BS”D   |   Chasidi News    |  English Edition - Sivan 5769  |   www.chasidinews.com    

Chodesh Tov!

We are happy to present the 31st English edition of Chasidinews - Jewish Music digital magazine.

The new Chasidinews website is continuing to be updated around the clock – you are welcome to enter and read the latest news: www.chasidinews.com

--> This month we are happy to present an extended collection of new, excellent CDs.  Some have been released recently while others are about to be released, such as Shlomo Taussig and his debut album, Yoni Shlomo with ‘Tracht Gut’, Yosef Chaim Shwekey, Udi Davidi and ‘Ruchot Tovot’, Gad Elbaz and the performance in Caesarea, Uzi Chitman z”l and a album of tradition songs, the Chasidic Meidad Tasa, and more.  Many new singles, which will come out towards the coming hot summer, are introduced as well. Enjoy!

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Wishing you a healthy summer,

Chasidinews Staff

Jewish Music News 

As we have informed you here a while ago about the selecting of the name for the wedding singer Shloime Taussig’s debut album, we are now glad to present you with samples from the album “Modim Anachnu” which will soon be released. As you may remember, Taussig has been working vigorously for quite a while on his debut album. Now, the horizon is closer than ever, the winning production team “TeeM Productions” (Yossi Tyberg and Gershy Moshkowitz) having reached the last stage. “Modim Anachnu” – the full album, is expected to be released IY”H towards Shavuos. The album features twelve songs: two composed by the legendary composer Yossi Green, and the rest by Lipa Schmeltzer, Dudi Kalish, Pinky Weber, Motti Ilowitz, and R’ Meshulam Greenberger. The famous arranger Yehoshua Fried was in charge of most of the arrangements for this album while riding on the rescue waves of Yisroel Werdyger’s album, while in the meantime Rubi Bannet and Naftuli Medelowitz also arranged a few songs for the album. Distribution: Greentec.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

“My Father’s Zemiros” – Avraham Fried & family in acapella zemiros album. ‘My Father’s Zemiros’ is a special collection album of Shabbos zemiros sung around the Shabbos table of the Friedman family, the family of the great Chasidic singer Avraham Fried. The album is performed by Avraham Fried together with his sons, brothers and nephews. The collection of songs, which will warm your heart and your Shabbos table, came down from R’ Yaakov Moshe Friedman z”l, Avraham Fried’s father, who took ancient niguns mainly from the holy court of Bobov and dressed some of them onto Shabbos zemiros. The album’s uniqueness is that it’s performed with no instruments, so that it is appropriate for the Days of Sefira. Note that in this album you can hear Avraham Fried singing for the first time in Chasidish pronunciation. As of now, the album cannot be attained at the stores, but only by donating $18 and up to the organization ‘Yad L’Shaliach’. The organization was founded about four years ago in memory of Rabbi Friedman and supports Chabad shluchim all over the world.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

Yoni Shlomo, the Chabad singer from France, has just launched his new album on Lag BaOmer. “Tracht Gut” – is the album’s title, or in simpler English “Think good, and it will be good” like the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s famous saying. The famous arranger Moshe Laufer produced the album together with Levik T, owners of Lev-Tov Graphics, which designs many albums in Jewish Music. The melodies in the album were selected carefully, and among the composers for the album you can find Eli Laufer, Yossi Green, R’ Pinchas Weber and Moshe Laufer, of course. The album includes a new waltz composed by Eli Laufer and also a few Rock and Disco hits arranged by Moshe Laufer. Eli Lishinsky was put in charge of the mixes in the album. Distribution: Greentec.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

Sameach Music is proud to present Yosef Chaim Shwekey’s debut album, which will be titled “Lo Lefached” (No Fear). Yosef Chaim Shwekey, the great Chasidic singer Yakov Shwekey’s brother, stormed into the market about a year and a half ago with the hit ‘Lecha Ezbach’ from Yitzi Schwartz’s album ‘The 2^nd Dance’, which as you may remember we told you about here for the first time. Meanwhile, he developed a successful wedding career and in parallel worked hard on a debut album which would leave his stamp on Jewish Music for generations. “Lo Lefached” features songs by the best of composers, among them: Moshe Dovid Shwekey (another brother in the family, who composed, among others, the song ‘Lech Ami’), Moshe Laufer, Yitzchak Rubin, Yitzi Schwartz and Mendy Wertzberger. The arrangements for the album were done by many different arrangers: Moshe Laufer, Rubi Bannet, Yisrael Lamm, Yonatan Razel and Moishy Roth. The album is expected to be released IY”H soon   For the full article in Hebrew click here

