Idan Raichel Takes On America

November 23, 2006 - 11:03 AM by

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Looking for a Hannukah or Christmas gift for someone who loves either Israeli music or just great world music? Idan Raichel, Israel’s most popular artist, has a new album out in the U.S. He’s not singing in English — the recordings are selections of his most popular Hebrew/ Amharic hits, but the album cover and notes are in English and translations of his songs are provided. Info on the Cumbancha label record here:

The international release of The Idan Raichel Project’s recordings promises to introduce a wide new audience to the electrifying work of this unique musical collective. The Project offers a new vision for how Israelis, their neighbors in this volatile region, and people all over the world, can cherish their individual cultural traditions, celebrate their differences and through respectful collaboration create new and inspiring expressions. “Our ability to live in peace with one other depends on our learning to appreciate and respect each other’s differences”, notes Idan. “The way forward is not by trying to change your neighbor, but by accepting him and recognizing that we are all looking for the same things in life: bread, water, spirit, respect and love.”

Founded by Jacob Edgar, the longtime head of A&R and music research at Putumayo World Music, Cumbancha is a new record label that seeks to present exceptional artists from around the globe whose work merits attention by a wider public. “We often say at Putumayo that doing compilations was like dating, and signing artists is like getting married”, says Edgar. “After years of flirting with some of my favorite artists, it’s nice to finally make some commitments and settle down!”

The Idan Raichel Project will be released in conjunction with a special Putumayo World Music collection entitled One World, Many Cultures, which focuses on cross-cultural musical collaborations and also features appearances by Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Taj Mahal, and Youssou N’Dour, among others. A portion of the proceeds for One World, Many Cultures will go to support the non-profit organization Search For Common Ground, which works to transform the way the world deals with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving.

Pretty impressive, no? If you’ve never heard of him, a taste of Raichel is available on his web site.

Tags: • Category: Art 

Comments

One Comment on Idan Raichel Takes On America

  1. David on Thu, Nov 23rd 2006 5:18 PM

    2. The way to live together is to respect individual rights under a SECULAR American type of system. Recognizing differences has nothing to do with it.

    It was America that founded individual rights and a Federal system of the separation of Powers.

    Until this is accepted, there will never be peace in the mid-east and Israel will have no choice but to defend itself – a will that appears to be eroding.

    What is the bet that Iran will achieve nuclear weapon status and everything that Israel says it will do, will remain just that – talk? For with the Democrats ascendent in America, you will not see action taken on Iran.

    Mark my words.

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