Record Reviews
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  | 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 |
  | 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 |
  | GIDI GOV ~ FIRST RECORD
HED ARZI 14733 (Barcode: 7293372147333) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 1991
1st album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, who was the lead singer of the Israeli supergroup KaveretFind albums by this artist and this debut album was recorded just after the group disbanded at the end of an illustrous career. A romantic at heart, with deep love for jazz, this album is much more personal and reflects the true nature of Gov then his work with Kaveret. Ths album is as much his as Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist`s (another Kaveret member), who wrote and arranged almost all the songs on the album. Accompanied by the best Israeli players at the time (mostly jazzman) Gov performs brilliantly, creating a perfect atmosphere and one of the best albums ever produced in Israel. Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist fans will love this!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GIDI GOV ~ FIRST RECORD (EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 8650142 (Barcode: 7294276650141) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2012
This is the debut album by Israeli vocalist Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and loved performers in his country. Gov´s illustrious career, which started in the early 1970s, is a great example of artistic sensitivity, integrity and continuous journey of self-development. This album was recorded at a time when the legendary group KaveretFind albums by this artist, of which Gov was the lead singer, was slowly reaching its end, after revolutionizing the local music scene. Gov cooperated with another Kaveret member, keyboardist / composer Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, who deserves to share with Gov every compliment bestowed upon this album, as it is every bit as much his as Gov´s.
Rechter wrote most of the songs on this album, as well as arranging them for such complex and diverse settings as a Jazz Big Band, string orchestra, woodwinds and a Rock ensemble, all done perfectly and brilliantly. This album exposed Rechter as one of the top Israeli composers, who was about to dominate the music scene for decades to come and until this day has very few parallels. His ability to write devilishly clever and musically complex melodies, which sound completely "easy" to all listeners, is simply sublime. All the songs present on this album are considered absolute classics / evergreens and are often played in the media and performed by young Israeli singers.
Of course Rechter´s music needed Gov´s charming personality and charisma, as well as his great sensitivity and love of music, in order to bring them to the public. Gov´s performances here are just perfect and aid the "easy" feeling of the music, which of course is anything but easy. Both Gov and Rechter show a great love for Jazz, which will be even more evident on this album´s follow up.
This new remastered and expanded edition, which is long overdue, brings the original album in much better sonic quality than the original CD transfer and adds a plethora of bonus tracks, which come from various sources, including radio and TV recordings. A whole second CD with bonus tracks is added.
This is an absolute classic and a milestone of Israeli music, which by now is part of the local canon. I can´t imagine Israeli music fan not having this album in his collection. A masterpiece!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GIDI GOV ~ LET US GROW UP IN PEACE
HED ARZI 15065 (Barcode: 7293372506529) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1985 Released: 1992
3rd album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, which is his second experience with producing music for children since the wonderful Sixteenth LambFind albums by this artist group / album. Of course, despite the fact that these songs can be enjoyed by kids does not make them inferior in any way in comparison to "normal" stuff for grown ups. These melodies and clever lyrics are as sophisticated as anything else gone by Gov, with most of the songs composed by the immensely gifted Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Avner KennerFind albums by this artist (Rechter and Kenner cooperated together in Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist and Kenner led his group PremiereFind albums by this artist). A couple of the songs are new versions of songs recorded by Sixteenth Lamb and the rest are new material written especially for this project. Accompanied by some of the best Israeli instrumentalists and backing vocalist Gov sings with his usual sensitivity and flair, which make this album another valuable addition to his superb musical legacy. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GIDI GOV ~ MANNERS
HED ARZI 15178 (Barcode: 7293372517822) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1986 - 1987 Released: 1987
4th album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, one of the icons of Israeli music since the 1970s, which marks a change in his musical direction towards Rock, as opposed to his early lyrical, Jazz oriented material created in cooperation with Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. Almost all the songs on this album were composed by another Israeli musical icon, Yehuda PolikerFind albums by this artist, with lyrics supplied by the best local lyricists like Eli MoharFind albums by this artist and Meir ArielFind albums by this artist. Gov´s vocal style changes significantly, with emphasis on the husky Rock intonation and his interpretations of the songs are absolutely brilliant. Accompanied by some of the best Rock players on the scene at the time, guitarist Erez NetzFind albums by this artist, bassist Ehud IngerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Moshe LeviFind albums by this artist and drummer Jean Paul ZimbarisFind albums by this artist, the album remains as one of the best Israeli Rock recordings of all times. An absolute classic!