Hed Artzi is proud to present: Uzi Chitman – ‘Esa Einai’, a new album of traditional songs, after the Jewish Music swept the radio stations and achieved much success, with CDs by lead singers: David D’Ohr, Ehud Banai, Ovadya Chamama, Meir Banai, Amir Benayun, Leah Shabbat and Shuli Rand.  Uzi had managed to record the album before his sudden death about four years ago, and these are materials that have not yet been publicized. Now he comes back to the audience, with the help of his widow Aya, his son Ido, the produced Yair Sitvi and mainly with the help of the technology wonders which saw to finishing the work for Uzi’s many fans and admirers in the Israeli public. “In this touching album, there are new melodies and arrangements, for lyrics from the scriptures that we all – non-religious, traditional, and religious as one – know well. And among others, for the wonderful words from the scriptures for the pieces “Mizmor L’David”, “Shir HaKavod”, “Birkat Cohanim” and more. Especially touching is the melody for the piece “Ma Gadlu” composed by my grandfather z”l. Furthermore, the album features a renewed arrangement for the piece “Adon Olam” which was performed by Oded Ben Chur and my father at the Jewish Music festival in 1976.  Since then, the piece with my father’s melody, has become known to every Jew in the world and is sung in many shuls. I have no doubt that if my father were alive, this album would have been a dream-come-true for him. All we, the family, have left to do is try to complete for him what was cut in the middle” – says Ido Chitman. “Esa Einai” features 13 new songs, which are being released on CD for the first time, some in not arranged and finished, since Uzi didn’t have time to finish them. As usual, the CD includes a booklet with all the lyrics and also rare photos of Uzi during his lifetime, which his widow Aya collected with his son Ido, who even wrote an introduction for the collection. Distribution: Hed Artzi.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

You can start getting excited… a new album in the mythological Regesh series is about to be released!. It’s true that these are not today’s hits, and it’s true that it’s not much different from the previous Regesh albums, but just because of that, Classical Chasidic Music lovers and fans will be glad to hear about the new album, eleventh in the Regesh series. The album received the name “Yesod HaChasidut – Ma Chovato B’Olamo” (The Foundation of Chasidut – What Man’s Duty is in This World), and as always, presents ten new songs composed by R’ Shmuel Brazil and performed by R’ Avish Brodt. Among the songs in the album: V’Ha’arev Na, Zeh HaYom, Har’enu, Ad Ana, Esa Einai and others. “Regesh” is one series that has, most of all, left their stamp on Chasidic Music and is responsible for many well-known hits, such as ‘Uva L’Tzion Go’el’ and others. The previous album in the ‘Regesh’ series was released about eight years ago, while 4 years ago, a special collection album was released comprised of twelve of the best Regesh hits. The album is expected to be released in about a week and a half and will be distributed in the US by Aderet Music.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

