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  | DAVID BROZA ~ LA MUJER QUE YO QUIERO (25TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 20928 (Barcode: 7290011998882) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 - 1983 Released: 2009
3rd album by Israeli singer / songwriter / guitarist David BrozaFind albums by this artist, one of the country’s most prominent and active musicians since the 1970s, which brought Broza unprecedented success and fame on the Israeli music scene. Broza, born in Haifa, grew up in Spain and England and returned to Israel for his military service. His Spanish cultural roots and his Flamenco acoustic guitar style are a most significant factor in his approach to music, but those surfaced for the first time on this magnificent album, since his earlier recordings were mostly Rock oriented. During the late 1970s and early 1980s Broza participated in many projects, including the splendid Sixteenth LambFind albums by this artist, cooperating closely with poet / lyricist Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist. The story behind this album is quite interesting: Following Broza’s experiences during the war in Lebanon, he suffered a severe nervous breakdown and dropped out from the music scene. His wife persuaded him to pick up his guitar and start working again, asking him to create Hebrew versions of the Spanish love songs, which he sang to her during their courtship. Broza enlisted the help of his friend Geffen, who transcribed (translated would be inaccurate, as Geffen had no knowledge of Spanish and created the lyrics based on Broza’s impressions of them) the song’s lyrics in to Hebrew. The resulting album turned out to be one of the most impressive music projects ever recorded in Israel, with exquisite arrangements, beautiful instrumentation and superb vocal delivery. The original songs were written by some of Spain’s best composers / lyricist, including Joan Manuel SerratFind albums by this artist, Paco IbanezFind albums by this artist, Frederico Garcia LorcaFind albums by this artist and others. Broza truly understands and loves this music and his talent comes to full fruition, presenting him as he truly is – an outstanding performer. One original song by Broza was also included on the album. Soon after its release, the album turned out to be a hysteric bestseller, which is quite surprising, as its high quality (both musical and lyrical) is definitely far from being populist in any sense. As a result of the album’s success Broza toured the country for about a year, performing the songs from the album as well as many of his earlier songs. The final concert of the tour, recorded live, is enclosed in this beautiful Box Set on two bonus CDs with almost three hours of music. This album is perfect in every respect and this spectacular, beautifully packaged Box Set is a proper homage to the achievements of Israeli music. Essential stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Digipak Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVID BROZA ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS
NMC (ISRAEL) 22431 (Barcode: 7294276224311) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 - 1991 Released: 2012
This is a Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer David BrozaFind albums by this artist, one of the most popular Israeli music figures, who first arrived on the local music scene in the late 1970s and in still very much active today touring worldwide after gaining considerable international success. The set includes the following albums: "David BrozaFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1979, "AceFind albums with this title" – 2nd album released in 1982, "BrozaFind albums with this title" – 4th album released in 1984 and "Stolen KissFind albums with this title" – 7th album (counting the first US album released earlier) released in 1991. The eponymous debut album presents Broza as a gifted Folkie, obviously still very much searching for his musical way but already showing clear signs of talent and outspoken social / political awareness, which was quite common among young Israelis at the time. The second album shows his attempt to move more towards Rock, using electric guitars and a full group comprised of some of the best Rock players on the scene at the time supporting him. Shortly after the release of that album Broza went through a process of complete transformation (see the text I wrote about that album for the circumstances surrounding that transformation), which resulted in his discovery of Spanish music and the recording of the superb 3rd album "La Mujer Que Yo QuieroFind albums with this title" ("The Women By My Side"), which reached a quadruple platinum sales status. The fourth album (the third one in this Box Set) is simply a direct continuation of its predecessor and presents Broza´s heartfelt and beautiful renderings of songs by great Spanish songwriters: Joan Manuel SerratFind albums by this artist, Jose Manuel Ortega HerediaFind albums by this artist (aka Manzanita) and Paco IbanezFind albums by this artist, with Hebrew language lyrics by Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist. Although it never enjoyed the same level of popularity as its predecessor, it is as good in every sense and still sounds excellent, untouched by time. The last album in this set is an attempt to recapture the Israeli scene after several years of absence, trying to set aside the "Spanish" image and presenting a set of new songs with lyrics by Jonathan Geffen and the late Meir ArielFind albums by this artist, which somehow missed the opportunity, but remains quite a pleasant listen, especially the instrumental title track. This is some of the best Israeli music ever made and of course it is absolutely essential listening. This reissue saves this music from the cruel fate of oblivion, which is a most commendable act of keeping our Culture alive. A must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ HOLLOWED
HED ARZI 15942 (Barcode: 7293372594229) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998
