In a time when the world feels increasingly fragmented, some artists dedicate themselves to creating unity and hope through their craft. Dana Saba David, an Israeli bassist, composer, and educator, is on a heartfelt mission to celebrate Jewish culture and history through her music.
With an innovative approach that blends tradition and modernity, Dana’s latest project seeks to preserve and reimagine the richness of Jewish musical heritage for contemporary audiences.
A Personal and Cultural Journey
Dana’s relationship with music has always been deeply tied to her identity. The sudden loss of her father at 11 transformed music from a discipline into a lifeline. Left with his cherished vinyl collection, she began to explore the emotional depths of many musical genres, eventually channeling her passion into composition and performance.
Years later, as a double bass virtuoso, Dana found herself drawn to the sounds of Jewish cantorial prayers. “There’s a depth to their sound that resonates with the voice of my bass,” she says. This connection became the foundation of her latest project: an album celebrating Jewish composers, both traditional and contemporary, alongside original pieces inspired by the raw, emotional power of prayer.
Breathing New Life into Jewish Music
The album’s debut single, Kol Nidrei, set to release in April 2025, exemplifies Dana’s vision. Based on the Yom Kippur prayer, composed by Max Bruch and arranged for double bass, the piece is a personal dedication to a close friend battling illness. Dana premiered Kol Nidrei during a Recital earlier this month at the Glass Box Theater in New York City, calling it “a prayer shared with the audience.” Reflecting on the performance, she said, “It was one of the most special moments of my life, offering my music as a way of supporting and healing.”
The project also draws inspiration from Dana’s grandfather, Yonah David, a Holocaust survivor and renowned scholar of medieval Jewish poetry. His work has deeply influenced Dana’s exploration of Jewish traditions, which she brings to life through her performances. Recent concerts at distinguished venues across New York City, including the Center for Jewish History, have allowed her to connect with audiences on an emotional and spiritual level, further shaping her creative direction.
Both the single Kol Nidrei and the full album will be available on all streaming platforms upon their release, making this work accessible to listeners worldwide.
Redefining the Role of the Bass
Dana’s musical innovation doesn’t stop at tradition. Her collaborative project, Between the Bass, co-founded with Colombian bassist Carlos Pino, pushes the boundaries of what the bass can achieve. Together, the duo arranges and performs pieces that place the bass in the spotlight, leading with melodies typically reserved for instruments like piano or guitar.
Their debut single, which garnered over 150,000 views on its music video, along with successful concerts across the USA and Middle America, showcased their ability to challenge expectations and create something truly unique. “We’re showing that the bass is more than a background instrument—it’s capable of conveying the full range of human emotion,” Dana explains.
A Mission of Light and Connection
Dana’s work is driven by a profound sense of purpose. Amid global conflict and rising antisemitism, she has found her calling in highlighting the beauty of Jewish culture through her music. Her hope is that her album will serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for those navigating difficult times.
“I’ve come to see music as my form of prayer,” she says. “Through these compositions, I hope to bring light to those who need it most.”
Looking Ahead
Dana’s career is already marked by significant achievements, from winning the Homer Mensch Award of Excellence to performing at distinguished venues across the globe. Her recent recital debuting Kol Nidrei and her upcoming tour with the Czech National Philharmonic further highlight her growing influence as a musician on a mission, yet it’s her latest project that feels most meaningful.
As she prepares for the release of Kol Nidrei and the rest of the album, Dana remains steadfast in her mission to uplift and inspire. “Music has the power to transcend barriers and bring light to the darkest places,” she says. “That’s what I hope my work will do.”
For listeners, Dana’s music offers not just a connection to tradition but also a reminder of the transformative power of art to heal, unite, and bring hope to a fractured world.