After many delays and a lot of effort, now in an elegant cardboard box, the DVD “Gad Elbaz – Live in Caesarea”.  With five albums of his own original material, Gad Elbaz made history in Caesarea as the first religious singer who has succeeded in uniting religious and non-religious Jews as one in a performance of unity on the stage in Caesarea, in honor of launching his fourth album, “Between the Drops”. During the performance which took place during the summer of last year, Gad hosted the singers Benny Elbaz, Shlomi Shabbat, Shlomo Gronich, Ovadya Chamama, Yishay Lapidot, Amiran Dvir, Itzik Shamli, and Harel Moyal in the best of duets recorded together, accompanied by 26 musicians and the symphonic orchestra of Ra’anana. 21 songs which are almost two hours of the best of Gad Elbaz and the guest singers. Parallel to the release of the DVD, two audio albums of the performance in Caesarea were also released enclosing as a bonus the songs ‘Al Tichyeh B’Seret’ and ‘Ten Ten’. Note that all the albums enclose an elegant, colorful booklet with an exquisite gallery of pictures of Gad and friends from the performance. The performance was filmed and broadcasted in full on the music channel 24. The world-famous producer and composer Rudy Perez who produces for the greatest singers in the world, presents Gad Elbaz, who was nicknamed by him “The Voice of Israel”. Coming soon the full album in English and Spanish in collaboration with the biggest names in the world. Distribution: POP-Y Ya’akov Dahan.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Shabbos in Breslev 2 – a new album of Shabbos morning zemiros. Among the many enchanting treasures of the Breslev chasidut, the Shabbos songs stand out in their magnificence, songs that have been sung in the Chasidut already at the time of Rebbe Nachman zt”l. some of them were even composed from the essence of Rebbe Nachman’s soul himself around his holy table. These niguns are sung with great respect at the homes of the veteran families of the chasidut, which reserved the original atmosphere of the singing. Since as you probably know in this chasidut there is no ‘Tish’ (as is customary at the courts of Admo”rs, where you meet with songs and melodies of the chasidut) or any moment to absorb those clear niguns, the only possibility to know and learn the Shabbos songs – is to knock on the doors of the veteran families on Shabbos and sit down at the table with them. Or, you can make do with listening to partial old recordings. Over the past few years, many turned to R’ Yitzchak Shapiro, grandson of Rabbi Shmuel Shapiro zt”l, Jews whose souls yearned to learn and enjoy the Breslev Shabbos atmosphere. R’ Yitzchak took on the project, and established the “Breslev Singing” association. Not long after, the opening shot was heard within a year when he released a wonderful album, the first CD of Shabbos night zemiros, conducted and arranged by the famous musicians Danny Maman and Gadi Pugtash, with R’ Yitzchak singing the zemiros pleasantly and sweetly. The CD was distributed in two editions, the extended of the two was called “Nigun V’Ne’ima” and the shorter one bore the name “HaShabbat shel Rabbeinu”. The public yearning for continuing the project only grew, and the association moved on to the next stage. After more quantities of renewal and professionalism with a lot of investing and effort, which took quite a long time – the new CD is released entitled “Shabbos in Breslev 2” – Breslev zemiros for Shabbos. R’ Yitzchak invested the best of his talents from his father’s home in the new album, and along with Gadi Pugtash, the arranger, produced a wonderful CD with an ancient fragrance and up-to-date classic music. And all this without swerving from the main goal for which the CD was produced – to learn and to teach the Breslev Shabbos zemiros to all who want for the coming generations. Throughout the zemiros, unlike the previous CD, the children’s choir ‘Pirchei Breslev’ accompanies quite a few of the zemiros, when at certain points a choir of avrechim joins in, whose voices say it all. They’re not young men, competing at trilling their voices, or pretending to copy famous singers. These are simply avrechim who are interested in passing on to the coming generations the depth of authentic singing. Apart from the immense effort in the musical production, there is another novelty in this CD, and that is the booklet enclosed in the album, which apart from the zemiros themselves, presents before each song the origin of each melody/composer in the Chasidut. And this is after researching for over a year, interviewing the chosids and old Breslevers and intensive study of the Chasidut’s books.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Meidad Tasa in a new album of the best of Chasidic music – “Basmachot Shelcha”. Over the past few years the wonder boy Meidad Tasa has shined in the world of Jewish music. Meidad is indeed not a kid anymore and is studying Torah, apart from short trips of music making, but he doesn’t stop surprising us, even now. Until now, the public has known his abilities in Jewish music, identified with the Sefardim, this time Meidad’s great talent is discovered in mainstream music, which is called by all “Chasidic Music”. The wonder boy launches his fourth album “Basmachot Shelcha”.  The album features 27 tracks containing music from the best of Chasidic music being played today at weddings, three of the tracks are tranquil songs: ‘Anavim’, ‘V’Zakeini’ and ‘Ochila LaKel’. Yoeli Dickman was put in charge of the arrangements for the album, and for some reason wishes to remain anonymous, which explains why only his initials appear on the album. Note that this album is Meidad’s fourth album, which is preceeded by ‘Mul Shalhevet’, ‘Al Naharot Bavel’ and ‘Selichot’. “The new Chasidic album’s goal is to give the listener the experience and feeling of how an event proceeds with Meidad leading at weddings, in fact it’s a CD that is a business card”, relates Aviad Gil, Meidad’s producer, who also remarks that Meidad is working on a new Serfardic original album, which will probably be called “Ben shel Melech”. Distribution: Gal-Paz.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Yanki Rubin, the famous keyboardist-singer surprises…big time. Rubin chose ‘L’Chaim Productions’ as the best production company for his great dream, and together with the ‘L’Chaim’ staff produced a perfect wedding album. This album’s success is attributed to many styles, all in one. Starting with the type of songs, which were taken from all ends of the Chasidic music world, through the selection of lead singers in the wedding market, such as Avreimi Roth, Aharal’e Samet, R’ Moishe Weinthrob, Motti Leichter, Shimon Davidovitz and others, and finishing with the different styles of music which Rubin combined with great expertise all through the album. The album features the best of songs, new and old. All of the wedding hits which will bring real simcha into your home. Distribution: L’Chaim Productions.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

