Search - Ofra Haza :: Fifty Gates of Wisdom: Yemenite Songs

When An Angel Dwelt Amongst Us

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 01/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ofra Haza the late Israeli pop-diva had the purest voice I've ever heard. In 'Yemenite Songs' she returns to her roots and sings 8 traditional pieces. No matter what the genre of music she performs there's no mistaking that angelic voice. If you're into traditional ethnic music this is definitely an essential to your collection.



RIP OFRA"

Charming textures

Pieter | Johannesburg | 07/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This wonderful album features traditional and modern instruments with songs based on the 16th century poetry of Shalom Shabazi. The opening number Im Nin'alu is a catchy mid tempo ballad which was also recorded by Laura Wetzler on the album Kabbalah Music: Songs of the Jewish Mystics.



Next up is the buoyant Yachilvi Veyachali, a more uptempo track with an complex, impressive arrangement. On the song A'salk, a great interplay of mostly percussion and vocals, the range and beauty of Ofra's voice come to the fore.



The medley of Tzur Menati, Se'i Yona and Sapri Tama has a catchy twirling melody and Galbi is another tuneful song with a compelling rhythmic structure. Ode Le'eli is a slow ballad with repeating patterns while Lefelach Harimon is my favorite with its sweeping melody line and hypnotic percussive textures.



Yemenite Songs is a pioneering album that successfully integrated traditional Middle Eastern songs with modern arrangements and pop appeal back in the middle 1980s. There is a moving spiritual undertone to many of the songs and Haza's voice is warm and engaging. If you like World Beat or the music of bands like Transglobal Underground, you will love this album.

"

Haunting Voice of Yemen

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 06/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late Ofra Haza was without a doubt one of Israel's most successful and influential pop artists, achieving fame both across the Middle East and even the world. This CD, emphasizing her Yemeni heritage, is probably her best work. Mixing her haunting Middle Eastern vocals and traditional rhythms with modern dance beats, this CD embraces both Israeli pop culture and the traditions of her Arab neighbors. Songs like "Im Nin' Alu" and "Galbi" are still as fresh today as they were back then. And her work continues to be a source of pride for Israeli's Yemeni Jewish minority even today, and rightly so I might add. If you want some authentic Middle Eastern pop music, this is a great place to stop, highlighting one of Israel's true treasures. Definitely the first Ofra Haza album to get."