Our distinct musical style is a direct result of the diverse musical experience these talented musicians bring to the table.
About Us
Larry Nissman
Larry received his Bachelor of Music and Arts from the University of Michigan. He studied trumpet with the renowned Boston Symphony principal trumpet, Armando Ghitalla. Throughout his career Larry played on the local NYC scene with a variety of small Jazz ensembles and big bands. He toured with the National Broadway production of Starlight Express and recorded music for TV jingles. A versatile musician, Larry is comfortable performing in a variety of musical genres. He has performed with the legendary founder of SKA music Carlos Malcom, Cumbia star Carolina La O and Salsa great Ritchey Rey. Larry is excited to express his Jewish heritage and diverse musical background with The Klezz Messengers.
Keith Gurland
Woodwind player Keith Gurland hails for the Isle of Long. Though known primarily as a saxophonist, his Yiddishe Clarinet is calling to him now. He's worked in the Catskills, the cruise ships, and Miami Beach. His touring experience with classic big bands (Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw Orchestras), classic rockers (Micky Dolenz, The Four Tops) and original acts (Blue Saracens, TriPod) includes performances in 48 states, 24 countries and most of the better oceans. He was awarded a fellowship in music/sound from New York Foundation for the Arts. All of which is to say that he brings a wide-ranging sensibility to his interpretation of Jewish musical tradition.
Rabbi Ben Newman
Rabbi Ben has been an ordained rabbi since 2006 and is thrilled to serve as co-rabbi of Pleasantville Community Synagogue with his wife, Rabbi Shoshana Leis. He has been a singer-songwriter, storyteller and innovative service leader, who delights in chanting, singing, playing guitar and ukulele. For over 20 years, Rabbi Ben has embraced and shared Jewish and Buddhist wisdom teachings and practices. He is the author of several books on Jewish spirituality including "The Ten Precepts: a Jewish-Buddhist translation of the Ten Commandments," and "Ten Pathways: a Guide to Recovery and Transformation." Ben's depth of knowledge as it pertains to Jewish culture, spirituality and music help to bring balance between the sacred and secular nature of this musical genre.
Matt Rocchio
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Matt has played the bass guitar in many bands in the tri-state area and is an established performer. He is also known for his talents in arranging, songwriting and has participated in many recording sessions as a bass player. Touring Europe, Canada and the U.S, Matt is a seasoned musician having recorded for film and T.V. His most recent recording project was used in an Amazon series and has been submitted for a Daytime Emmy Award. Matt has had the honor of performing for Tony Bennett at the Art Students League in NYC and has played on bill at Irving Plaza, NYC with the cast of Saturday Night Live for the NY Comedy Film Festival.
Nadav Snir-Zelniker
Israeli born Nadav started playing drums at the age of 16. Soon he became involved with the local Israeli music scene, playing and recording with different Rock & Jazz artists. Throughout these years Nadav has absorbed elements and flavors of the local Mediterranean-music traditions.
In 1999, after receiving several honorary scholarships, such as the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Ulledorff Foundation, Nadav was able to move to the US and got his BFA degree in music-performance from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY-Purchase College, studying under drumming legends Adam Nussbaum and John Riley. Soon after his arrival in New York, Nadav became highly involved with the local music scene. His versatility enabled him to become an in-demand performing & recording artist in many different genres: Jazz, Rock, Jewish/Middle-Eastern, Modern Dance, etc.
For 8 years Nadav has co-lead the Israeli ensemble “Trio Shalva”, a collaboration devoted to exploring Jazz and traditional music of the Mediterranean. In recent years Nadav has been co-leading the educational project “Jazz Without Borders” and has been offering concerts and workshops to various communities. Since 2021 Nadav has been the percussionist of the acclaimed ensemble of Congregation Kol Ami, White Plains NY.