Product Description The evening news usually depicts Israel as a country dominated by conflict. As a result, most outsiders have little insight into what daily life is really like for its inhabitants. Comprised largely of immigrants, modern Israel is home to diverse groups of people who have come from around the world to settle in this cultural melting pot. Jews, Arabs and Christians live and work together peacefully in Jerusalem, a city whose ancient history and mysticism are held sacred to all three religions. Nowhere is the diversity of Israel more evident than in its music. A beguiling fusion of European and Middle Eastern melodies with other elements from the vast Jewish Diaspora, Israel's music reflects the multiple influences of its inhabitants. Putumayo Presents Israel is a collection highlighting a new generation of Israeli musicians who transcend the political strife depicted on the evening news. From Yemenite chants to Jamaican reggae, this collection represents some of the diverse sounds impacting the popular music of modern Israel. A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from the sale of Israel will be donated to Latet - Israeli Humanitarian Aid, in support of their efforts to provide assistance to needy populations in Israel and around the world and to A New Way, which strives to develop tolerance, friendship and cooperation among Jewish and Arab children and parents in Israel. .com Home to an already diverse and sometimes fractious population, with additional settlers arriving every day from Europe, the Americas, and Africa, modern Israel is one of the world's most cosmopolitan, colorful and inclusive musical melting pots. As new arrivals have made their mark, centuries-old Hebrew and Arabic sources have been joined by African, American, and Caribbean grooves, along with cutting edge electronica and quotes from various urban art-song traditions. For example, other than the language, Rona Kenan and Gidi Gov's "Ha'rikud Ha'muzar Shel Ha'lev," with its waltz-like tempo and accordion-laced back-up, would sound completely at home in a Parisian café, as would Tea Packs' "Vehapa'am Shir Ahava," with its graceful vocal curlicues. "Srochim," by revered folksinger David Broza, is redolent of the artist's extended sojourns in Spain and the USA. Meanwhile, Hadas Dagul's "Seret Eelem" reflects his homeland's long-standing love affair with Brazilian bossa nova. Several artists are making an effort to work with and reach out to both established and emerging local communities. Amal Murkus, a Palestinian from Galilee, has incorporated age-old folkways into her mix, and Idan Raichel has established warm collaborative ties with immigrant musicians from Ethiopia, creating a polished, homegrown brand of pop. It's astonishing that such a tiny nation could harbor so many voices. But isn't this exactly as it should be? --Christina Roden
N**G
Some Haunting Tracks
There were several good tracks on this album, especially the last one, which has both a good beat and exciting lyrics (I don't speak the language, but I know what I enjoy hearing). In fact I didn't understand a word of this album, which for me is a common problem on "world" albums, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the tunes. The instrumentals on this album are different from the American sounds I'm used to, which I appreciate, and the vocals are very interesting. I don't know how representative this album is of Israeli sounds, but I felt I was exposed to a number of musical styles, some of which I really liked. This album is above average, and I recommend it if you're into music from the Holy Land or the Middle East. The only complaint I have is that this album is pricey, so it's debatable whether or not it's a good value for the money. Buy it used, and save a bundle!
R**W
ISRAELI MUSICAL SENSE OF STYLE
I love Israeli sense of style in music. All the class of urban lifewith a middle east sound thrown in. What's not to love?There are cuts on this album that are truly light hearted, even though I can't make outall the words. Some cuts are much more intense.But all in all, it is well done, .....on the cutting edge.Even though I can't make out all the Hebrew words, I still love the sense of the songs;the beat, the style, the intent. All of this comes across even though somewords are obscured to me.There's a sense of true artistry, and each artist has their own sense of what "style"means to them. That's the beauty of this album.Putumayo has rounded up the best, and compiled these truely great selections.If you've ever loved a song you didn't understand completely, and want to experiencesomething different than what is going on in the USA, then you must absolutelyget this. I feel like I'm back in Tel Aviv walking down the street on a sunnyday, headed for the Mediterranean beaches! It's the urban beat of the promenade,on the water front of the Tel Aviv environs!My friends ask, "What is this you're playing?", I tell them what it is, howmuch fun it is, and how much I love it. and then they pay attention to themusic and how great it is. Everyone wants a copy! (I send them to you!)Putumayo--thanks for compiling such a wonderful collection. I'll play it untilyou can see the air through the disc!
R**N
Middle of the Road
Altho this cd has the usual excellent Putumayo notes and sound quality, and I trust this is probably a legit sampling of the contemporary music scene, a much better compilation from the point of view of traditional and Jewish Roots music is A Jewish Oddysey.
J**G
A peaceful and inspiring journey
If you enjoy world music you will love this cd. It is so refreshing to hear beautiful, creative sounds coming from a country who is dominated in the news with constant negativity. This music will transport you to a peaceful vacation spot with middle eastern, african, and island sensibilities. I love listening to it over and over again.
C**A
Great Music
I love this CD. It has a very nice variety of songs, music and singers. I highly recommend it to anyone that likes music in Hebrew by Israeli artists.
N**A
WOW!
Love this product and the seller is super to work with. We'll do more business in the future!
C**
A great CD.
My 2nd order. A great CD.
D**G
Excellent music!
Joyful and lively. Great CD.
T**I
Très bien !
Très bien !
G**D
Zu wenig Israel
Ich habe diese CD gewählt weil ich die französischen CD`s aus dieser Serie als sehr gelungen empfinde. Die "israelische CD" entfernt sich, mit ihren durchaus interessanten Interpretationen, m. E. zu weit von der traditionellen als auch aktuellen israelischen Musik.
A**D
A+
Perfect thank you
T**N
excellent
recommended to anyone who loves Israel and the music variety of this wonderful culture Enjoy !! I sure am :)
A**S
Erinnerungen an Israel
diese Musik weckt Erinnereungen an Israel - eine angenehme Musik zum Träumen ( geeignet für Menschen, die dieses Land lieben oder dort unvergessliche Urlaube verbracht haben .Nur 4 Sterne , weil es bessere Interpreten gibt zb Ofra - doch leider ist die israel Musik rar auf den Musikmärkten.
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