Ilan Chester Biography

Israeli-born and Venezuelan-raised Ilan Chester has incorporated a global range of influences into his music. Inspired by Tito Rodriquez, the Puerto Rican multi-instrumentalist who was one of the spearheads of New York’s Latin music scene, Chester was equally enamored of American R&B and British rock. His music has grown to include elements of classical music, jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and Venezuelan music. A former member of such Venezuelan bands as Sugar, Cocoa & Milk, Gerry Weil & His Band, Bacro, Syma, and Sky White Meditation, Chester had phenomenal success since launching his solo career. After a series of memorable albums, including Songs Books of Venezuelan Love, Vols. 1 & 2, he attracted international attention with the platinum-selling album Navideno Heart in 2002.