Israeli-born guitarist Avi Bortnick has been playing in bands across the country for the better part of the last three decades. Most recently, he has been playing rhythm guitar for the John Scofield band since 2000, where John Scofield has called him “the best rhythm guitarist in the world.” The Latin and African influences on Bortnick’s playing can be heard on Scofield’s Uberjam, which was nominated for a Grammy, and Up All Night. He also released a self-produced solo album, 2003’s Clean Slate, which gave him the opportunity to show off his lead skills along with his rhythm playing, and he plays on the side with a few other New York-based bands. On top of all that, he still finds time to work at his day job as an acoustical consultant.