Episode 82: Ofri Nehemya - Drum Dreams in NYC

Ofri Nehemya is a jazz drummer based in New York City.

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(00:00) Moving to New York, COVID detour to Israel

(02:05) Why jazz pointed to New York early

(05:10) Musical family roots, drummer dad, sister too

(08:25) First memories: drums at age two

(12:00) “It chose me”: passion, fear of losing music

(15:45) Gratitude: living off art, doing fulfilling music

(19:30) Family immigration: Yemen to Israel, India to Israel

(23:10) Jewish communities in India and Yemen, culture

(27:05) Telma Yalin arts high school: finding your people

(31:20) Competition, insecurity, and growth in that environment

(35:40) High school structure: majors, mixed classes, mentors

(39:30) New York as jazz mecca and American dream logic

(43:50) Military service, then moving at 22

(47:30) Skipping college: touring, visas, and calculated risk

(51:10) Early New York reality check: fire, accent, standards

(57:15) Progress formula: mental health, kindness, karma, reputation

(61:05) Heroes, dream gigs, and favorite NYC jazz clubs

(65:10) Money and success: appreciation, impact, balance