Record Reviews
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  | MATTI CASPI ~ MATTI CASPI
NMC (ISRAEL) 80208 (Barcode: 7290003301584) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 1991
This is the 1st eponymous album by Israeli singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important and brilliant music makers in the country, who led a new generation of musicians and composers in creating new Israel music, much of which was very progressive, as it was created in the early 1970s. This stunning album is full of brilliant songs, all written by Caspi. Two of the songs have lyrics written by the great Israeli poet Natan ZachFind albums by this artist. Caspi plays all the instruments on this album as well. Definitely one of the best albums ever recorded in Israel and a must to all collectors of early Israeli music.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ MATTI CASPI (2) (30TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 80779 (Barcode: 7290011507589) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2007
2nd eponymous album by Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist (his first album was also self-titled and hence this one is commonly known as “2” or the “door bell album” – see the cover art). The 1970’s were the formative years of the Israeli musical scene and Caspi’s role was one of the most crucial and influential at the time, rivaled only by the output of Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist (with whom Caspi cooperated – see their album as a duo). Inspired by a wide variety of musical influences, like Progressive Rock, jazz, blues and Brazilian music, Caspi created a unique blend of superb songwriting, which inspired later generation of Israeli musicians, notable to this very day, as well as creating some of the best Israeli songs ever. Caspi not only wrote and arranged all the music on this album, but he also sings and plays all the instruments (and does it extremely well), giving a new meaning to the term “solo album”. To this day this is one of the most “perfect” albums ever recorded in Israel, setting an incredibly high standard to be followed. This beautiful new edition includes an entire second CD of bonus live material, never previously available on record.
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS VOL.2
NMC (ISRAEL) 22432 (Barcode: 7294276224328) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is the 2nd Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important Israeli music figures, who played a central role on the emerging local music scene in the 1970s and in retrospect can be considered as one of the Godfathers of what we now consider as contemporary Israeli music. The set includes the following albums: "Matti CaspiFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1974, "Side A Side BFind albums with this title" – 3rd album released in 1978, "Matti Caspi Sings Sasha ArgovFind albums with this title" – 6th album released in 1982 and "Mattityahu And AlexanderFind albums with this title" – 8th album released in 1984. The eponymous debut album was one of the great milestones of Israeli music and influenced generations of Israeli musicians with its originality, wonderful melodic quality and above all its personal statement, which clearly expressed the belief in braking barriers and taboos in complete defiance of the commonly accepted standards. The 3rd album presents Caspi´s versions of the songs, which he wrote originally for other Israeli singers and which were initially performed by them. This album and its two predecessors show how in just a few years Caspi created a body of work, which immediately established his position of a leading Israeli songwriter and one of the leaders of the Israeli born generation of music makers, together with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist and Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. The remaining two albums in the set are Caspi´s tribute to the remarkable talents of Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist (aka. Sasha Argov), the most prominent first generation Israeli composer, who arrived in Israel from Russia in 1934 and who until his death in 1995 was the undisputed royal leader of the local music scene, admired, respected and loved by all Israelis. Argov´s incredible legacy of songs easily equals in its size, beauty, sophistication and originality to the songbooks of Irving BerlinFind albums by this artist, Jerome KernFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist and other prominent Jewish composers. He brilliantly amalgamated the European Classical heritage, Russian folkloristic themes and the Middle Eastern influences to compose some of the most impressive songs ever written. Most of his songs used brilliant lyrics, mostly written by Israeli poets. Caspi selected some of the songs composed by Argov, arranging them in his very personal style and performs them with obvious respect and deep love, which ipso facto creates a wonderful bridge between the two generations. It´s probably worth mentioning that Caspi plays all the instruments on all these albums, quite brilliantly one might add, which only emphasizes his incredible talent. 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 |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ SOUL MATE
PHONOKOL 4272 (Barcode: 7296134427223) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
At the end of his fourth decade as a prominent figure on the Israeli music scene, singer / songwriter Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist is still a formidable performer and his superb songwriting is second to none. In fact it appears as if Caspi is completely resistant to the tides of time and almost never changes his musical approach, which in his case is a good thing, considering he was excellent from day one. This set of new songs is almost identical in character and atmosphere to his early albums recorded in the 1970s. Beautifully melodic, lyrical and wonderfully crafted, they are all masterly performed by Caspi with a help of his colleagues. He also gets a few guest vocalists, among them the wonderful Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist, who sings a duet with him on one song. Most of the songs´ lyrics were written by one of Israel´s greatest lyricist, the late Ehud ManorFind albums by this artist, who often cooperated with Caspi. This album is a tribute to Manor´s sublime sensibility and talent and reveals many songs written some years ago but never heard previously. Definitely a great album, which should be warmly received by Caspi´s many fans and all lovers of good Israeli music.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ YOU ARE MY WOMAN
EARSAY 037 (Barcode: 7296134428824) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
At the end of his fourth decade as a prominent figure on the Israeli music scene, singer / songwriter Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist is still a formidable performer and his superb songwriting is second to none. In fact it appears as if Caspi is completely resistant to the tides of time and almost never changes his musical approach, which in his case is a good thing, considering he was excellent from day one. This set of new songs is almost identical in character and atmosphere to his early albums recorded in the 1970s. Beautifully melodic, lyrical and wonderfully crafted, they are all masterly performed by Caspi with a help of several guest musicians. Most of the songs´ lyrics were written by one of Israel´s greatest lyricist, the late Ehud ManorFind albums by this artist, who often cooperated with Caspi. This album is a tribute to Manor´s sublime sensibility and talent and reveals beautiful songs written and inspired by love. Lavishly packaged in a hard-cover mini-sleeve and with great graphic design, the album also includes a bonus CD single produced by Caspi and performed by his daughter. This is definitely a great album, which should be warmly received by Caspi´s many fans and all lovers of good Israeli music.
| | | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEHIND THE SOUNDS (EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 64404 (Barcode: 7293372440427) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2002
1st album by this duo of Israel`s most talented composers and performers Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. Recorded live with just a piano and guitar, this revolutionary album exposed those two talents to Israeli public for the first time. The complex compositions and carefully chosen lyrics worked together like magic and this still is one of those albums that send shivers down your spine. This album was so advanced and sophisticated at the time of its release that many Israelis had serious trouble liking it and I remember people leaving the concert halls during their performances. A masterpiece!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEHIND THE SOUNDS 2002
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
3rd cooperation project / live recording by this duo of Israel’s most prominent musicians. In many ways this is a summary of 30 years of their amazing careers, with hundreds of wonderful songs, numerous albums and countless concerts behind them, all of which enriched the Israeli music scene immensely. Both Caspi and Gronich are amazing performers on their own right, but when they are together on stage magic always appears to be there. Their previous meetings in 1972 and 1984 produced splendid albums and this one, recorded 30 years after the first meeting, is a masterful showcase of matured, yet still vibrant and productive musicians, who age well and keep their talents flourishing. The material includes many of their individual compositions as well as repeated performances of their common material, spanning back to the first album. This time they are not completely alone, as both their spouses accompany them on several songs. People who know their music need no recommendation to savor it; those who don’t should get to know it – the sooner the better.