6th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ JOURNEY
HELICON 8184 (Barcode: 7293627818421) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
8th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ LIVE
HELICON 8287 (Barcode: 7293627828727) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
11th album by Israeli Rock legend Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (13th if one counts the two BlackfieldFind albums by this artist albums), and his first edition of live material, which in many respects serves as a summary of his 15 years on the scene. Geffen, much as his father Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist before him, was always at the epicenter of both the Israeli musical and political scenes. His early-days rebel behavior, anti-establishment protest and mannerisms created a huge public debate in Israeli in the early 1990s, but his popularity with the Israeli teens was sky-high. The peak of Geffen’s political involvement was reached when he publicly reconciled with Israeli Priminister Itzhak RabinFind albums by this artist, following Rabin’s dramatic peace efforts, which unfortunately happened shortly before Rabin was assassinated. In time Geffen withdrew from political involvement and public life (other than concerts) and in parallel also became more introvert as musician and lyricist. The themes of his songs changed from protest and rebellion to soul-searching and metaphysical journeys. Since 2003 Geffen lives mostly in London, where he met and befriended Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist (Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist), which led to the creation of their group Blackfield, and where he tries to develop his international career free from the restrictions imposed by the local Israeli scene. This Box Set includes two CDs recorded live during the summer of 2007. The songs – all written and composed by Geffen – span his entire career, with the older material appropriately rearranged and updated musically. Accompanied by a great band, which includes some of Israel’s best rockers, Geffen delivers his songs with passion and great stage presence. Although not a refined singer (some might even say a poor singer), his charisma and musicality transcend his limitations, as it does in many other cases in Rock music. Overall the delivery is very effective and these two disks summarize Geffen’s career to date perfectly. A couple of new songs, previously unrecorded, are also featured. The enclosed DVD is a great treat to Geffen fans, as it includes 21 video clips and live performances filmed between 1992 and 2008, none of which were previously commercially available. A beautiful booklet with the lyrics of all the songs (in Hebrew) and some nice photographs is also included. I can hardly imagine a better tribute to an artist’s career than this Box Set, which should delight all his numerous fans in Israel as well as abroad.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | 2CD+DVD 3 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ MEMENTO MORI
HELICON 8213 (Barcode: 7293627821322) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002
9th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ WHITE NIGHTS
HED ARZI 64034 (Barcode: 7293372403408) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999
7th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ WITH THE TIME (SPECIAL EDITION)
HELICON 8266 (Barcode: 7293627826624) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
10th album by Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well), the Israeli “rebel” poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not eschew any controversy, slaughtering “holy cows” by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. Since 2003 Aviv co-leads with Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist (Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist) the group BlackfieldFind albums by this artist, which managed to achieve huge international success, following the release of their debut album in 2004. Over four years since his last solo album Aviv finally unveils his new material, which is a direct continuation of his previous work Memento MoriFind albums with this title. Deeply lyrical and rather somber, but with excellent melody lines and a well developed artistic approach. Wilson provides some backing vocals and a strong cast of musicians supports the singer. The Special Edition includes a 10-songs bonus CD assembled especially for this project.
Limited Edition
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 |
  | THREE`NGERS ~ THREE`NGERS (40TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 64927 (Barcode: 7293372649271) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2009
The Israeli trio The Three`ngersFind albums by this artist ("Shlosharim" in Hebrew) included the top male vocalists on the local scene at the end of the 1960s: Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist, Hanan YovelFind albums by this artist and Benny AmdurskyFind albums by this artist. Their combined vocal abilities, Hanoch´s incredible songwriting (he composed most of the songs), brilliant lyrics written by the best lyricists active at the time (Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist and others) and beautiful arrangements by Misha SegalFind albums by this artist turned the only album recorded by this group into an instant Israeli Pop / Rock classic. Musically daring and completely different from most of the music created on the local scene at the time, these songs and performances withstand the test of time with flying colors and sound as fresh and exciting as they did at the time. This new edition expands the original album with additional songs, originally released on an EP, which has been unavailable for decades, as well as a DVD with TV appearances by the group. Way beyond nostalgia, this is a beautiful reminder of the exciting times when musical breakthroughs were happening everywhere, including Israel. Great stuff!
| | | CD+DVD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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