Reb Jason
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"Shabbat Rocks" is RebJason's first original studio recording -- the result of close collaboration with RebbeSoul , Dave Haddad and others. It has elicited acclaim from a multiplicity of sources: rabbis, cantors, physicists and various sundry yentas. Reb Jason hopes you'll enjoy this passionate paean to the Queen of Days. Jason van Leeuwen, a.k.a. "RebJason" is a rabbi and cantor in Los Angeles, CA. He was educated at the University of Judaism as well as New York's Jewish Theological Seminary. He has served in both capacities in the New York and Los Angeles metro areas. His journey through Jewish musical ministry has spanned three decades and has entered a new phase in "Shabbat Rocks," his first original recording. RebJason has also been involved in numerous grassroots efforts in the field of helping the homeless, the hungry, sufferers from AIDS, as well as Los Angeles's experiment in Neighborhood Councils. RebJason is dedicated to cultivating communities that heal the world and themselves through music, the arts, study, prayer and activism. To learn more about RebJason's quest, please contact him at: RebJason Music PO Box 3441 Santa Monica CA 90408-3441 or via email: info@rebjason.com Buy Reb Jason's CD at http://rebjason.com or send $18 + $2 shipping and handling, per cd., with s & h not to exceed $10 for domestic orders. Orders of 5 or more get 1 free.
Why this name?
reb jason happens to be my title (short for "rabbi") and my first name.
I've been a rabbi and cantor in NY and LA for the past 10 years.
Do you play live?
Shabbat Rocks is a soulful, yet high-energy rock service taking place at my
LA congregation on the 3rd Friday of most months. I've done this service in
congregations in the valley, as well as at private homes. Plans are being
made for services at San Fernando Valley congregations and possibly
elsewhere around the nation. Stay tuned.

I particularly enjoy playing at my new congregation, which is near LAX
Airport (www.bnaitikvahcongregation.org). We have a small sanctuary, which really ramps up the energy level.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
It makes it possible for a shmo like me to get my name out without having to convince an industry clone that there's a niche for my music.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I wouldn't kick them out for eating crackers.
Band History:
Album Credits: RebbeSoul on electric guitar Steve Brown on piano and keyboards Dave Haddad on drums and percussion Rob McDonald on bass Jason van Leeuwen on main vocals and acoustic guitar David Yakerson on keyboards Mike Stein on the fiddle Anya, Avital and Yeshaia van Leeuwen, Lynn Rose and Maureen Davis on background vocals The CD was recorded at The Womb in Van Nuys, CA Digitally Mastered at Bernie Becker Recording and Mastering, Burbank, CA Manufactured by Rainbo Records Santa Monica, CA Cover art by Emek Golan
Your influences?
I am the child of the 70s, which I consider the optimum decade for rock. I
was (and am) an avid listener to Steely Dan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin,
Doobie Bros., etc.
Favorite spot?
Manhattan, hands down. Too many spots to list here. Amsterdam comes a close second. And Jerusalem is a wonderful city where you can pray at the Western Wall, attend a soccer game and dance the night away in the same day.
Anything else...?
The CD is diverse in its temperament. It veers from straightforward rock 'n' roll to a more jazzy feel. At times you'll be transported to some
carribean/cajun island, with a whiff of Middle Eastern spice.

Help bring "Shabbat Rocks" to your town! Contact me at www.rebjason.com
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