Record Reviews

JONATHAN GEFFEN / DANNY LITANI ~ IT`S ALL FOR NOW, FOR NOW IT`S ALL PHONOKOL 4158 (Barcode: 7296134415824) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2001 Following the 1973 Yom Kippur war Israel was swept by a tidal wave of public anti-government protest, which eventually led to radical changes both in Israeli society and the state´s government. The protest was often spearheaded by Israeli intellectuals, including writers, poets and musicians. During that period writer / poet / satirist Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist and singer / composer Danny LitaniFind albums by this artist combined forces and presented a live show, which included music, sketches, standup comedy and a lot of political satire, which proved to be immensely successful with the Israeli public. This album, originally a double LP, presents a live recording of the show, with the leader supported by excellent musicians and friends, including Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist and Ariel ZilberFind albums by this artist. Litani wrote most of the original music in the show except a few songs by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, with lyrics translated into Hebrew by Geffen, who wrote also all the original lyrics and spoken texts. This is a great document of the time and a great fun, with most of the satire being completely relevant today, 35 years later.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JONATHAN GEFFEN / DANNY LITANI ~ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NMC (ISRAEL) 70144 (Barcode: 7290003299102) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 1993 This album documents the second cooperation project between writer / poet / satirist Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist and singer / composer Danny LitaniFind albums by this artist, combining forces and presenting a live show, which included music, sketches, standup comedy and a lot of political satire, which also proved to be immensely successful with the Israeli public. This album presents a live recording of the show, with the leaders supported by excellent musicians and friends, including ex-ChurchillsFind albums by this artist bassist Miki GavrielovFind albums by this artist and guitarist Haim RomanoFind albums by this artist. Litani wrote all of the original music in the show except one song by Gavrielov and one by Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, with lyrics translated into Hebrew by Geffen, who wrote also all the original lyrics and spoken texts. This is a great document of the time and a great fun, with most of the satire being completely relevant today, so many years later.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DANNY LITANI ~ VERY TOGETHER (30TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION) NMC (ISRAEL) 81099 (Barcode: 7290011507596) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1978 Released: 2007 Danny LitaniFind albums by this artist is one of the most talented Israeli musicians and songwriters, and yet he never reached the stardom status, he so well deserves. Deeply rooted in American music, especially Dylan’s legacy of folk and protest songs and the blues, Danny was always quite different and somewhat disconnected from the Israeli mainstream. His beautiful bluesy baritone fits ideally his soulful self-written material as well as his interpretations (translated into Hebrew) of American classics. Always accompanied by the best Israeli rock and blues players, his albums and concerts were a source of musical joy and heartfelt experiences. This album includes some of his best songwriting to date (he composed all the songs) and is definitely his strongest and most consistent release. Two of the songs are great duets with Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist. This beautiful new edition includes a plethora of bonus material, never previously available on record, including live tracks, radio singles, etc. Making all of it available to the general public is a true delight. For people not familiar with Danny’s output, this is a most warmly recommended opportunity to get exposed to his charm. (See also his superb album with the group ShamayimFind albums by this artist)

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend