Record Reviews

DODA ~ DODA (30TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION) NMC (ISRAEL) 20961 (Barcode: 7294276209615) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2011 The Israeli group DodaFind albums by this artist was the third consecutive ensemble formed by ex-KaveretFind albums by this artist members: guitarist / songwriter Danny SandersonFind albums by this artist and vocalist Gidi GovFind albums by this artist. The band also included some of the best Israeli Rock players: guitarist Yehuda EderFind albums by this artist, bassist Alon NadelFind albums by this artist and drummer Dubi KizelsteinFind albums by this artist. This quintet was much rockier than GazozFind albums by this artist, the previous group led by Sanderson / Gov. They recorded only one, self titled, album which was full of superb songs, all written by Sanderson, which are all considered Israeli Rock classics. This new edition brings a remastered version of the original album and a second CD with a previously unavailable live show by the band, recorded at the peek of their career. Lavishly packaged, this is a superb tribute to the great days of Israeli Rock. A must to all fans of Israeli music!

CD 2 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GARY ECKSTEIN ~ FATA MORGANA HED ARZI 14845 (Barcode: 7293372148453) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1981 Released: 1991 This is the 4th album by Israeli singer / guitarist / composer Gary EcksteinFind albums by this artist, one of the most important Israeli Rock and Progressive Rock pioneers and a very talented musician. His early albums are superb examples of the Israeli music scene at the time, which was extremely creative and sophisticated. Eckstein was definitely one of the most talented Israeli guitarists in all times and his unique feel sounds absolutely incredible today as well. He also wrote some of the best melodies, which remain fresh and sizzling after all these years. On this excellent album he is accompanied by some of the best players active at the time, like keyboardist Moshe LevyFind albums by this artist, bassists Miki ShavivFind albums by this artist and Alon NadelFind albums by this artist and drummer Meir IsraelFind albums by this artist. The album is quite different from his other releases, as it features modern arrangements and interpretation of early Israel songs, which are associated with the era when the State of Israel was founded. This is a great document of the Israeli scene at the time and is warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

YONI RECHTER ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS HED ARZI 7294276650363 (Barcode: 7294276650363) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 - 2002 Released: 2013 This is a Box Set collection of four original albums by Israeli composer / keyboardist / singer Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, the most important figure on the popular music scene in the country. The albums are: "Legend In The SandsFind albums with this title" released in 1980 (and released here on CD for the first time), "Round About NowFind albums with this title" released in 1992, "Thoughts And PossibilitiesFind albums with this title" (with Eli MoharFind albums by this artist) released in 1995 and "Another StoryFind albums with this title" released in 2002. The fact that all these albums are not available on the market since quite a while is a travesty and this is a most welcome gesture to make them available again at a very reasonable price. "Legend In The Sands" is a ballet suite composed by Rechter for the Israeli Inbal Ballet Company. It is mostly instrumental, but includes also a few songs. The album was recorded at the same period when Rechter was recording his debut album "Intentions" and was released almost simultaneously with the debut, gaining no attention whatsoever at the time and disappearing in the deletion bins soon after. The music is an early example of Rechter´s ability to compose stylistically diverse music for different settings, beyond the Pop market. "Round About Now" is an instrumental album (with one exception), which presents eight original compositions by Rechter performed by a wonderful ensemble comprising of the top Israeli Jazz players at the time: saxophonist Guri AgmnonFind albums by this artist, flautist Ilan SalemFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Adi RennertFind albums by this artist, bassist Alon NadelFind albums by this artist and drummers Israel NachumFind albums by this artist, Eitan ItzkowitchFind albums by this artist and Yuval ShafrirFind albums by this artist. This is Rechter´s most Jazzy album ever and an absolute gem. For this reissue it was expanded with three bonus tracks recorded live in 2008 of similar instrumental material. "Thoughts And Possibilities" and "Another Story" are reviewed separately on my site. Overall this is a goldmine of absolutely brilliant music, which is an excellent example of what intelligent contemporary music should be like. Rechter´s role as a leader and pioneer of the Israeli music scene is invaluable and he deserves out deep appreciation and praise for his extraordinary achievements. Hopefully we´ll have the pleasure to enjoy many more of his works in the future.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend