Record Reviews

ARIK EINSTEIN / SHALOM HANOCH ~ IN CONCERT (25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) NMC (ISRAEL) 88465 (Barcode: 7290010932115) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005 Arik EinsteinFind albums by this artist and Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist are the true icons / founding fathers of Israeli Rock. Their collaborations in the late 1960s and in the 1970s created and shaped the foundations for everything that followed on the local scene and the series of legendary albums they produced are absolute musical gems. The 1979 concert presented in full on this album is a beautifull summary of their cooperation. An excellent cast of musicians and the two heroes are in superb shape and the music just soars. The album has a distinct jazzy feel due to the great arrangements of Ilan MochiachFind albums by this artist (who plays saxes). Alona TurelFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Haim KarioFind albums by this artist (guitar) - both from the Jazz / Rock group PlatinaFind albums by this artist - and the fantastic fretless bass player Miki ShavivFind albums by this artist, whose sound and virtuosity are on the highest world level (compared to Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist). In short, for people who like Israeli music this is an absolute must!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SHMULIK KRAUS ~ A CRIMINAL RECORD MIO 007 ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Israeli singer / songwriter Shmulik KrausFind albums by this artist is one of the founders of Israeli Pop / Rock. A member of the first legendary Israeli Pop group - The High WindowsFind albums by this artist - he wrote scores of tunes, many of which are considered as classics today. He still continues to write and record. This album was his second solo effort and was written entirely while Kraus was imprisoned after a drug related trial. Accompanied by some first rate musicians (like Haim RomanoFind albums by this artist - the guitarist of The ChurchillsFind albums by this artist and Aharon KaminskyFind albums by this artist - later of The PlatinaFind albums by this artist) he delivers a fiery set of songs which mix pop, rock and psychedelia. A piece of history!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PLATINA ~ THE GIRL WITH THE FLAXEN HAIR MIO 030 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2003 PlatinaFind albums by this artist were the most important Israeli Jazz Fusion band in the 1970s and this first time release of their "lost" 3rd album is a monumental event on the local scene. Led by Roman KuntsmanFind albums by this artist, a gifted player and composer who immigrated to Israel in 1971 from the USSR, and Israeli-born drummer Aharon KaminskyFind albums by this artist they performed extensively and recorded two albums, which were amongst the first Israeli jazz albums ever recorded. The music is most interesting and well performed, including the bonus live tracks. Kuntsman`s tragic death in 2002 was a terrible blow to the local jazz scene.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SHAMAYIM ~ SHAMAYIM NMC (ISRAEL) 84566 (Barcode: 7290003300402) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1980 Released: 1993 Only album by the short-lived Israeli group ShamayimFind albums by this artist, which was a cooperation between members of the Fusion group PlatinaFind albums by this artist and the best Israeli blues singer Dany LitaniFind albums by this artist. Litani`s deep and soulful voice and the excellent instrumental work by the players creates one of the nicest albums ever recorded in Israel, although it received very little attention over the years.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend