Sam Glaser
| Sam Glaser | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Jewish music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musical director |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Glaser Musicworks |
| Associated acts | Craig Taubman, RebbeSoul |
| Website | www.samglaser.com |
Sam Glaser (born 1962) is a composer,[1] performer and interpreter of Jewish music. Referred to as one of the top ten Jewish artists in the United States by Moment Magazine,[2] he holds a global fifty-city music tour culminating in Israel every year.[3]
He performs annually to over 100,000 people of all ages[3] at such venues as The Greek Theater, Universal Amphitheatre and Dodger Stadium, and toured cities such as Sydney, London, Hong Kong, and Tel Aviv.[3]
While an Orthodox Jew himself, he holds concerts as well as sings in synagogues of all streams of Judaism, which are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist.
Personal life
Glaser was born to a Jewish family in Los Angeles, California and started composing and performing at the age of 7. He recorded his first full length album at the age of 11 and composed his first national radio spot at the age of 14. While in Jr. High, Glaser was chosen Best Male Vocalist in the LA City School District and was presented the award by conductor Zubin Mehta at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in Business and Minor in Music, and also attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the UCLA Film Scoring Program.[3] Glaser currently lives in Los Angeles in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood with his wife Shira and children Max, Jesse and Sarah.
Career
Music career
Glaser has released 24 albums, as well as four collections of lyrics and poetry, four musicals, five sheet music songbooks of his Jewish music and an SATB choral book, Kol Haneshama. He is a 7 time winner of the ASCAP Award and has won Parent's Choice, John Lennon and International Songwriting Competition awards.
He produces his music through his own record company Glaser Musicworks as well as producing scores for film and television. He has served as in house composer for the WB Network and has scored for ESPN, Warren Miller Films and TV, PBS and the Sports Channel. Glaser is also a prolific producer of albums for other recording artists.
Professional career
Glaser served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Music Commission for five years. Glaser also produced the annual American Jewish Song Festival, a song writing competition from 1992 to 2000. In 1995, Glaser was appointed Music Coordinator for the Department of Continuing Education at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) where he supervised the music curriculum and directed the Cultural Arts Program. For four years he was the Musical Director at the Yad b'Yad youth theatre as also served as Music Director for the Brandeis-Bardin Institute in Simi Valley, California.[3] Glaser is also involved with the Coalition for Advancement of Jewish Education, and the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity.
Discography
Albums
- Hineni (1992), including "Hineni," "Shabbas," and "Pitchu Li."
- A Day in the Life (1994), based on the daily cycle of Jewish prayers.
- Across The River (1997), inspired by major holidays and lifecycle events.
- Glaser promoted this album in an over 50 city global tour (called the One Hand/One Heart tour) in 1998 and 1999.
- Kol Bamidbar/A Musical Journey Through the Five Books of Moses (1999), thirteen songs of Jewish history from the stories of the Torah. The full musical with libretto by TV writer David Sacks has been performed by Mr. Glaser and casts of local children in over 40 cities throughout North America.
- The Songs We Sing (2001), a compilation of the most popular contemporary songs from Israel.
- The Bridge (2002), fifteen original songs focusing on themes that unite the Jewish people.
- The album was sponsored by Israel's Common Denominator organization, where the album was played in over 50 unity concerts during 2002 and 2003 where many cities held it with at least three synagogues across denominational lines (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist).
- Presence (2003), based on the themes of the High Holidays.
- Edge of Light (2003), a solo piano/voice double CD with pianist Sharone Kushnir.
- Soap Soup (2004), a secular children's album.
- Won the Parent's Choice Recommended award, the National Parenting Publications award, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the Children's Music Web trophy.
- Nigun/Voice of the Soul (2006), sixteen nigunim (songs without words).
- Features co-production with RebbeSoul (Bruce Burger).
- Vocals included the Jewish bands, Moshav Band, Soulfarm, Blue Fringe, Gershon Veroba, and Beatachon.
- Rockin' Chanukah Revue (2007), Chanukah album.
- Hallel (2008), a new setting of the full text of the traditional Hallel service.
- The Songs We Sing: Volume 2 (2010), 28 of the "Greatest Hits of the Jewish People"
- Fatherhood (2011), a secular album dedicated to Mr. Glaser's father.
- The Promise (2012), featuring guest vocalists, Los Angeles-based studio musicians, and a children's choir.
- Towards the Dawn (2014), the follow-up to the first Edge of Light album.