“Echad” – a new album for the esteemed saxophonist Daniel Zamir. The saxophonist Daniel Zamir broke the boundaries of traditional Jazz when his album “Amen” sold close to 10,000 copies. During the past year he has managed to host in his performances Matisyahu, perform with Evyatar Banai and Beri Sacharof and record a new album in which he also sings. Among others in the album: hosting Beri Sacharof and Zohar Persko, a version of “Shedamti” and a suite for Gilad Shalit. Daniel Zamir has become a phenomenon in the Israeli Music skies when selling close to 10,000 copies of his first album “Amen” and proved that it is possible to become a “star” even when holding a saxophone. Zamir went through a lot since traveling to New York as a wonder boy, graduate of the Jazz program in “Telma Yalin” and was discovered by John Zorn who stamped him with his esteemed label “Tzaddik”. During this period Zamir recorded together with the “Satla” ensemble, which included Zorn himself, four albums. The album “Children of Israel” included Jazz versions for Israeli and traditional Jewish songs. During this period Zamir came closer to Judaism and became a Chozer B’Tshuva. The new album, “Echad”, continues the musical journey that Zamir had started with “Amen”, takes him one step further and comprises another stage in Zamir’s musical development. The new album fulfills expectations and presents musical contents that are deep and close by at the same time, while using basics of Jewish music, world music, oriental elements and using a lot of singing. The album includes “A Suite for Gilad Shalit in A Minor”, which is a piece with a number of movements which brings the listener on fascinating exotic musical journeys and the original and beautiful version of the national anthem “HaTikva”. Special hosting of Beri Sacharof and Zohar Persko in the song “Shedamti”, an old Israeli song which Zamir arranged anew, closes the album. The album was recorded in Israel, and Zamir himself was in charge of all of the arrangements and musical production. The musician staff that accompanies him is young and very talented. The pianist Nitai Hershkowitz, the guitarist Yonatan Alblack, the contrabassist Noam Weizenberg and the drummer Daniel Dor. Aside from instrumental pieces, Zamir also presents his ability in singing. Distribution: HaTav HaShmini.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Just released: Micha Shitrit, Lior ElMaliach and Chaim Laroz’s new project. The connection between Micha Shitrit, one of the most respected and esteemed composers and singers in Israel, and Lior ElMaliach, esteemed poet in Israel and abroad, began at performances in universities all over the country in the project which was called “My Friend, Have You Forgotten”, for “Avi Chai Fund” and “Beit Hillel”. The performance gained praises and applause and the will to record the materials grew stronger. The two joined with Chaim Laroz, one of the most talented producers in Israel, so that he should lead the album with them. The album “Shitrit-Laroz-ElMaliach” features 15 songs written by the best of poets in Jewish culture, such as: Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, Rabbi Yisrael Najara, Rabbi Shlomo Iben Gevirol and others, and also a few other pieces from the scriptures (Pirkei Avos, Sheva Brachos and more). Four of the songs were composed especially for the project, the rest are compositions from different periods. We also recognized a melody from our time, let’s see if you can also recognize it… Distribution: HaTav HaShmini.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

“Melech Rachman” (Merciful King) – a new album of Vizntiz niguns, from the prayers and zemiros of R’ Nisan Yust z”l. the album also received the name “Keter Melucha 2”, after the first album “Keter Melucha” which came out about a year and a half ago and achieved great success. R’ Nisan Yust z”l, the famous meshamesh of the Ahavas Yisroel zt”l of Viznitz whom he served for 40 years, is the composer of a series of holy niguns sung every Shabbos and Yom-Tov at the holy tables held by the Admo”rs of Viznitz. The choirs and arrangements for the album were done by R’ Yosef Moshe Cahana and Chaim Menachem Hartman. The album is expected to be released IY”H towards Shavuos and will be distributed by L’Chaim Productions.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Gershon Veroba presents: “Second Impressions: Don’t Stop”. A new album for Gershon Veroba, second in the “Impressions” series, which is generally known today as a high quality series of Jewish parody albums musically and lyrically. About 6 years ago, Veroba released the first album in the series which set its goal to create high quality covers and pouring meaningful content in songs that aren’t necessarily Jewish or religious, while maintaining a high quality musical production and keeping the base of the original song, “Even the old songs simply came back to life” – testifies Gershon. the new second album in the “Impressions” series features twelve songs. Even the rising star Shmuel ‘Berry’ Weber takes part in the album which hosts also Shimon Kremer, A.K.A. Pella, Aryeh Kunstler, Sam Glaser and others together with the Takana band, of course. Note that only about two years ago Gershon released his tenth album – Reach Out, and already he’s releasing a new album.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

Over the last two decades, Shloime Dachs, hasn’t stopped causing his large audience around the world to dance. In parallel to the five solo albums which he has had time to put out, he has managed to perform at hundreds of weddings over the past twenty years. Shloime established his orchestra quite a few years ago, which turned into one of the leading orchestras in the USA. Now Shloime Dachs returns to the front of the stage with a new wedding album “Dance All Night with Shloime Dachs and his Orchestra”. The album, which is produced by Shmuli Rosenberg from Skyline Music studios in New York, features 80 minutes of non-stop music, with guest soloists: Ya’akov Young, Shauli Waldner, David Dachs (Shloime’s brother) and the rising star Yoni Zigelbaum whom we will be hearing about a lot. While working on the album, a new song was recorded ‘Nigun Shloime’, while a special version of the song was recorded as a single and is distributed to the public free of charge. Another bonus track in the album features a live recording of the orchestra at a wedding in which also the famous broadcaster Nachum Segal took part. The album is expected to be released IY”H soon and will be distributed in the United States by Sameach Music.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a mix of the album songs click here