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  | GIDI GOV ~ MOON DANCE
HED ARZI 64343 (Barcode: 7293372434396) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
6th album. With a career stretching over more than thirty years Gidi GovFind albums by this artist is today a mythical figure on the local Israeli music scene. Since his early days as the lead singer of the legendary group KaveretFind albums by this artist and up to date he maintained an unprecedented and uncompromising standard of musical excellence, refusing to participate in any sort of trendy escapades. His unique and very personal way of singing can be compared to the great American and European performers like Frank SinatraFind albums by this artist, Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist, Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist and many others, all of whom posses not only a remarkable voice but also a deep understanding of music and a high level of emotional involvement with it. Although Gov usually performs material written specifically for him (in most cases by his friends Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Eli MoharFind albums by this artist), for this special project he collected a string of classic international vocal standards (and some Israeli evergreens from his past), which were beautifully translated into Hebrew by Eli Mohar and exquisitely arranged by Adi RenertFind albums by this artist (one of Israel’s great jazz musicians and arrangers). The ensemble accompanying Gov includes the creme de la creme of the Israeli jazz players and the entire album is beautifully recorded and produced (IMO this is the best ever production in this country). The choice of material might have easily resulted in some tackiness, but Gov’s incredible talent to interpret tacky material (like Armstrong’s “It’s A Wonderful World”) with enough twist to make it interesting works like a charm. His interpretation of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” is simply divine and the rest of the material is equally excellent. Age seems to be smiling upon Gov as the experience and seasoning turned him into a world-class performer by any standard. I absolutely adore every minute of this great album and urge everybody with sensitive ears to give it a try.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | KAVERET ~ IN A BOX – ANTHOLOGY 1971-1976
HED ARZI 7294276650301 (Barcode: 7294276650301) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1976 Released: 2013
In June 2013 the seven original members of the legendary Israeli group KaveretFind albums by this artist reunited again, this time for the very last time, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of their debut album "Poogy TalesFind albums with this title". The reunion saw them performing a series of sold out gigs in the biggest venues available in Israel, with audiences ranging from the group´s original fans (now aged well over 60) and their grandchildren, singing along with the group members (still in good shape) the words of all their songs, a truly heartwarming experience. Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, Danny SandersonFind albums by this artist, Ephraim ShamirFind albums by this artist, Yitzhak KlepterFind albums by this artist, Alon OleartchikFind albums by this artist, Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Meir FenigsteinFind albums by this artist managed to create the biggest Israeli musical legend, almost by mistake, but so far without any competition whatsoever.
The reunion also served as an opportunity to release this Box Set, which includes six CDs and two DVDs, all with previously unreleased material by group recorded in the 1970s – nothing short of miraculous and astonishing, considering that the total output of the group comprises of just three albums. The material on the CDs includes demos, radio and live recordings, including some ultra rare never previously heard material and even some songs Kaveret performed in English on their 1976 USA tour and audition for the PolydorFind albums on this label label, which unfortunately did not win them a recording contract they hoped for. Some of the material was recorded before the group was actually formed, when the founding members were still members of the IDF Nachal ensemble. The two DVDs include early TV performances (in black & white) and reunion concerts from 1984, 1990 and 1998.
The phenomenal and lasting success of Kaveret is a complete mystery; the group consisted of excellent and ambitious musicians, who wrote and performed sophisticated songs, often involving Progressive Rock phrasing and Jazzy instrumental passages, witty and quite barmy Zappaesque humor and other outlandish elements, and yet they somehow synthesized the first instance of true and original Israeli Rock, which one way or another captured the minds and hearts of the Israeli audiences for years to come.
This Box Set is a great tribute to the group and its contribution to the Israel Culture and musical heritage. Although it does not uncover any sensational new material, it presents a retrospective view of the creative processes that stood behind the group´s repertoire. Die hard fans of the group will grab this instantly, but it might prove to be a bit too much for the average listener.
