Search - Ofra Haza :: Shirey Moledet, Pt. 3

Strong start, slow finish--Overall excellent job!

11/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ofra returns to her Israeli roots with this 1987 recording of folksongs. At the helm is fellow Yemenite, Benny Nagari, whose strong percussion-influenced arrangements evoke a similar feel to their prior 1985 collaboration, "Yemenite Songs". The first cut, "A Night in Canaan" starts with Ofra singing a capella accompanied by a few wistful notes on the keyboards, which erupts into a powerfully orchestrated chorus at each interval. A true delight to the senses. Each song truly boasts stunning arrangements and instrumentation with Ofra's voice figuring among the most powerful and sweetly sentimental of all the instruments. The last two songs end the album on a rather mellow tone but still leave you wanting more and more. A fantastic job featuring some incredible musicians: Iki levi on percussion, Benny Nagari on Synthesizers and a rare duet with Yehudit Ravitz on "The Flute"."

Title: Queen of Folk Music goes to Ofra with Shirey Moledet

05/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With the release of Ofra Haza's Shirey Moledet series of folksongs, the title of Queen of Israeli folk musical culture was passed to her from her predecessors: Israeli Yemenite singers Hanna Ahroni, and Shoshana Damari. Having released three others in a similar vein, this CD was the last of Ofra's four works that were purely folksongs. While not quite as good as "Shirey Moledet One", and "Yemenite Songs", this CD is nonetheless very good and will shine brighter with each listening. There are several outstanding songs, including the second and third, and a live duet. There is a balance between fast and slow songs, and all the melodies are very beautiful and pleasing. Ofra's voice on this CD and on all her folksongs is superior to all of the other female Israeli folk singers I know of, those mentioned above as well as fellow Yemenite folk singer Sarah Aviani, and folk singer Shulamit Livnat. These are all very fine vocalists and have made important contributions to the folk music of Israel, but alas there was only one Ofra. This CD was a fitting tribute for the 40th anniversary of the birth of Israel, and remains a very good example of the folk music traditions of Israel."