“Ahallel” – a Sefardic Hafla with Shaul Chayun. Towards the end of the days of Sefira, the entertainment fun artist Shaul Chayun launches a serious CD, okay maybe not really serious because we are talking about an authentic Sefardic Hafla, but this time it’s not a movie, but a kind of gesture to a life’s work. Since the age of 12, Shaul Chayun starred on stages at events, but few have been exposed to his talent in singing and piyutim. Today, when he’s already a father to a large family B”H and at the age of 33, he launches a Sefardic album with piyutim, Haflas and also one new song which he wrote and composed himself. But, he avoids complementing himself, “as it says on the cover – the lyrics are from Hashem, I take no credit to myself for the theme song, Ahallel”, explains Chayun. All in all the new album contains six Hafla tracks with all well known songs by Sheriff – George Bar – and other singers, but with one exception: all the songs are done in a purely kosher way, also the songs sung in Arabic are based on religious lyrics. The album also features medleys in Turkish, Greek, Iraqish and more and a wonderful orchestra. By his side, is David Bitan, Moshe Ben Mashiach and Shmuel Yona. Distribution: Greentec.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

“First of all, to sanctify Hashem’s name!” – Asher Ben Chaim in his debut album “Teshuva”. Asher Ben Chaim, (28), married and father to one child lives in Bat-Yam. He began his process of Chazara Bitshuva after coming closer to the heritage of Rabbi Nisim Yagen zt”l. Today, he is an avrech, who spends most of his time learning Torah in a Kollel, and spends the rest of his time singing songs of thanksgiving to Hashem, “I use the gift of singing that I received, to sing to him, and praise and glorify”. In general, the talent of singing and poetry was discovered through his connecting to the tefillos and the holy words of the piyutim, which he loves so much. The album “Teshuva” expresses a high level of yearning to Hashem and a will, which you can barely grasp, to do teshuva persistently. His songs-piyutim describe the strong connection between Hashem and his sons, and also about the choosing of Am Yisrael as the chosen nation. The lyrics were written by Asher and his sister, the music as a whole shows a high level of faith and a mighty closeness to the Creator. The album’s theme song “Teshuva”, describes the gift that we received from above – the ability to do Teshuva, a reality that does not exist for the other nations. Asher’s music, moves in a range between Mediterranean music and that which is called ‘Authentic Sefardic music’, sometimes the songs will be accompanied by sad violins, sometimes by a joyful bouzouki and also a gentle faithful Rap will find its place. Asher sings in languages other than Hebrew: Arabic, Greek and Turkish. His good friend, Kfir Siman-Tov is stamped on the arrangements and the musical production. Now the two are concealed in the studio working on the second album, an album which will be more “joyful and rhythmical”.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Oy Division in a debut album of a kicking klezmer from the shtetl. For quite a few months there has been a storm due to the rising of the excellent klezmer ensemble Oy Division. The young guys play Jewish Eastern European music in Yiddish and Russian as it was played in the beginning of the 20^th century, which is usually called Klezmer. The band was established when some of the greatest talents in the Israeli Music world joined to satiate their desire for Jewish Music. Since then, there is not a performance that passes without excited applause from the audience and spontaneous dancing. Oy Division does not play “modern” klezmer or combined styles, rather they ask to bring back precisely the music that is becoming extinct that their fathers’ fathers played in the days before the war in Europe. The band’s materials are a combination of instrumental pieces and songs played at weddings, at the Heidi theatre and at other events next to Russian songs. The performances try to remain loyal to the original and are a result of careful listening to rare old recordings. Tamir Muskat’s musical production reserved the atmosphere of the live performances. The album was recorded by Tamir Muskat. Oy Division is made up of: Noam Inbar – singing and drum, Eyal Talmudi – clarinet, Asaf Talmudi – accordion, Gershon Leizerson – violin and singing, and Avichai Tuchman – contrabass.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

Yehoshua Limoni has just released his debut album, “Small Portions”. After 4 years of growth and searching for materials and writing, Yehoshua comes out now with his first solo album “Small Portions”. After releasing his three first singles: “Small Portions”, “Just a Minute” and “Mizbe’ach” which gained good reviews and interest from the public and the media, Yehoshua releases his album to the media and the public. Yehoshua, who was defined in the past as “the next hit” and is also known for his previous pieces “Swinging”’, “Melody”, and “The Man from the Valley”, is putting on a performance with previous materials and materials from the new album, accompanied by his new band and in a different kind of performance. Most of the songs in the album, Yehoshua wrote before he became religious, indeed by the time the album was finished, Yehoshua had become religious and that’s why in his performances there is an interesting unique combination between the two worlds, Yehoshua succeeds in bringing his faith with a lot of emotion into his songs, and expressing his religious feelings in texts that are only seemingly non-religious. Distribution: Barbi Records.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to a peice from the album click here

New Singles

Yizhar Sha’abi: "A Tear" – a song for Lag BaOmer, written 17 years ago. The journey to the recording for the lyrics to ‘A Tear’ has been a long and winding road. Lag BaOmer 5752, Yair Medina Levy found himself for the first time in his life on the roof of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb in Meiron. The holy atmosphere and the excitement that grips him move him to tears of joy and words for an enchanting song. Nine years later his cousin, Shlomo Medina, set the lyrics to music. The song was passed to Yizhar Sha’abi who occasionally played it at performances, but was never officially and professionally recorded at a studio. Now, 17 years later, Yizhar Sha’abi and Yair Medina Levy are dedicating this project "in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and in honor of Am Yisroel". The night of Lag BaOmer, which is the Hillulah of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, gives the sign that music can be heard once more. Yizhar Sha’abi invites you to share tears of joy at this new single. Only a few weeks ago, Sha’abi released his first official album, "Lev Tahor". The album has already sparked great interest. A touching video clip has been produced for the song, "A Tear".   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

A moment before the album is released, a last taste: Udi Davidi – “Efasher Letaken”. Udi Davidi’s album is cooking in the factory, and will soon be released to the stores. In the meantime, Chasidinews is glad to present you with a final taste, a moment before the album, a small musical gesture in honor of the return to music. Udi Davidi, esteemed composer, has released over the last few weeks the hit ‘Im Ein Ani’, which is played quite often, and continues to surprise listeners. ‘Efshar Letaken’ – is a song from the familiar well-known home of Udi, who composed, this time too, an exciting rhythmical hit, which will not leave you disappointed, with a taste of life’s might. Because while the candle still burns, you can still fix things… ‘Efshar Letaken’ is a new song from Davidi’s fourth album, “Ruchot Tovot”.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

“Vyra’ucha im Shamesh” – a special song for once in twenty eight years. Birkas HaChama, the blessing of the sun – an event that happens once every twenty eight years, and all over the country community leaders and rabbis are vigorously getting ready for the last preparations for the rare and special scene which took place on the eve of Pesach. At 5741, twenty eight years ago, a Birkat Hachama event took place together with the great gedolim of Israel at the Kosel, and in honor of the rare and touching event, the famous Chasidic composer, R’ Chaim Bannet, composed a special melody for the words “Vyra’ucha im shamesh mevakshei panecha”. The catchy melody and the joy bursting from it turned it into an immediate hit sung by the thousands of Am Yisroel who stood at that occasion. The song, which was never released on any record, can be found by very few music collectors in a rare recording of the historical event at the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem. In honor of the event that took place this year on the eve of Pesach, R’ Chaim decided to record a mixture of singing and choir. After the final mix, which was done a few weeks ago, the song appears for the first time in an excellent audio version and so R’ Chaim comes full circle after a few decades. In honor of the event, the singer and cantor Chaim-David Berson and the singer and arranger Moishy Roth joined in to contribute their talents to the song, while taking great care to preserve the historical atmosphere of those days. The song is expected as it did last time, in 5741, to become the great hit of the different events all over of the country and so will officially become the only song sung only once in twenty eight years.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Singing his way around the world from Japan- 'Rocky' Ziegler: "Bli Etzev" (Without Sadness). These days, Yerachmiel 'Rocky' Ziegler barely finds time to sing his own songs, now that he is joining Matisyahu's world tour as second vocalist, starting in Japan and spreading out all over the world. Whilst awaiting the release of his new album "Raza Deshabbat", Rocky introduces another song from the album, "Bli Etzev". The song was composed by Gavriel Saks, a musician and composer, who also accompanies Rocky in background vocals, arranged by Aharon Razel who sings in many of the songs on the album. The two started working together after Aharon Razael discovered that his morning chavrusa had written numerous Shabbos songs. Yerachmiel Ziegler, known to his friends as "Rocky", played his songs for Aharon, "Shabbos Zemiros" from our times, and the two decided to start working on a new album. Using Rocky's music, Razel arranged and added embellishments of his own, towards a full unique album featuring their duets together. 15 tracks are planned for the album Raza DeShabbat, or in English “Secret of Shabbat”. As an opening for some of the songs, the two added ideas about the Shabbos songs. Yerachmiel (26), an up and coming creative talent from New York, learned in various Yeshivas prior to making Aliyah by himself out of his great love for Eretz Yisroel. He made his musical debut with two previous solo albums which garnered praising reviews. At present, he plays Jewish Rock with his band at Simchas and events, as well as accompanying top Jewish Music singers in the country, as guitarist and vocalist. If the music is colorful, the arrangements really spread out in all directions. Razel fitted his arrangements to Yerachmiel’s charming character. The complete album Raza Deshabbat is expected to be released during the coming summer, IY"H.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

