Asaf Avidan & the Mojos

Asaf Avidan & the Mojos

Asaf Avidan & the Mojos is an Israeli rock group from Jerusalem, active from 2006 to 2011. The line-up includes Asaf Avidan, הדס קליינמן, Ran Nir, רועי פלד and Yoni Sheleg. The group first uses the name Asaf Avidan & the Mojo Jive Cats before shortening it to Asaf Avidan & the Mojos.

History

The band forms in 2006 and quickly builds a following in Israel. Between 2006 and 2008 it receives recording offers from several local labels, but it releases its debut studio album, The Reckoning, independently. The band follows this with Poor Boy / Lucky Man in 2009 and Through the Gale in 2010, its final album.

After the group disbands in 2011, Asaf Avidan pursues a solo career. A 2012 remix of the single “Reckoning Song” by German DJ Wankelmut brings the band wider commercial success across Europe.

Live activity and media coverage

The Mojos play around 100 local and regional gigs in Israel and perform at notable venues, with radio airplay, interviews and television appearances. In October 2007 they tour New York City, appear at the M.E.A.N.Y Festival at the Knitting Factory and receive a “Notable Mention” title, leading to another invitation to play there in December.

Sound and membership

The band’s music is described as drawing on 1960s and 1970s rock, combined with a modern edge. Their performances range from acoustic duets with Hadas Kleinman on cello to full-band rock arrangements. A listed line-up gives Asaf Avidan on vocals, guitar and harmonica; Roi Peled on guitars; Ran Nir on bass; Joni Snow on drums; and Hadas Kleinman on cello.

Releases

The group’s recorded work includes the EP Now That You’re Leaving from 2006, The Reckoning from 2008, Poor Boy / Lucky Man from 2009 and Through the Gale from 2010.