The Mika Hary Group embraces the genres of folk, rock and jazz with a touch of the Middle Eastern unique colors, in which Mika has been immersed growing up in Israel. Together with the acclaimed musicians in her band, she explores song-form infused with musical freedom, through improvisation alongside lyrical melodies. All of these elements create the unique and modern sound of her band.
Singer-songwriter Mika Hary has started playing the piano at age 6, and since then has always impressed her teachers and peers with flowing musicality. Already in high school, Mika lead groups to perform in Israel's major jazz venues, including broadcasted events in the main channels. For her army service, Mika was chosen as a lead singer in the IDF orchestra and received a special "outstanding musician" status from the Israeli ministry of education. As a lead singer in the orchestra, Mika has performed extensively throughout Israel, appearing in nation-wide broadcasted events as well as in front of some dignitaries from around the world. At times, she had been personally requested by the Israeli Army's Chief of Staff to sing the national anthem in an important event. Upon release from the army Mika has participated in the Israeli version of American Idol and has received much love and respect from the audience. But it was time for her to go even further, and so, in fall 2007, Mika has moved to NYC to pursue her degree in music/philosophy at the renowned New School University, where she received a scholarship. She graduated with honors from both degrees on May 2012.
A part of the sizzling Israeli jazz scene in NY (as well as in Tel Aviv), Mika has received profound recognition among musicians. While being a full-time double degree student, Mika has managed to form the 'Mika Hary Group' with which she performed her original compositions in some of the city's best known venues and playing with some of the rising stars in the music scene, creating quite a reputation for herself, and sweeping hearts of fans wherever she went (including a week of performances at the renowned Bern Jazz Festival). The Mika Hary Group, featuring the hottest young names in jazz today (Nir Felder, Shai Maestro, Ziv Ravitz. Sam Minaie, Gilad Hekselman, Ari Karason and more), is now working on their debut album, to be released later this year.
In addition to leading her own group, Mika has shared the stage with many great artists as a side-woman. Among her projects are recording "Lullaby for Emma" a song which was included on Ziv Ravtiz's "Images From Home" (2009) album for the international label Enja, along world renowned musicians Omer Klein (piano) and Avishai Cohen (trumpet). In 2012 Mika has collaborated and toured the US with Yoni Rechter, an all-time favorite Israeli composer, who has helped shaping the face of Israeli music in the last few decades.
In addition to performing, Mika is a dedicated music educator. She teaches voice and piano lessons privately at Mark Murphy's Music (South Orange, NJ), and leads groups of families and toddlers at the 92nd street Y family program "Israeliness," as well Keshet-Tot at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. Mika quickly became very well loved by her pupils, has bonded with them and created a warm environment for them as well as a learning atmosphere, which has gained her a reputation for her among students and parents alike.
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".Mika's writing is superb, her music grabs the listener with fascination. Her interpretation for lyrics, whether hers or others, is alluring, and her voice is simply fantastic. It's so fantastic that when she sings a Jobim tune in Portuguese I close my eyes for one second and I see Gal Costa.
Mika knows how to play with her instrument in a way that keeps her audience exuberant. At times, she juggles between words and melodies virtuously while at times she is soft and lyrical, or theatrical and Cabaret like. It is enchanting to hear her wide range of talent and impressive to see her vocal and musical ability. Her band mates were a terrific choice as well, and each gave their heart and soul to the music. The outcome: a great, exciting and fascinating show, one that leaves you wanting more."
Gangi, Director for Tapuz, a news website and Israel's top Jazz Forum.
