The sound of Neta Raanan’s tenor playing has a vocal quality and intimacy that invokes the stylings of iconic saxophonists like Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. This definitive timbral presence gives an earthy foundation to her compositional explorations which emerge with painter-like qualities of Wayne Shorter.  Raanan's rhythmic angularity comes with a familiarity with the generation of New York jazz musicians just preceding her. Her band-leading has a sacred element which sets the stage for an introspective journey while never losing the feeling of dance and blues that makes jazz and BAM so powerful. 

  

Neta grew up in New Jersey, where she was exposed to the music of Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman through the abundant local jazz community and education programs . She was mentored by musicians across the New York/ New Jersey jazz scene, ranging from teachers who discussed ethereal free flowing approaches as well as those who emphasized recognizing the magnitude of originators they had personal and musical connections with such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and more. These artists conveyed the virtuosity and meaning of the music, opening a path for Neta and her peers to explore and appreciate the music on a heartfelt level. 

    

Neta continued to nurture her musicianship during her years living in Boston where she performed with Jason Palmer and began leading her own band at Wally’s Jazz Cafe. Her journey continues in Brooklyn, composing, performing and band leading, and working as a side person and educator.