Yemen Blues - Shabazi: A Tribute to the Poet (2023) [Official Digital Download]

The band was formed in 2010 by Yemeni-born Israeli multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Ravid Kahalani, who lives between Tel Aviv and Helsinki. At the crossroads of blues, funk and rock, the band's music is tinged with the various influences of the Middle East. The timelessness of ancestral grooves is evident in this music, which oscillates between black American music, the vibrations of the Saharan desert, Nubian, Gnawi, Tuareg, Saidi and Bambara music. They usually tour the United States, Europe and the Arab world. The origin of their name and their music comes from the strength it draws from the culture of Yemen, the crossroads of the Arab world, East Africa and Jewish cultures. A culture that reconciles the learned, the popular and mystical experiences. By connecting these age-old and essential trances with the energies of blues, funk and rock, we get the music of YEMEN BLUES. It has to be said that Ravid has always had the opportunity to surround himself well. First with composer Omer Avital, musical director of the eponymous debut album released in 2011, then with bassist and oud player Shanir Blumenkranz from the Tzadik galaxy, John Zorn, Yo-Yo Ma (Silk Road Project), with the release of the album Insaniya, in 2015, produced by Bill Laswell, producer of Herbie Hancock, George Clinton, Touré Kunda, and which contains a duet with Oxmo Puccino. In this case, the mix was made by producer Tamir Muskat (co-founder of Balkan Beat Box and producer of Asaf Avidan, Gogol Bordello, A-WA and Ester Rada), and it's masterful. Shabazi's project was to set to 21st-century music the most beautiful texts by the 17th-century Yemeni poet Shalem Shabazi. A reconciliation between the leader's secular culture and his ability to project it in the trendy clubs of New York, Paris, Tangiers and Tel Aviv…

Ravid Kahalani sings and plays the gumbri (a plucked string instrument), Shanir Blumenkranz plays bass and oud, Rony Iwryn plays percussion and Dan Mayo plays drums. This is a fantastic project, and a must-see! Captivating music, capable of enlightening and uplifting all who hear it! An astonishing band that we'll be hearing about again and again! A must-have album, for the whole world to hear!

Ravid Kahalani, vocals, gumbri
Shanir Blumenkranz, bass, oud
Rony Iwryn, percussion
Dan Mayo, drums

Tracklist:
01. Ya Baum Etranan Wasih
02. Ahalel El Asher Yatzak
03. Aane Shir Hadash
04. Ya Galb Ma Ja Lac Tuhanzan
05. Levavi Yehsheka Ofra
06. Shoshvinim Baou
07. Eretz Veshamaim
08. Ashkava


Thanks to the Original customer!