The Sephardic Music Festival’s first compilation album is set for release on November 30. It is an eclectic mix of Sephardic folk songs, as well as electro, hip hop, and dance music inspired by traditional Sephardic tunes, themes, and beats. The compilation features artists from around the Jewish world. Grammy Nominated artist Matisyahu combines a suite of Middle Eastern inspired hip hop riffs with a time-honored Yemenite chorus sung by Yehuda Solomon. Yasmin Levy’s impassioned song “Mi Korasón” (My Heart) emphasizes the underappreciated romantic side of the Ladino language. Moshav — an L.A. based group of expatriate Israeli musicians – contributes a powerful rendition of the Yemenite wedding song “Abba Shimon” in Judeo Arabic. In addition, world renowned Sephardic performer Yair Dalal — who appeared at the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize Gala in Oslo — offers a memorable interpretation of the classic Shabbat song “Ya Ribon.”
Founded by American-Israeli producer Diwon, the 6th Annual Sephardic Music Festival will be lighting up the eight nights of Hanukkah in venues around New York from December 1-8. It showcases artists from around the world including the latest Mizrahi, Yemenite, and Ladino musical talent. Like the Sephardic Music Festival itself, this compilation offers a taste of the amazing depth and breadth of Mizrahi and Sephardi inspiration, culture, and creativity. Album tracks incorporate Jewish liturgical and ceremonial texts, Shabbat songs, and classic love poems, as well as original compositions inspired by traditional themes. The album presents a tapestry of harmonies, rhythms, and motifs as rich, vibrant, and diverse as the Jewish world itself.
Tracklisting: 1. Matisyahu – Two Child One Drop, 2. Moshav – Abba Shimon, 3. Smadar Levi – Ghali Ya Bouy, 4. Brody – Yalda Metuka (feat. Y-Love), 5. Yasmin Levy – Mi Korasón, 6. Yair Dalal – Ya Ribon Alam, 7. Electro Morocco – Joe Pill, 8. dJOoKRoO & Diwon – Rak Tavi Esh, 9. DeScribe & Shmoolik – Modern Day Moses (Stolen Casios Remix), 10. Sarah Aroeste – Hija Mia (Tamir Muskat Remix), 11. Shi360 & Yamanz – Kapayim, 12. Diwan Saz – Who is She that Looketh Forth as the Dawn, 13. Pharaoh’s Daughter – Ven Hermosa, 14. Levi Mordechai – Ani Maamin, 15. Michal Cohen – Ode L’eli, 16. Jon Madof – D’ror Yikra, 17. Galeet Dardashti – Michal (DJ Vanjee Remix), 18. Benyamin Brody, Diwon & Dugans – Yehi Razton (final prayer)
LISTEN TO THE CD IN FULL (HERE)
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* find out more info on the CD & the festival at www.sephardicmusicfestival.com
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