This is interesting. We've been celebrating the Festival of Lights on the front page. This isn't Hanukkah music, but....
Anthony & Irene Chapman are from New England, but emigrated to Israel several years ago. Their holiday EP, "The Newborn King", features two versions each of two classic Christmas carols. The second version of each starts out the same but then goes on to feature lyrics sung in Hebrew. No doubt some traditionalists in each camp will find this difficult to accept, but I say, if we can bring music together, why not whole nations? Alright, alright, a little naive, even for me. But I do think its a great concept and it works great here.
Even when the Christmas music of Anthony & Irene Chapman isn't featuring lyrics in Hebrew, the music, itself, is a fusion of influences. The Middle Eastern feel of "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" is undeniable and, while "Silent Night" has its share of Middle Eastern influence as well, what struck me on that one was the Progressive Jazz Fusion feel. The cumulative effect is both bracing and very appealing. Take away the Hebrew lyrics and you still have original arrangements and music that excites and stimulates. Dare I say "inspires"? Very cool.
"The Newborn King" is available free from Bandcamp and Noisetrade.
Anthony & Irene Chapman are from New England, but emigrated to Israel several years ago. Their holiday EP, "The Newborn King", features two versions each of two classic Christmas carols. The second version of each starts out the same but then goes on to feature lyrics sung in Hebrew. No doubt some traditionalists in each camp will find this difficult to accept, but I say, if we can bring music together, why not whole nations? Alright, alright, a little naive, even for me. But I do think its a great concept and it works great here.
Even when the Christmas music of Anthony & Irene Chapman isn't featuring lyrics in Hebrew, the music, itself, is a fusion of influences. The Middle Eastern feel of "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" is undeniable and, while "Silent Night" has its share of Middle Eastern influence as well, what struck me on that one was the Progressive Jazz Fusion feel. The cumulative effect is both bracing and very appealing. Take away the Hebrew lyrics and you still have original arrangements and music that excites and stimulates. Dare I say "inspires"? Very cool.
"The Newborn King" is available free from Bandcamp and Noisetrade.
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