We’re the Recu Jazz Ensemble, a group of world-class musicians who like to have fun while creating music that our audiences love.
From elegant background music to fiery concerts, we make every event a memorable one.
We’re passionate about Jazz and traditional Jewish music,
and especially the intersection of the two (that’s our specialty!), but we’re just as comfortable playing anything from Cuban sound to a funk setlist and anything in between.
People know us for more than just our musicianship: what sets us apart is the passion and energy we bring wherever we go. Our music captures the ear– and the heart.
Let’s make music!
our story began with a love for music.
It’s not really surprising, when you think about it; after all, a love for music is what drives the Recu Jazz Ensemble till today.
In 2002, bandleader Shlomo Recu was a college student working part-time at a pizza shop near NYC’s Times Square. The slow weeknight crowd and an empty upstairs event space gave him an idea. “How about a weekly jazz night?,” he proposed to the shop’s owner. “It’ll bring in a crowd.”
He was right. Word quickly spread, the shop filled up with folks looking for a fresh slice and good jazz, and the band soon found themselves playing at a variety of venues all across the city.
As a devout Hasid with training as a classic jazz musician, Shlomo often found himself at the intersection of the hasidic world and the music world, catering to clients who wanted hasidic nigunim with the musicianship of world-class performers.
It was clear: the orthodox Jewish world wanted quality music, and the Recu band was uniquely situated to provide it.
Thus, we became the first band of our kind to offer traditional hasidic music with a modern twist.
What began as a casual backroom jam over two decades ago has become a renowned band that fuses together a centuries-old religious tradition with a modern-day passion for jazz.
Like we said: it all started with a love for music.
And that hasn’t changed one bit.
OUR MISSION
We create the energy you envision for your event with live music that captures the ear— and the heart.
With an uncompromising standard of professionalism, spades of talent, and a whole lot of passion for our craft, we’ll elevate your event to the next level and make it a truly unforgettable one.
We Don’t Compromise, Ever.
...And we mean that in a good way. We pride ourselves on our musicianship. Every member of our band has extensive training and experience as well as a deep knowledge of and love for their craft. While our main focus is jazz, our musicians are versatile and enjoy playing a variety of styles. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll create a musical experience that’ll hit home. From solo performances and quiet background music to fiery concerts with a nine-piece band, we’ll produce the sound you’re after with professionalism, expertise, and the trademark Recu passion.
Jazz Goes Jewish
Our unique advantage is twofold: as a religious Jew and a Chabad hasid, bandleader Shlomo Recu is intimately familiar with hasidic nigunim and Jewish tunes. His formal music training and partnership with educated musicians enables him to bring world-class jazz to the religious community and accommodate clients who want strictly Jewish music with a sophisticated sound. Jewish music fans can now enjoy traditional melodies performed by professional and experienced Jazz musicians. It’s a win all around.
Let’s get this party started!
“The Recu Jazz Ensemble is like good wine: they keep improving with time. They’re reliable, easy to work with, and bring great energy. It’s always a fun party when they’re on the stage! I’ve hired them for multiple events and look forward to working with them in the future.”
–DANNY BRANOVER, SATEC, INC.