Record Reviews

GIDI GOV ~ FIRST RECORD HED ARZI 14733 (Barcode: 7293372147333) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 1991 1st album by Israeli singer Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, who was the lead singer of the Israeli supergroup KaveretFind albums by this artist and this debut album was recorded just after the group disbanded at the end of an illustrous career. A romantic at heart, with deep love for jazz, this album is much more personal and reflects the true nature of Gov then his work with Kaveret. Ths album is as much his as Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist`s (another Kaveret member), who wrote and arranged almost all the songs on the album. Accompanied by the best Israeli players at the time (mostly jazzman) Gov performs brilliantly, creating a perfect atmosphere and one of the best albums ever produced in Israel. Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist fans will love this!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GIDI GOV ~ MOON DANCE HED ARZI 64343 (Barcode: 7293372434396) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 6th album. With a career stretching over more than thirty years Gidi GovFind albums by this artist is today a mythical figure on the local Israeli music scene. Since his early days as the lead singer of the legendary group KaveretFind albums by this artist and up to date he maintained an unprecedented and uncompromising standard of musical excellence, refusing to participate in any sort of trendy escapades. His unique and very personal way of singing can be compared to the great American and European performers like Frank SinatraFind albums by this artist, Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist, Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist and many others, all of whom posses not only a remarkable voice but also a deep understanding of music and a high level of emotional involvement with it. Although Gov usually performs material written specifically for him (in most cases by his friends Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Eli MoharFind albums by this artist), for this special project he collected a string of classic international vocal standards (and some Israeli evergreens from his past), which were beautifully translated into Hebrew by Eli Mohar and exquisitely arranged by Adi RenertFind albums by this artist (one of Israel’s great jazz musicians and arrangers). The ensemble accompanying Gov includes the creme de la creme of the Israeli jazz players and the entire album is beautifully recorded and produced (IMO this is the best ever production in this country). The choice of material might have easily resulted in some tackiness, but Gov’s incredible talent to interpret tacky material (like Armstrong’s “It’s A Wonderful World”) with enough twist to make it interesting works like a charm. His interpretation of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” is simply divine and the rest of the material is equally excellent. Age seems to be smiling upon Gov as the experience and seasoning turned him into a world-class performer by any standard. I absolutely adore every minute of this great album and urge everybody with sensitive ears to give it a try.

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

MADELEINE PEYROUX ~ HALF THE PERFECT WORLD ROUNDER 602517032798 (Barcode: 602517032798) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is the 3rd album by American Jazz singer / songwriter Madeleine PeyrouxFind albums by this artist, recorded with a team of talented musicians, which included guitarist Dean ParksFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Sam YahelFind albums by this artist and Larry GoldingsFind albums by this artist, bassist David PiltchFind albums by this artist, drummer Lee BelleroseFind albums by this artist, a string quartet and many others. The album presents twelve tracks, four of which are her originals and the rest are covers of songs by such songwriters like Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist and others, all rearranged to fit her unique style. Peyroux, who spent her teenager days singing Jazz and Blues standards on the street of Paris, where she lived at the time, acquired some European sensibilities, which helped to take the American music scene by a storm in the early 2000s. Her vocal style and charm are immediately recognizable and she obviously learned a lot from classic vocalists like Billie HolidayFind albums by this artist and Bessie SmithFind albums by this artist. This results in her transforming contemporary Pop and Rock songs into “imaginary” old-times classics, especially on her early albums, like this one. In time I became quite fond of her voice and mannerisms and I revisit her albums occasionally, always having a great time. She should be appreciated for sticking to her aesthetic values and eschewing commercial temptations, despite her success, which is sadly almost never true in most cases of American singers. Overall, this is a great trip back in time, revisiting the early days of Peyroux’s early career, which I always enjoy. This is a wonderful collection of great songs, which never disappoints and is always a welcome escape in gloomy days.

Updated: 09/02/2026Posted: 08/02/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BEN SIDRAN ~ FEEL YOUR GROOVE ACADIA 8120 (Barcode: 805772812024) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2006 Debut album by US keyboardist / vocalist Ben SidranFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest Jazz / Blues / Soul vocalists ever. Sidran originally worked in Rock (he was a member of the Steve Miller BandFind albums by this artist), but gradually moved away from Rock towards Jazz, where he made his real impact. He is a great keyboards player and his organ work is truly inspired. His warm voice is completely unique and he ranks among the top class vocalists like Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist and Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. This album was recorded with many famous Rock and Jazz musicians and clearly sets the path for his future work. Considering the fact that it was unavailable for so many years, this is a most welcome reissue. Classic stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend