* Ari Hest (at Bull Run Restaurant)

Ari Hest

With every record he makes, Ari Hest says his music is progressively more reflective of who he is. At 34, the Bronx-based singer/songwriter's musicianship has evolved from writing songs on imagery to real-life experiences coming from an honest, intense place. On his upcoming June 8th release 'Shouts and Whispers', Hest creates a non-typical collection of tracks that ultimately form a cohesive narrative. With songs of sadness and resignation giving way to lucidity and catharsis, Hest's introspection and intelligence are on display, creating moments of magic within his poetic, spare lyrics and backing them up with his ear for haunting melodies. Hest conceived half the album as an acoustic set, while the other half took shape via keyboards, as he explains below. 'Shouts and Whispers' begins with the swirling, hypnotic 'Harvest', soon followed by a centerpiece track, the stunning, understated 'Into the Empty White'. 'How We'll Always Be' is perhaps a declaration of giving up the fight, and the melancholy 'No One Can Stay' has an elegant darkness. There's a glimmer of hope within 'Bona Fide', and finally a cathartic yowl as 'After The Thunder' builds to its crescendo.

Hest has released eight albums, three EPs, and "52" in 2008, an innovative project whereby he wrote, recorded and released a new song every Monday for a full year. And while his newest album, 2014's Shouts and Whispers, is an excellent indication of what Hest is capable of, his live show leaves even more of an impression. In addition, Hest is half of the folk pop duo The Open Sea, along with longtime friend Rosi Golan. 

His music has been featured on numerous television shows including Private Practice, Army Wives, and One Tree Hill. Recently, Ari's song "The Landlord" appeared in an episode of NPR's "All Things Considered". He's also scored a film called 'Dreamriders,' which won several independent film awards. And throughout his career, he has toured worldwide to support his records, most recently in Germany as well as several European countries, and built the kind of loyal fan base any musician would envy. While "Shouts and Whispers" is an excellent indication of what Hest is capable of, his live show may leave even more of an impression. Watching him play, one can't help but be thrust into his world, hanging on every word like a child listening to a ghost story.