Sam Yahel (born 1971) is a jazz pianist and Hammond organist. In 1990 he moved to New York City and worked with Bill Frisell, Wycliffe Gordon, Ryan Kisor, Maceo Parker, Madeleine Peyroux, and Joshua Redman.
The jazz trio Yaya3 was formed in the late 1990s after Joshua Redman began jamming with Yahel and drummer Brian Blade during Yahel's recurring residency at Smalls Jazz Club.
Discography As leader/co-leader 1996: Searchin' (Naxos, 1997) 1997: Trio (Criss Cross Jazz, 1999) 1999: In the Blink of an Eye (Naxos, 1999) 2005: Truth and Beauty (Origin, 2007) 2007: Hometown (Posi-Tone, 2009) 2011?: From Sun to Sun (Origin, 2011) 2025?: Quiet Flow (La Reserve, 2025)
As leader of Yaya3 With Joshua Redman and Brian Blade Yaya3 (Loma, 2002)
Collaborations With Ben Perowsky and Frank Perowsky Bop On Pop (JazzKey Music, 2003)
With Nicholas Payton, Bob Belden, Billy Drummond and John Hart Mysterious Shorter (Chesky, 2006)
With Ari Hoenig, Mike Moreno and Seamus Blake Jazz Side of the Moon (Chesky, 2008) – rec. 2007
As sideman With Ralph Bowen 2001: Soul Proprietor (Criss Cross Jazz, 2002) 2007: Five (Criss Cross Jazz, 2008)
With Norah Jones 2000–2001: Come Away with Me (Blue Note, 2002)
2003–2004: Feels Like Home (Blue Note, 2004) Compilation: Covers (Blue Note, 2012)
With Ryan Kisor 1997: Battle Cry (Criss Cross Jazz, 1998) 2002: Awakening (Criss Cross Jazz, 2003) 2002: The Sidewinder (Videoarts Music, 2003) 2003: Donna Lee (Videoarts Music, 2004)
With Joshua Redman Elastic (Warner Bros., 2002) Momentum (Nonesuch, 2005)
With Jesse van Ruller 2002: Circles (Criss Cross Jazz, 2003) 2005: Views (Criss Cross Jazz, 2006)
With others Laila Biali, Laila Biali (ACT Music, 2018) Massimo Biolcati, Incontre (Bandcamp, 2020) Peter Cincotti, On the Moon (Concord, 2004) Larry Coryell, Impressions (Chesky, 2008) Charles Davis, Plays the Music of Bent Jaeding (Fresh Sound, 2008) Tia Fuller, Diamond Cut (Mack Avenue, 2018) Wycliffe Gordon, Dig This! (Criss Cross Jazz, 2003) Jesper Løvdal, Free Fall (ILK Music, 2008) Önder Focan, Beneath The Stars: Yıldızların Altında (Blue Note, 1998) Brad Mehldau, Ma Femme Est Une Actrice (Warner, 2001) Madeleine Peyroux, Half the Perfect World (Rounder, 2006) Jim Rotondi, New Vistas (Criss Cross Jazz, 2004) Libor Šmoldas, In New York On Time (Animal Music, 2010) Torben Waldorff, Afterburn (Artistshare, 2008) Lizz Wright, Salt (Verve, 2003)
References