Zohar Band Members Biographies
Erran
Baron Cohen
Trumpeter, composer, founder
British composer, trumpeter, and multi-instrumentalist Erran Baron Cohen leads Zohar. He is also the brother of comedian/actor Sacha Baron Cohen. Although he is a classically trained trumpeter, the London-born Cohen grew up with a wide array of influences including klezmer, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and dance music, all of which he has incorporated into the sound of Zohar. Cohen's eclectic approach has also infused the music he has supplied for his brother's various television and film projects, including the hit 2006 mockumentary Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. In 2008, Cohen released the Hanukkah-themed Erran Baron Cohen Presents: Songs in the Key of Hanukkah, featuring traditional Jewish songs as well as original compositions done in contemporary musical styles; a wide variety of guest artists -- rapper Y-Love, singer Yasmin Levy, and others -- performed on the album.
Avivit
Caspi
Vocalist
Avivit, Israeli born, now based in London, has performed around the globe, from the US, to Singapore and Lithuania, with her own band, and as lead singer for World Music groovers Zohar (led by Erran Baron Cohen). Last year she made history singing Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah, in a way it has never been heard before, at Wembley Stadium for the England V Israel world cup football match.
Johan YoYo
Buys
Bass
Bass player from South Africa, Johan YoYo Buys is now based in London, UK. In addition to playing bass for Zohar he is also currently working with various bands and artists, including: Corrina greyson, Marcus Malone, Avivit Caspi, Ravid Hang, eVoid, James Stewart, Roachford, Bishi, Robin Auld, Limahl, The Original Songwriters Houseband and cover/function bands including: Vertigo, The talent, Grouper, East of Java, ASBand, Groovejet, The A Listers, Hussy, The Creatures, Kik, Grand Central, Lost In Music, Ron Thomas, John Myers, The Lettuceheads, Motor City, Higher Ground and Bright Lights. (I also play double bass, guitar, chapman stick and a bit of keys). Other artists I occasionally work with are: Rik Martin Band, World Beatz, Jason Boshoff, Justin Bergh, Peter Straker(theatre), The Bizz, Royal Scam, The Apostles, Mouthful Of Flies, Ron Thomas, Release The Beat(theatre), Qwiksand, Planet Feeler, Paul DeVilliers, Liam Hurley, Empire State, Charm, The Janeiro Trio, Jackflash, Dominic
Preston
Heyman
Drummer
Preston Heyman is one of the UK's most talented and respected session drummers. He has played drums and percussion with many well known artists. His most notable contributions are with Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Atomic Rooster, Bill Nelson, Roy Harper, Roy Davies, Terence Trent D'Arby, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Somerville, Adam Ant, Boy George, Tina Turner, Sting and many more.