On the way to his second solo album, Shlomo Katz in a new single ‘V’Af Al Pi’. Shlomo Katz releases a first single from his new second solo album which will be called “Maleh Olam” which is expected to be released IY”H soon. As you may remember, Shlomo is the one who discovered R’ Shlomo Carlebach’s lost Neshama nigun and he is brother of the singer Eitan Katz. Katz’s debut album ‘V’HaKohanim’ came out about three years ago, after a number of albums, which he performed together with his brother, Eitan, and this is, as we have mentioned, his second solo album which will be released soon.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

‘Rotzeh Lomar Todah’ and ‘Yehalelu’ – two new singles for the singer Yehuda Zeitun from the new album on the way. The singer Yehuda Zeitun is now coming out with two singles towards his second album which will be released IY”H during the coming month and will be called “Mi Kamocha”. Yehuda is a young talented singer with a unique voice. Born in France, he made Aliyah at 2003, a year later he released his first album “HaKeter” which became a bestseller among the Sefardic music lovers in Israel and in Jewish communities all over the world. Yehuda performs at countless events, weddings and conferences in Israel and abroad. In the new album “Mi Kamocha” Yehuda worked hard collecting original compositions and even he himself composed and wrote a number of songs for the album. A lot of effort has been invested in the new album which is very rich. You’ll find in it modern Sefardic music next to two Chasidic songs: ‘Eshet Chayil’ and ‘Yehalelu’ which Yehuda composed himself and also a song in French. Arrangers from the front line were put to the musical arrangements job- Doron Elimelech and David Bitan, while in charge of the sound and mixes was Eli Melamed.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

“Sheli Shelcha” – a debut single for Eyal Avidor in a duet with Ehud Banai. Towards the end of the days of Sefira, the singer and composer Eyal Avidor releases a first single from his debut album “Petach HaBayit”. The song “Sheli Shelcha”, a song about friendship and giving, was recorded together with the singer Ehud Banai, a close friend. Their journey of friendship together began when they found themselves davening in the same small neighborhood shul in Ramat Gan which only few people visited. The two renovated the place and established regular minyanim in it, an Oneg Shabbos with niguns, Divrei Torah and herring which Eyal Avidor brings especially from Bnei Brak. Regular Torah shiurs take place in the shul established and fixed by Avidor and they fill up the place with tenants of the area, from near and far. The song “Sheli Shelcha” was written, composed and arranged by Eyal Avidor himself, inspired by his own personal life journey, as a chozer bitshuva musician. “The song was written inspired by the special atmosphere I found in the shul”, explains Eyal Avidor, “it was written about ‘Dibuk Chaverim’, about the atmosphere wrapping the place at davening time and about coming closer to Hashem”. Avidor began his musical journey a few years ago as composer and owner of a recording studio and during the past few years has broadcasted on the Breslev Radio channel. Friends of his take part in the album, musicians from the front line, among them the violinist Eyal Shiloach, Gil Sementa and Ehud Banai, of course. The full album is expected to be released towards the summer, distributed by NMC United.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Elad Sha’er with a new single: ‘Hotzia Mimasger Nafshi’. The song was composed and written by Elad Sha’er himself, while the production was done by his personal producer Meir Chajby. Musically in charge of the song is the well-known arranger Tziki Zenati, who was joined by the best of musicians, among them Avi Singolda, Asher Pady, Arik Cohen, Ronius, Avi Yifrach and others. Elad Sha’er (‘Rak Od Regah’) whom you all remember from the great performance at Tedy with Yakov Shwekey and Avraham Fried during the summer two years ago, is now working on a second album. A few months ago, the first single was released ‘Rak Lismoach’ in a Hip-Hop-Sefardic style, while the successful Rapper Ilan Babylon was put in charge of the Rap part, and now the second single is released.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Itzik Orlev with a new single “El Olam 2”. The truth is that this song doesn’t yet have an official name (a cover for one of Icon’s songs, if you haven’t noticed yet). Roi Itzik’s personal manager chose to call it ‘El Olam 2’, a kind of contra to the first ‘El Olam’ song which appeared on Itzik’s album ‘Ma’agalim’. If you have suggestions for a different original name for the song, we request that you send them in. In continuation to Itzik’s full collaboration with Amiran Dvir and his orchestra at weddings and events, in a few weeks IY”H Orlev will be releasing two new original Chasidic songs, one called “Ribon HaOlamim” and the second “Kol Man D’Avid”. Those who have listened to early sketches of the songs tell of classic wedding songs. IY”H we will continue to follow up on any developments.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Gad Elbaz in a new single ‘Ohr Gadol’ towards the performance in Nachshonim. In the performance, Elbaz sung new songs from his album for the first time, the Hebrew one ‘Ohr Gadol’ written and composed by Doron Medley, and the English one ‘Hero’ written and composed by Roody Perez, premiering at the performance. There was a downloading option of contents to cell phones which will be shown on the screens during the performance and in a special cooperation with the audience. Soon, Gad will direct a music and entertainment program on the “Hidabrut” channel at the studio. A non-religious singer who will sing a song with Gad, a Stand-Up corner, and a stage for new singers who want to begin their path in the world of music will be in each program.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Just in time for Yom Hazikaron, Efraim Golan presents: "Hatzvi Yisrael". Efraim Golan, a 51-year-old amateur composer from Kibbutz Sa’ad. For him music is not a profession, but something that occupies most of his time. His work in the media entails extensive traveling, long journeys which he fills by composing unique Jewish music. He discovered his talent for musical composition almost by accident. A serious diet from listening to the radio which he took upon himself during the expulsion from Gush Katif and the Northern Shomron gave him quality time. The sadness and depression caused his heart to compose his own personal material. He began singing to himself, translating his thoughts and feelings into sounds. "When I have a new tune going round and round in my head, I rush to Yoni Shacham, to sing and teach him the song," explains Golan. "Yoni transposes the music into chords, and then starts the series of arrangements in the studio." Shacham, from Kibbutz Gevim, who worked with "The Sa’ad Band" in the 60's, arranges the songs until they’re finished. Close family members are involved throughout their father’s composition process and serve as an internal quality control team for each and every song. In time the songs will be sung at home, at shul, sometimes even throughout the kibbutz. Until now, Efraim has composed dozens of songs, mainly lively, upbeat music related to Shabbos, but not only. Now with Yom Hazikaron on the horizon, Efraim Golan is releasing his first official single performed by him – "Hatzvi Yisrael, Al Bamoteicha Chalal". The style of the song is unique to Golan and the music echoes our longing and pride in the State.    For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

