Ben Azar
Artist Profile & Setup
- Instruments: Electric Guitar (Extended-range 8-string guitars, headless guitars, jazz archtops), Acoustic Guitar
- Primary Roles: Solo Artist, Bandleader, Session Guitarist, Producer, Educator
- Genres: Contemporary Jazz, Modern Fusion, Progressive Metal, Tap-Djent, Middle-Eastern/Ethnic Styles
- Notable Collaborations & Projects: Steroid Puppets, Marty Friedman, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal
Note: Ben Azar is an exceptionally versatile international guitar virtuoso and composer known for seamlessly bridging complex contemporary jazz improvisation, heavy progressive metal/djent, and Mediterranean musical roots.
Extensive Biography
Ben Azar is an Israeli-born, former New York-based guitarist, composer, and producer who represents a new breed of cross-genre musicians. Growing up immersed in the diverse cultural soundscapes of Israel and absorbing rock music during his teens, Azar developed a wide stylistic palette early on. In 2004, he received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied under luminaries such as Mick Goodrick, Joe Lovano, Dave "Fuze" Fiuczynski, George Garzone, and David Tronzo. He graduated with honors in 2007 with a double major in Contemporary Writing & Production and Performance.
Azar’s professional career is remarkably eclectic. He has toured and performed as a sideman with guitar legends such as Marty Friedman (Megadeth, Cacophony) and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses), played gospel music in Brooklyn, and performed Middle-Eastern and pop styles with notable regional artists. In the jazz sphere, his acclaimed jazz guitar trio style led to his debut solo album, Organized Memories (2011), released on saxophonist Greg Osby’s respected Inner Circle Music label. The record featured elite rhythm section players Ziv Ravitz (drums) and Daniel Ori (bass).
Beyond his jazz roots, Azar is deeply embedded in the modern progressive and technical guitar communities. He spearheads the heavy progressive metal and tap-djent project Steroid Puppets, showcasing jaw-dropping command over extended-range 8-string guitars, intricate polyrhythms, and high-velocity fretboard mechanics. Whether tracking complex fusion compositions or exploring modern guitar pedagogy and production, Azar maintains an organic, deeply expressive approach to the instrument.
Selected Discography & Major Releases
Solo & Jazz Trio Works
- Organized Memories (2011 / Inner Circle Music) – Modern jazz guitar trio album featuring Ziv Ravitz and Daniel Ori.
Steroid Puppets (Progressive Metal / Instrumental Project)
- Earthguest (Single / Video featuring guest contributions from Marty Friedman)
- Right Thing, Wrong Moment (Single)
- Minerva (Live / Tap-Djent 8-String Showcase)
Nostalgia" - A journey through time and sound.
Dive into a world of jazz-infused extended-range guitar with my latest solo, "Nostalgia", released under the record label Emmaya Records - תקליטי אמאיה. This piece blends the melodic and harmonic beauty of jazz with lush and relaxing guitar sound. Listen now on all streaming platforms!
"Nostalgia" Original tune by Ben Azar - Solo guitar on a @KieselGuitarsTV 8 string Zeus