com

Bio: Think Ben Folds meets Norah Jones... if they had a lovechild in Brazil. Award-winning singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia presents refreshingly original songs, finding inspiration in classic Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic folk, 1950's west-coast jazz, and contemporary pop. A wordsmith as well as a com... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: What's in the Mystery Box?

Press

"Philly native, Avi Wisnia, plays his own compositions reminiscent of a Brazilian Bossa Nova. Add in his soothing vocals and poetic lyrics and you’ve got something you’ve never heard before."

— Helen Leicht, 88.5 WXPN

"Jazzy singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia has a Ben Folds-y way of weaving stories into his piano-driven songs."

— Time Out New York

“Avi Wisnia is bringing something fresh to the singer-songwriter genre. From behind a keyboard he pours out his original songs influenced by Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950s west-coast jazz and contemporary pop. His reference points alone would surely make him stand out from the crowd but his skill with lyrics and melody, combined with his humor and friendly tone, invite audiences to stick around and listen a while.”

— Sean Timmons - Artistic Director, Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival

“Completely refreshing. Combining bossa nova with soul and jazz and adding startlingly clever lyrical turns, Wisnia creates his award-winning sound... If Wisnia’s sampling of lush, complex songs are any indication of what’s to come, listeners will be waiting eagerly for more.”

— Alyssa Rashbaum - MTV, SPIN, VIBE, Rebel Spirit Music

"Is there ever "Something New" in music? One listen to the debut CD of Avi Wisnia and you can hear the answer is a resounding YES! This young piano and keyboard phenomena mixes Jazz, Pop, and strong Brazilian influences to prove my case. Avi brings his own talent and quirkiness with a reminder of Ben Folds, Bruce Hornsby, and Jamie Cullum.

— Ken Shankman, Elmore Magazine

"This Philly native brings all 88 keys with the funky flare of Latin Jazz, bossa nova and pop, culminating in fun, catchy tunes that will keep your fingers tapping. Check out: 'Something New,' a quirky piano-driven ditty that mixes lyrics and chords from popular songs by the Beatles, Chicago, Sade and Jobim, into its own contemporary jam."

— Rob Kalesse, Spark Magazine

“Avi Wisnia and his band bring a clever twist to jazz-flavored bossa nova. With piano chops that recall Bruce Hornsby and a voice that is reminiscent of the folk singer David Wilcox, Wisnia offers up seven tracks of witty and introspective songs”

— Darryl Gregory, Indie-Music.com

“one of New York City’s A-List musicians”

— Scott Stiffler, The Villager

“Gloriously summery jazz-soul fusion, awash with shiny pianos and smooth vocals – a little like an acoustic Maroon 5, but with more Bossa Nova, more attitude, and more talent in his little finger.”

— Chris Merriman, Subba Cultcha

“Like a cross between Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Ben Folds, Joni Mitchell, and early Billy Joel. He sings with a smoothly smoky voice that recalls Elvis Costello and Joe Pernice both in sound and delivery. A nice change of pace.”

— Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover

“Think acoustic Americana mixed with Brazilian bossa nova. Drink a caipirinha, and enjoy the sounds that originated in warmer climates.”

— The L Magazine

“Clever songs, interesting vocals, hooky melodies!”

— Indie-Music Editor's Pick

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Recent Blogs

Songs

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Play "New Year"

New Year

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Play "She Loves You (Beatles Complete on Ukulele)"

She Loves You (Beat…

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Play "Sink"

Sink

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Play "No Scrubs"

No Scrubs

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Play "Something New"

Something New

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Videos

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Shows

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Sun
May 19

World Cafe Live
Philadelphia, PA, US | 7:30pm
World Cafe Live
Philadelphia, PA, US
Sun May 19 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Avi Wisnia performs upstairs at World Cafe Live, supporting Americana troubadour Jess Klein; dinner reservations available
Thu
Jun 6

Hammerstein Ballroom
New York, NY, US | 6:00pm
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York, NY, US
Thu Jun 06 6:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
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special benefit event for Voices Against Brain Cancer at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City; featuring Tony Danza, performances by Avi Wisnia, and The Wailers with Ky-Mani Marley; silent auction and food from NYC’s best restaurants; open to the public, tickets $150 in advance, $300 at the door (if available), $500 VIP tickets
Sun
Jun 9

The No Brainer Benefit …
Philadelphia, PA, US | 2:00pm
The No Brainer Benefit Con...
Philadelphia, PA, US
Sun Jun 09 2:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

join Philadelphia’s united effort to fight brain tumors at McFaddens's Ballpark venue, featuring silent auction, prizes and live performance from Avi Wisnia, plus other local artists connected to the brain tumor community; admission includes all-you-can-eat buffet, plus one free drink; all proceeds support the National Brain Tumor Society and the Race for Hope – Philadelphia 5K Run/Walk being held Nov 2013, at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. More info at www.thenobrainer.org
Thu
Jun 20

Princeton Farmers Market
Princeton, NJ, US | 12:00pm
Princeton Farmers Market
Princeton, NJ, US
Thu Jun 20 12:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Enjoy the music of Avi Wisnia and browse local NJ produce and crafts in the outdoor plaza. Avi Wisnia performs 2 solo sets. More info at www.princetonfarmersmarket.com
Fri
Jun 21

MMNY Brooklyn BBQ Block…
Brooklyn, NY, US | 6:00pm
MMNY Brooklyn BBQ Block ...
Brooklyn, NY, US
Fri Jun 21 6:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Part of the Make Music New York Festival, the summer solstice celebration returns for its 7th year, hosted at Kinfolk Studios. Stay tuned for more details. Festival info at www.makemusicny.org

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Comments

Add Comment

J Wildd
Hard work is always appreciated, nice...
BadgerStatic
Cool songs and sound!
Linda Jane Moore
Love your music! Great stuff! Success is coming your way I can feel it!
Brooke Falls
Awesome music! Greetings from Philly ♪
Noelle Smith
New fan! Great music!
ZERENA
Playing your music right now. Great sound! Your NY fan, ZERENA :)

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Questions

Ask Avi Wisnia anything...

Q: Heard you last night at the Grundy Library in Bristol - Great Stuff. How did you get your photo to look like you were standing beside an upturned piano?

A: Thanks! So the answer is simple: I was standing beside an actually upturned piano! Rather, I was sitting on it, laying on it, and sliding down it. While shooting some promotional photography for my album Something New, I spent a day roaming the Beethoven Piano Studios in Astoria, Queens - where they store and restore hundreds of beautiful pianos. They were surprisingly generous with what they allowed me to do with some of those pianos! So yes, I was actually on top of that piano there. Those pictures were taken by the great NYC photographer Thomas Hitchcock (with design help from Liz Kushner).

Asked by anonymous. Answered on Wed Dec 12 2012

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