Yemenite Blues from Israel
by Daniela Enriquez
If there is a perfect word to describe Ravid Kahalani and Yemen Blues, his new musical project, it would be eclecticism. Born in Israel to Yemenite Jews, Kahalani has been exposed to all kinds of musical genres since his childhood: Yemenite religious hymns, West African sounds, Middle Eastern tunes and, of course, the entire world of modern rhythms: from jazz, to rap, to blues.
With the collaboration of Omer Avital, Itamar Borochov, Rony Iwryn and,as his Facebook page says, “other musicians around the world,” Kahalani—known for his role in Israeli music group The Idan Raichel Project—used his musical experience and knowledge to create a sensational project, which is enchanting listeners all around the globe. Their music is deeply engaging: On stage, they shift from romantic ballades in French to beating songs in Hebrew. All...