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  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEYOND THE SOUNDS 1984
NMC (ISRAEL) 26781 (Barcode: 7290003504480) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1984 Released: 1994
2nd album by the superb duo of Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. Recorded live 12 years after the debut album, this is an attempt to perform the same (almost) material from a different perspective. Both musicians are older and much more experienced, so whatever this album lacks naivity and freshness is now replaced by prefessionalism and perfection. By the time this album was recorded, they both were of course well recognized on the local scene with many accomplishments behind them.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NURIT GALRON ~ SONGS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
NMC (ISRAEL) 84851 (Barcode: 7290003300662) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 1990
3rd album by Israeli singer Nurit GalronFind albums by this artist, who dominated the Israeli music scene in the late 1970s and through the 1980s, dedicating most of her output to interpretations of songs written especially to words by great Israeli poets. This album was the first and most important breakthrough in that genre and here Galron sings eleven sublime songs written by the best Israeli composers, like Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist, Ilan WirtzbergFind albums by this artist (with whom Galron cooperated extensively) and others, all composed especially for this album to the poems of Natan ZachFind albums by this artist, one of the most important contemporary Israeli poets. Accompanied by best Israeli players at the time, this album is a masterpiece in every respect and to this day one of the greatest albums recorded in Israel. Although non Hebrew speaking listeners can not appreciate the beauty and profoundness of the lyrics, still the exquisite melodies and Galron´s crystal clear vocals and sensitive delivery should enchant every music lover beyond the Hebrew texts. Absolutely essential to every lover of Israeli music!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NURIT GALRON ~ SONGS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 22472 (Barcode: 7294276224724) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2013
This is the third album by Israeli singer Nurit GalronFind albums by this artist, who was one of the most influential and revered Artists on the local scene in the late 1970s and through the 1980s. Galron was a gallant pioneer of the Music & Poetry movement, which had a loyal following at the time and brought modern Israeli poetry to a much wider audiences than just the poetry buffs. This album is dedicated solely to the poetry written by the sublime Israeli poet Natan ZachFind albums by this artist, and includes eleven of his poems which had music composed to by the absolutely crème de la crème of young Israeli composers like Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist, Ilan WirtzbergFind albums by this artist, Shlomo YdovFind albums by this artist, Hanan YovelFind albums by this artist and also (one of the songs) by the Godfather of Israeli songwriting Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist. She is accompanied by a dreamy team of the best instrumentalist active on the scene at the time, which includes, besides the composers themselves, also flautist Shem Tov LevyFind albums by this artist, bassist Miki ShavivFind albums by this artist, drummer Alon HillelFind albums by this artist and many others.
These beautiful songs have been an integral part of the Israeli cultural legacy for over three decades now, completely untouched by time and sounding now better than ever. The beauty of the melodies combined with the depth of Zach´s exquisite poems is simply an unbeatable combination with an everlasting added value. In retrospect this is one of the true Israeli music classic recordings, matched only by a few others over time. It also served as an inspiration for generation of young Israeli songwriters and singer to combine the better of the two worlds: music and poetry, which still is felt today.
This expanded edition adds a whole CD of bonus material, which is part of a concert, recorded live by the radio and is released here for the first time. The concert celebrated Zach´s new book of poetry ("Northeasterly") published in 1979, and was an inspiration to this album, released a couple of years later.
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered 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.
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  | THEY DON`T CARE ~ THEY DON`T CARE (EXPANDED EDITION)
PHONOKOL 4264 (Barcode: 7296134426424) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2009
The Israeli vocal trio They Don`t CareFind albums by this artist, founded in 1970 by singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and two of his colleagues, who served with him in an IDF entertainment unit, was the first exposure of Caspi´s extraordinary talents as a singer and especially so as a songwriter. Caspi wrote all (except one) the songs present on this, the trio´s only album, and they are all excellent, clearly pointing towards his future achievements. Therefore this album is often considered as Caspi´s debut recording, preceding the eponymous solo album which followed only three years later, after his cooperation with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. This expanded edition adds some ultra-rare material previously unavailable on CD. This is a must to all Caspi fans and connoisseurs of early Israeli Pop / Rock / Prog from the 1970s.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ A DIFFERENT TUNE 1, 2 & 3
HED ARZI 15756 (Barcode: 7293372575624) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1990 Released: 2000
This superb Box Set collects together the three volumes of the Israeli Prog compilation called "A Different TuneFind albums with this title", released separately over a period of two decades. These compilations contain some of the best and most daring music recorded in Israel over the years, which are examples of the incredible vitality of the local scene. Some of the material appears on albums released by the artists included here, but the compilations also include material never previously released commercially or released only as radio singles, etc. The scope is enormous and truly enlightening, especially for people less acquainted with Israeli Prog and Art Rock and therefore especially attractive as a comprehensive introduction to the scene. I recommend this Box Set wholeheartedly as it contains "pure musical gold" from start to finish and should appeal to any Prog fan around the world. For those familiar with the scene let me just throw in some names of the artists appearing here: No NamesFind albums by this artist, Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist, Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist, Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, Tuned ToneFind albums by this artist, Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, Shem Tov LevyFind albums by this artist, Gidi GovFind albums by this artist and many, many more!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
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