Beautifully remastered and accompanied by a 120 pages booklet with the lyrics and a plethora of photographs from the early days of the group, this is definitely a collector´s heaven.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD+DVD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALON OLEARTCHIK ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS
NMC (ISRAEL) 22435 (Barcode: 7294276224359) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1985 - 1996 Released: 2012
This is a Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer Alon OleartchikFind albums by this artist, a member (bassist) of the legendary KaveretFind albums by this artist, Israel´s first supergroup, which conquered the country´s music scene in the early 1970s and influenced the future of the local music scene more than any other singular band or musician since. In contrast to other Kaveret members (Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, Danny SandersonFind albums by this artist, Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, Ephraim ShamirFind albums by this artist and Yitzhak KlepterFind albums by this artist), who launched their individual (and sometimes collective) musical careers while Kaveret was still active, Oleartchik decided to leave Israel in late 1976 in order to study the music he truly loves – Jazz - at the Berklee Collage in Boston, where he was discovered as a particularly gifted student, graduating in record time. Later he moved to NY and played with local musicians in several different groups, covering different genres. He returned to Israel in 1984 to participate in a Kaveret reunion tour and decided to stay and continue his career back home. The set includes the following albums: "OleartchikFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1985, "As IfFind albums with this title" – 2nd album released in 1987, "Tell Me What You FeelFind albums with this title" – 3rd album released in 1993 and "Let`s Say I`m YoursFind albums with this title" – 4th album released in 1996. Oleartchik wrote the music and lyrics (with very minor exceptions) to all the songs on these albums. On the first two albums he alone plays all the instruments (again with minor exceptions) and on the next two he´s accompanied by three other musicians, which furnishes these albums with a slightly more "band" sound. The overall level of these songs, their versatility on one hand and exceptionally high musicality on the other, makes them truly remarkable and positions Oleartchik as one of the best and consistent music creators in the country. He manages to elevate himself above all genre differences, creating a natural and honest cross-genre music, which amalgamates Pop, Rock, Jazz and World Music influences smoothly and elegantly. Oleartchik, who is somewhat introverted and above all very modest, a rare quality among showbiz people, appears rarely in the public eye and is criminally underappreciated. Often referred to as a "musicians´ musician" it is quite a pity his great music is relatively little known despite critical acclaim. Hopefully this will change in the near future. 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 |
  | YONI RECHTER ~ ANOTHER STORY
HED ARZI 64289 (Barcode: 7293372428999) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2001 - 2002 Released: 2002
Yoni Rechter is Israel’s most important songwriter and his albums are all milestones of the local music scene. Although his career as a composer stretches back to the 1970’s, he released only a handful of albums and therefore every time a new album by him is released his many admirers (myself included) are overjoyed. This album marks another giant step for Rechter, as it is his most serious and complex work to date. Rechter’s passion for jazz is evident since his early days, but here he adds to his jazz influences the other great love of his – classical music. The album includes a series of songs, which are presented as a cycle, divided into three chapters. Although not declared formally as a concept album, it can be seen as such. The opening and closing chapters are strongly jazz influenced and the central and longest second suite like chapter is strongly related to classical / choral music, where the composer uses a choir and a large instrumental ensemble for the first time, with long choral and instrumental passages. This chapter is much more complex and requires contemplation and repetitive listening in order to be fully appreciated. The entire album is beautifully recorded and produced and easily ranks among the best Israeli releases ever. All I can do is wholeheartedly recommend it, the rest is of course up to you.
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  | YONI RECHTER ~ INTENTIONS
HED ARZI 14810 (Barcode: 7293372481024) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 1989
1st album by Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. After KaveretFind albums by this artist disbanded, Rechter developed his solo career as a composer, arranger and performer (in Kaveret there was no space left for his compositions, since Danny SandersonFind albums by this artist - who was immensly prolific - wrote most of the band`s songs). His love for jazz and classical music and his deep knowledge and amazing talent soon established him as the best Israeli composer of the young generation. On this debut album he established his life-long partnership with Eli MoharFind albums by this artist, a wonderful lyricist and a great musician. The material is wonderful all through - beautiful, well crafted and superbly performed. A classic.
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  | YONI RECHTER ~ MUSIC IS WHAT COUNTS
TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290105161734) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012
This is a wonderful live recording by Israel´s most important composer / pianist / vocalist Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. In the last 40 years Rechter enriched the Israeli Culture by a vast amount of absolutely superb songs, which are all instant classics. His monumental talents, completely unique approach to melody and profound lyricism are unparalleled and have always been a beacon of light in the dreary musical landscape, which usually surrounds us. Rechter´s songs have been an important catalyst, which launched the careers of many top Israeli artists, such as Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist and many others. This recording captures a performance at the annual "Piano Festival", which gave Rechter an opportunity to produce a marvelous retrospective of his work, featuring his old and new songs and performing them with many guests, who came to pay a well deserved tribute to his genius. Rechter plays piano and keyboards and is accompanied by a small ensemble with consists of guitarist Aharoni BenariFind albums by this artist, bassist Yorai OronFind albums by this artist and drummer Tal CohenFind albums by this artist. Several other musicians also take part, including the excellent saxophonist Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist, percussionist Joca PerpignanFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. Several guest vocalists take part in the recording, including Yehudith Ravitz, NatanelaFind albums by this artist, Rona KeinanFind albums by this artist and Shlomi ShabanFind albums by this artist. There is so much wonderful music included here, that it seems almost ridiculous to recommend it to others, but honestly anybody, who loves Israeli music, or just quality music, regardless of where it comes from, will enjoy this immensely. A masterpiece!
