CD Review: David Broza & The Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon's 'Andalusian Love Song'

David Broza & The Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon
Andalusian Love Song
Magenta/Eight Note

Hailing from Israel, David Broza rocks the world with a delightful, Andalusian album that bridges the music of Spain, the Middle East, and North Africa into one indelible result. The seventeen tracks are sung in English, Spanish, and Hebrew with instrumental influences arranged in classical, folk, pop, and roots medleys. The vocals are strong and timeless. The edgy percussion, soaring strings, and multi-layered instrumental arrangements make Andalusian Love Song a very pleasant listening experience. The diverse influences and instrumentation provide a more balanced result that is not boring or redundant. The sweeping, "Dangerous Autumn," contains beautiful instrumental parts, alongside heady vocals in Hebrew. It is impossible to pick one of the best tracks, as all of them are unique and worthy of number one. Fans of North African, Middle Eastern, and European orchestral music will find the album to be a perfect ten! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Idan Raichel's 'At The Edge Of The Beginning'

Idan Raichel
At The Edge Of The Beginning
Cumbancha

Israel's Idan Raichel has the rare ability to create meaningful and beautiful melodies that transcend not only borders, but time, as well. This is especially relevant on his latest release, At The Edge Of The Beginning. The album opens with a sweeping piano medley with mixed instrumentation in a great arrangement worthy of repeated listens. The rest of the tracks contain vocal tracks with an array of instrumentation, including kamanche, trumpet, bass, guitars, baglama, sax, tuba, accordion, piano, and various programming. Special guest and sintir player, Hassan Hakmoun, lends his talents on "Be'Chamesh Shniyot." Idan's "Delet Mistovevet" is one of the best tracks on this album. All things considered, Idan creates a moving, contemporary, and authentic mix of ear-candy that contains a plethora of melodies and moments that should not go unnoticed. The title touts Idan may be at the beginning of something really great. Actually, he has been great since he started and he will not let you down here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pharaoh's Daughter's 'Dumiyah'

Pharaoh's Daughter
Dumiyah
Magenta

The great Basya Schechter is the Pharaoh's Daughter's chief vocalist and progenitor of the group. The Jewish-inspired and infused concoctions are actually pan-global with tons of influences coming from North American psych, Mediterranean folk/rock, and Middle Eastern music. The diverse song styles and multi-instrumental compositions create an engaging world fusion of sorts that succeeds on all accounts. The refreshingly authentic and memorable grooves are carried by Basya's female vocals that float effortlessly throughout the melodies. The music incorporates the synth, electric guitar, shofar, hammered dulcimer, acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, santoor, kora, ney, tuba, trumpet, and more. The entire production is contemporary with traditional elements that are very catchy and majestic overall. A very good recording to say the least. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lisa Eastman's 'Jubilee'

Lisa Eastman
Jubilee
Self-Release

Lisa Eastman's new release, Jubilee, is a catchy, symphonic, and magical production that creates a sense of warmth, fun, and reflection. The Hebrew-inspired songs are all in English. The music is rather reflective of Celtic Woman with vocals like Nina Gordon and Susan Aglukark. There are additional vocals that reinforce the new age presence of the production. The lilting piano, booming percussion, and symphonic strings with keyboards makes the entire release shine with happiness. There are fourteen songs in all, which are rather diverse. However, each song gives us something new with more contemporary dance, as on "Road To Me," or more quiet reflection, as on "Storm." Lisa's floating vocals are heavenly, clear, and penetrating. This is not your average pop/rock release. In fact, Lisa presents such a fascinating combination of melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation that make every song entertaining. Anyone interested in good music will love it. The album is based on a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every fifty years by the emancipation of Hebrew slaves for a season of celebration. Celebrate today with Lisa's remarkable Jubilee. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Idan Raichel Project's 'Quarter To Six'

Idan Raichel Project
Quarter To Six
Cumbancha

The Idan Raichel Project is back at it again with another impressive recording. Quarter To Six represents a compilation of sixteen songs mostly in Hebrew. However, Idan Raichel is joined by the famed Ana Moura and Vieux Farka Toure on two songs. The same piano melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and world fusion arrangements are still prevalent here. There is a mix of Egyptian, West African, Middle Eastern, and world pop elements that make Idan Raichel so enthralling. One of the album highlights include "Achshav Karov." The upbeat melody and soaring rhythms are reminiscent of "Mi'Ma'Amakim" from the last album. Though, "Ba'Layla" is close behind. Still, all of the songs possess the same musical fervor and catchiness that made his previous albums so popular. Some of the songs are a little more exploratory and not as structured as most of the songs on the previous albums, but they are still worth a listen. Fans of adventurous and catchy world music will find comfort here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: AndraLaMoussia's 'Bet'

AndraLaMoussia
Bet
Ittai Binnun

The sauntering melodies and Middle Eastern incarnations of AndraLaMoussia are lavishly produced on the 2010 release of Bet. The group is based in Jerusalem, Israel and features a variety of musical creations involving the guitar, accordion, trumpet, ney, clarinet, sax, baglama, violin, oud, melodica, and assorted percussion. The tunes are lively and mostly instrumental. There is a degree of Andalusian, Central Asian, and Balkan influence throughout. The thirteen tracks contain energetic, evocative, and classy compositions. In short, you will not be disappointed with the music of AndraLaMoussia. It is a sure 'bet.' ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yasmin Levy's 'Sentir'

Yasmin Levy

Sentir

Four Quarters Entertainment

The golden voice of Ladino and Sephardic music and culture is Yasmin Levy. Born in Israel, Yasmin sings traditional songs of Ladino culture with a Latin/Spanish flair that awakens the spirit, soul, and most of all, one's feet. The Judeo-Spanish language of Ladino is a relatively rare language at risk of extinction. Fortunately, the language (and music) is preserved on Sentir. Yasmin sings with such a high degree of emotion and sincerity that every song elicits responses of good cheer. One cover song of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is included and it is quite powerful. The Greek-tinged song "Porque" is a pleasant song showcasing Yasmin's far-reaching influences and abilities. The final song, "Yigdal", is a poignant traditional prayer sung in Hebrew. Anyone seeking music from this fascinating genre should begin with Yasmin Levy. Sentir is steeped in tradition and love. Liner notes are included in English, French, and Hebrew.

CD Review: Eden Mi Qedem - Music from the Garden of Eden

Eden Mi Qedem
Eden Mi Qedem (Eden From The East)
Samuel Nelson

Jerusalem-based Eden Mi Qedem fuses contemporary Arab music with Jewish contributions. The band's name comes from the Biblical book of Genesis, which is inspired by the creation of Mankind and perfection of the Garden of Eden. As expected, the band draws heavily upon the rhythms and instrumentation of the Middle East. You will hear the violin, qanun, ney flute, tanbur, keyboards, and guitars create a modern and energetic musical tone. The historical roots and inspiration of Eden Mi Qedem explores Biblical poetry through original songs and Biblical Psalms. There are some great instrumental interludes and jamming sessions that flow in and out between modern and traditional music modes. In order to understand the music as something more than contemporary Arabic music, you might want to check out a similar group from Israel: The Idan Raichel Project. All in all, Eden Mi Qedem utilizes some danceable rhythms, groovy tunes, and a touch of Mesopotamian style. Listen to the Garden of Eden through the music of Eden Mi Qedem; it's that perfect! The liner notes contain song titles and information in English, Arabic and Hebrew. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 'Longing' for Elisete

Elisete
Gaagua (Longing)
IMP Records

If anyone could pull off a trans-cultural release of music melding the sounds of Brazil with Hebrew linguistics, then Elisete is sure to pave an inspirational path to greatness. Born in Brazil and now living in Israel, Elisete certainly eschews the rhythms of Brazil and Portugal. The opening track sounds like a fuzzy radio introduction that quickly tosses us into Elisete's musical world. In order to describe the music, one need not be an expert on Brazilian or Israel music. In fact, Elisete's breezy rhythms and fun vocals should put everyone in a very happy mood. The music reminds me of contemporary pop music from West Africa, France, South America, and the Cape Verde islands. Consequently, Elisete's global appeal brings together music across oceans and continents. This is what makes Gaagua so enthralling. Some of the musical elements resemble funky-rumba and even downbeat with a hint of reggae. Though -- one thing is for sure -- Elisete's music is uniquely her own. Similar artists include Natalia Clavier (Argentina), Daby Toure (Mauritania), and Nuklearte (Italy). Also available by Elisete: Remixes (2007) and Luar e Cafe (2004).