Minuette is an Israeli most renowned jazz ensemble that was active for a decade during the 90’s and reunited in 2017. Their record ״First Dance״, is still considered the biggest selling jazz album in Israel, an unprecedented commercial success for a local jazz outfit. Members of the ensemble are saxophonist-flutist Nitzan Ein Habar, guitarist Menachem Zibziner, bassist Itai Shimron, and drummer Doron Raphaeli.
Minuette is about heart; four friends playing music together, enjoying each other’s company while seeking to preserve the moment.
The band creates an original jazz music that combining various influences, according to its tendencies as a creative collective. Raphaeli contributes from his experience as a performing drummer, composer and creative-arts producer. Nitzan ein-bar, incorporates the aromas of Middle Eastern music. Zibziner brings his special sound and Shimron adds bass frontal cortex, compositions and a rock-fusion sound.
During its years of activity, the ensemble has performed extensively on open performances, jazz festivals and hosted established international musicians such as legendary drummer Kenwood Dennard and saxophonist Jay Rodriguez.
The band also performed with various popular oriental, jazz and rock Israeli artists such as Alon Olearczyk, Nurit Galron, Bustan Abraham, Gilad Atzmon, David Daor, Albert Beger, and more.
“The band members share musical tastes, which also took in such jazz giants as pianist Keith Jarrett, guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Joe Lovano and bass player Eberhard Weber. Ultimately, shared sonic preferences aside, Minuette is all about togetherness and the natural kinship they all feel.”
– Barry Davis, The Jerusalem Post, September 28, 2017