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  | 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 |
  | YONI RECHTER ~ ROMANCE IS WHAT COUNTS
HED ARZI 15492 (Barcode: 7293372154928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1990 Released: 1991
The annual Israel Festival is the most prestigious cultural affair produced in Israel. Among the many events of the festival, each year one Israeli musician is invited to present an evening of his songs, which is considered a great honor for the artist and a gesture of gratitude for his achievements. Of course in the case of Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist the gratitude is highly deserved and the cycle of songs he presents is truly exquisite. This album (recorded live) captures the event in its entire splendor. Being a hopeless romantic at heart, Rechter chose the theme of love and romance as the connecting thread between all his songs. His life-long friend and partner, the poet Eli Mohar, supplied the lyrics to his music, except a few songs where Rechter uses poems written by the most important Israeli poets like Natan ZachFind albums by this artist and Natan AltermanFind albums by this artist. To perform the songs Rechter invited his old friends, with whom he recorded previously, like Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist and Gidi GovFind albums by this artist. The players are all top Israeli musicians, mostly from the jazz circle. The entire affair is truly magical and all the songs are of such high quality that in time they achieved a permanent status in the pantheon of the Israeli songbook. Essential for lovers of Israeli music and poetry and romantics, wherever they might be.
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  | YONI RECHTER / ELI MOHAR ~ EYE LEVEL
HELICON 94103 (Barcode: 7293627410328) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1986 Released: 1990
Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Eli MoharFind albums by this artist are responsible for some of the best music ever made in Israel, as performed by them and many other Israeli artists. This album started as the second solo album by Yoni, but ended up as a joint effort. Some of the best Israeli musicians play on this album with them. Hebrew vocals.
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  | YONI RECHTER / ELI MOHAR ~ THOUGHTS AND POSSIBILITIES
HED ARZI 15690 (Barcode: 7293372569029) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995
2nd album sharing the names of these two Israeli music makers (Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist - composer and Eli MoharFind albums by this artist – lyricist), but in fact they have been life-long friends and co-writers of hundreds of songs recorded by all top Israeli artists, including Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, Arik EinsteinFind albums by this artist and many more. Rechter is a superb composer and his unique lyricism and skill to craft touching and memorable melodies make him the most important Israeli songwriter in the last decades. Mohar, a romantic poet and publicist, wrote some of the most touching and beautiful song lyrics ever written in the Hebrew language (of course the non-Hebrew speaking people are unfortunately unable to enjoy and appreciate those). Together they are simply unbeatable – every song is a pearl and an everlasting addition to their songbook. As if all this is not enough, this album has a bonus value: Rechter and Mohar invited all the top Israeli singers to be guest vocalist and they are featured on some of the songs. The list includes Gidi Gov, Danny SandersonFind albums by this artist, Ephraim ShamirFind albums by this artist, Alon OleartchikFind albums by this artist (all four were members of the legendary KaveretFind albums by this artist group with Rechter), Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist, Arik Einstein and others – a true who’s who of the Israeli music scene. This is an important album for the local music scene, one that will remain fresh for many years to come.
Side note: Eli Mohar died of cancer a week before these lines were written. His amazing talent was always an inspiration for me and his memory will be treasured as long as I live.
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  | YONI RECHTER / YEHUDITH RAVITZ ~ ONCE AND FOREVER (30TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 83485 (Barcode: 7290011998769) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2009
Israeli pianist / composer Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and singer Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist first met as team members of the children´s show Sixteenth LambFind albums by this artist, which produced one extraordinary album soon to become an absolute Israeli classic, considered to this very day as the best albums of its kind (and definitely not only for kids). Following the Sixteenth Lamb, Rechter and Ravitz teamed up for the "Once And ForeverFind albums with this title" show, later recording the songs from the show for an album of the same title, which also became an instant classic. Both Rechter and Ravitz were already seasoned musicians by the time they recorded this album; Rechter spent several years with the top Israeli Rock band KaveretFind albums by this artist, which recorded three albums, Ravitz fronted the wonderful SheshetFind albums by this artist band, which also produced two superb albums. Nevertheless this recording was in fact the first opportunity for both of them to flourish, Rechter mainly as a composer of wonderful and unforgettable melodies and Ravitz as a superb singer of highest sensitivity, second to none, a position she still holds to this very day. The album includes some of Rechter´s most beautiful compositions, exquisitely performed by Ravitz and a team of great supporting musicians, an extraordinary document of the first period of Israel´s musical scene coming to fruition. This new expanded edition includes not only the original album but also a live performance of the show filmed by Israeli TV as well as a couple of other TV appearances, all released for the first time on DVD. This is an absolute must for any fan of Israeli music!
| | | CD+DVD 1 Slipcase Remastered 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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