A special song for Pesach: Ido Portal – Karev Yom. The song was produced during the collaboration with the tradition program on the Galei Tzahal channel, arranged and presented by Chagay Charif. As you may remember, Ido Portal launched his first official album ‘Shim’a B’Koli’, quite a while ago. Portal was born in Netzarim, Gush Katif, moved as a kid to Kibbutz Meirav in the North and lives there to this day, until recently he learned at the Mechina in Eli and today is a soldier in the IDF. After two singles, and quite a number of bands which he put together, Portal launched his official, full, new album – ‘Shim’a B’Koli’.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Asaf Leibowitz gets ready to launch his first album with a new single: “Mifgash Haneshamot” (Meeting of the Souls). Asaf Leibowitz presents his third single to the radio stations, Meeting of the Souls. Reuniting with the soul, with one's self, with those we have loved and lost, with one another. In today's climate of searching and spiritual awakening on the one hand and a world in flux and upheaval on the other, there are many among us who are discovering "new" ideas and answers thousands of years old. Leibowitz (41), married and father of three was born in Haifa, and now living in Hod Hasharon, defines himself as a Chassid and a musician, in that order. Leibowitz, a guitarist and composer, as well as an ordained Rabbi, creates a blend of music and the essence of the Torah, while also learning and teaching Torah to a varied public. Meeting of the Souls depicts a vision of a new world in which human existence elevates itself, a world in which the spirit becomes the main purpose that binds human beings as the walls and barriers that divide them disappear. ‘Meeting of the Souls’, from the album ‘Tipul Tefilla’, will soon be released.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Two and a half years in captivity – a new song about Gilad Shalit. Over two and a half years the soldier Gilad Shalit has been sitting in capitivity, and his memory is starting to be forgotten. A young guy by the name of Netanel Shubeli didn’t like the situation one bit, and to bring Gilad Shalit back to public recognition, he wrote, composed, and sang a new song about the captive soldier. He put Eyal Aharon in charge of the song’s arrangement and production, and the result is here for you, a strong, meaningful song.   For the full article in Hebrew and to listen to the song click here 

Credits:

Writers and Participants: Yossi Asheri, Shneor Garufi, Chayim Shma’ayovitz, David Froidiger, Natan Ivgi, Beni Yafe, Chanie Schwartz, Yonatan Katz, Kobi Rotenberg, Michal Koren, Ariel K. and Yaki Adamker. English Translation: Shmaya Asheri, Chana Vogel. Proofreading: Josh Block (JoshsJM.com). Design: Yakov Ben David. Graphics: Chanie Cohen.

Special thanks to: Shai Kahan, Kobi Sela, Menachem Toker, Pirsumei Nisa, Noam Productions, Gal-Paz Chemed Productions, Greentec, Hindik Productions, Sameach Music, L’Chaim Productions, HaTav HaShmini, Philharmona, Tomer Cohen, Yossi Zweig, Yossi Eisenthal, RNY Productions, Bama KaHalacha, Ariel Wolff, Sharon Daniel Productions, Shalom Twito, Lior Gabay, Mindy and guys.

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Errors and omissions excepted