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  | DAVID BROZA ~ LA MUJER QUE YO QUIERO (25TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 20928 (Barcode: 7290011998882) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 - 1983 Released: 2009
3rd album by Israeli singer / songwriter / guitarist David BrozaFind albums by this artist, one of the country’s most prominent and active musicians since the 1970s, which brought Broza unprecedented success and fame on the Israeli music scene. Broza, born in Haifa, grew up in Spain and England and returned to Israel for his military service. His Spanish cultural roots and his Flamenco acoustic guitar style are a most significant factor in his approach to music, but those surfaced for the first time on this magnificent album, since his earlier recordings were mostly Rock oriented. During the late 1970s and early 1980s Broza participated in many projects, including the splendid Sixteenth LambFind albums by this artist, cooperating closely with poet / lyricist Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist. The story behind this album is quite interesting: Following Broza’s experiences during the war in Lebanon, he suffered a severe nervous breakdown and dropped out from the music scene. His wife persuaded him to pick up his guitar and start working again, asking him to create Hebrew versions of the Spanish love songs, which he sang to her during their courtship. Broza enlisted the help of his friend Geffen, who transcribed (translated would be inaccurate, as Geffen had no knowledge of Spanish and created the lyrics based on Broza’s impressions of them) the song’s lyrics in to Hebrew. The resulting album turned out to be one of the most impressive music projects ever recorded in Israel, with exquisite arrangements, beautiful instrumentation and superb vocal delivery. The original songs were written by some of Spain’s best composers / lyricist, including Joan Manuel SerratFind albums by this artist, Paco IbanezFind albums by this artist, Frederico Garcia LorcaFind albums by this artist and others. Broza truly understands and loves this music and his talent comes to full fruition, presenting him as he truly is – an outstanding performer. One original song by Broza was also included on the album. Soon after its release, the album turned out to be a hysteric bestseller, which is quite surprising, as its high quality (both musical and lyrical) is definitely far from being populist in any sense. As a result of the album’s success Broza toured the country for about a year, performing the songs from the album as well as many of his earlier songs. The final concert of the tour, recorded live, is enclosed in this beautiful Box Set on two bonus CDs with almost three hours of music. This album is perfect in every respect and this spectacular, beautifully packaged Box Set is a proper homage to the achievements of Israeli music. Essential stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Digipak Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVID BROZA ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS
NMC (ISRAEL) 22431 (Barcode: 7294276224311) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 - 1991 Released: 2012
This is a Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer David BrozaFind albums by this artist, one of the most popular Israeli music figures, who first arrived on the local music scene in the late 1970s and in still very much active today touring worldwide after gaining considerable international success. The set includes the following albums: "David BrozaFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1979, "AceFind albums with this title" – 2nd album released in 1982, "BrozaFind albums with this title" – 4th album released in 1984 and "Stolen KissFind albums with this title" – 7th album (counting the first US album released earlier) released in 1991. The eponymous debut album presents Broza as a gifted Folkie, obviously still very much searching for his musical way but already showing clear signs of talent and outspoken social / political awareness, which was quite common among young Israelis at the time. The second album shows his attempt to move more towards Rock, using electric guitars and a full group comprised of some of the best Rock players on the scene at the time supporting him. Shortly after the release of that album Broza went through a process of complete transformation (see the text I wrote about that album for the circumstances surrounding that transformation), which resulted in his discovery of Spanish music and the recording of the superb 3rd album "La Mujer Que Yo QuieroFind albums with this title" ("The Women By My Side"), which reached a quadruple platinum sales status. The fourth album (the third one in this Box Set) is simply a direct continuation of its predecessor and presents Broza´s heartfelt and beautiful renderings of songs by great Spanish songwriters: Joan Manuel SerratFind albums by this artist, Jose Manuel Ortega HerediaFind albums by this artist (aka Manzanita) and Paco IbanezFind albums by this artist, with Hebrew language lyrics by Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist. Although it never enjoyed the same level of popularity as its predecessor, it is as good in every sense and still sounds excellent, untouched by time. The last album in this set is an attempt to recapture the Israeli scene after several years of absence, trying to set aside the "Spanish" image and presenting a set of new songs with lyrics by Jonathan Geffen and the late Meir ArielFind albums by this artist, which somehow missed the opportunity, but remains quite a pleasant listen, especially the instrumental title track. This is some of the best Israeli music ever made and of course it is absolutely essential listening. This reissue saves this music from the cruel fate of oblivion, which is a most commendable act of keeping our Culture alive. A must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
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