Record Reviews

FOURTEEN OCTAVES ~ FOURTEEN OCTAVES HELICON 94107 (Barcode: 7293627410724) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 1996 The only album by the Israeli group Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist, which included Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Avner KennerFind albums by this artist on keyboards (hence 14 octaves) and Zohar LeviFind albums by this artist on drums. As all Israeli records from this period this is somewhere between Prog and sophistcated pop, with great compositions from Rechter and Kenner, both of which rank as some of the most talented Israeli musicians of all times. Hebrew vocals.

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GIDI GOV ~ 40:06 HED ARZI 14929 (Barcode: 7293372149290) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1983 Released: 1991 2nd album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist and a natural follow up to his debut, this album was also almost entirely written by Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, with a few songs by Avner KennerFind albums by this artist (with whom Rechter cooperated in Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist). More of the wonderful, romantic, sophisticated and jazzy tunes, performed flawlessly, with great musicians in the background. By that time Rechter was already established as the best and most prolific Israeli composer and his craftsmanship is here for all to see. Gov performs with feeling and humor, making this another superb album.

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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!

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PREMIERE ~ PREMIERE NMC (ISRAEL) 85075 (Barcode: 7290003301652) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 1992 Only album by the short-lived and little known Israeli group PremiereFind albums by this artist, led by Avner KennerFind albums by this artist (who collaborated with Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist in Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist). With Mazi CohenFind albums by this artist (ex GazozFind albums by this artist) as lead singer, the group was the only Israeli attempt to create a local funk, with Kenner`s wonderful jazzy arrangements. The material is interesting and the performances swinging and funky indeed. A pity this one was largely forgotten, but not by me!

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