Record Reviews

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

GIDI GOV ~ MANNERS HED ARZI 15178 (Barcode: 7293372517822) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1986 - 1987 Released: 1987 4th album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, one of the icons of Israeli music since the 1970s, which marks a change in his musical direction towards Rock, as opposed to his early lyrical, Jazz oriented material created in cooperation with Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. Almost all the songs on this album were composed by another Israeli musical icon, Yehuda PolikerFind albums by this artist, with lyrics supplied by the best local lyricists like Eli MoharFind albums by this artist and Meir ArielFind albums by this artist. Gov´s vocal style changes significantly, with emphasis on the husky Rock intonation and his interpretations of the songs are absolutely brilliant. Accompanied by some of the best Rock players on the scene at the time, guitarist Erez NetzFind albums by this artist, bassist Ehud IngerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Moshe LeviFind albums by this artist and drummer Jean Paul ZimbarisFind albums by this artist, the album remains as one of the best Israeli Rock recordings of all times. An absolute classic!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend