JACOB BALSHAN: Love Songs in Hebrew

Jacob Balshan

Love Songs in Hebrew

© 2000 Jacob Balshan -Acum, Tel Aviv (634479218712) (format: CD-R)

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Original, melodic, emotional songs of loves lost, gained,and imagined,in modern poetic Hebrew lyrics, influenced by World rhythms- warm, precise vocals, with brilliant dual classical guitar accompaniment.

tracks

1 Shkeah (The Sunset)
2 At Hayam (You Are the Sea)
3 Matsavim (Situations)
4 Misham Bachoschach? (Who's There in the Dark?)
5 Beyom Aviv (On a Spring Day)
6 Hab'didut (Loneliness)
7 Etah (With Her)
8 Sippur Ahavatanu (Our Love Story)

notes

Here's what Ofra Sharon-Afir,Israeli/American folksinger, wrote about the album after hearing it for the first time:

"I am speechless! I set my CD player to play it nonstop since noon.The man is a phenomenal singer, guitarist and songwriter. Jacob's singing is mature and warm, and the arrangements of his songs compliment his voice, without overshadowing the sophisticated simplicity; his perfect pitch; his wonderful diction; and the clear delivery of his well written messages. Kudos to an artist who still believes in love, and delivers his words and sounds in a touchingly convincing way. This CD integrates the poetry and sounds of the longing soul of a man, into a very well designed package of goodies for your eyes, ears and spirit.

This selection should have air time on any radio station which caters to listeners who appreciate quality song writing and a deluxe musicality. I am very impressed!"

The CD is accompanied by a 12 page booklet of lyrics in Hebrew with English translations. "Love Songs in Hebrew" was recently nominated in the Best Album category for 2004 by Just Plain Folks. The song :"Habdidut" from the album was nominated for Best Song of 2004.


Jacob Balshan started composing simple melodies as a young child in Casablanca, Morocco. He made "aliyah" to Israel at age 9. He began to play the guitar at the age of 14, and composed his first songs for that instrument. He participated in Kibbutz community shows and later performed in clubs throughout Israel. When his army service, as a paratrooper, was completed, he was hired to entertain the troops. Except for periodic returns to Israel, Jacob spent the 70's singing throughout Europe- in (among other places), Amsterdam, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Paris, where he performed in Le Theatre de Mogador, and Olympia (which is the French equivalent of our Carnegie Hall). In these, and other cities, he added to his native tongues of Hebrew and French, songs in other languages, such as Spanish and Russian. He even learned one song in Japanese, to the delight of his tourist patrons.

Again in Israel, in 1973, he recorded a song he composed, arranged by a friend, Nathan Cohen, which was played on many Israeli radio stations and listed on their "Hit Parade". More of his songs could then be heard on Israeli radio.

In 1986, Jacob moved to New York, where he sang professionally until 1990, when he moved to Philadelphia. He performed to acclaim at Israeli Independence Day functions, synagogues, clubs, community centers, universities, and theaters, in both New York and Philadelphia. Jacob traveled to Israel in 2000, where he recorded this CD of "Love Songs in Hebrew", with his nephew Guy Bocati,who just recorded a new album with Israeli
superstar- Arik Einstein.

Jacob Balshan's repertoire is broad and varied - from Yemenite folk songs to Romantic French ballads, and more. His original lyrics and musical compositions draw from all his experiences in life, with many poetic references. He broadens the concept of Israeli music for listeners accustomed to a more traditional genre. Jacob also engages his audiences in familiar and popular songs in which they can participate. He is available for performances. He would like to hear your response to the CD.

reviews

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  • author: cholleton

    BRAVO !!!!!!!! Fais nous encore de si belles chansons et mélodies, pour nous faire rêver un peu plus !!!

  • The heart of God is in His people-and His musicians
    author: Pamela Graboyes

    This Cd expresses the heart of the Chosen to those who wish to be???The soft tones of Jacob's baritone vorce expressed in his guitar and melodic tunes that say to all of us..us us that wecan love one another and connect through such music which expresses evrything to us...and about us and is the pulse we all understand. Mazel Tov and blesiings!!!

  • This CD integrates the poetry and sounds of the longing soul of a man, into a ve
    author: Ofra Sharon-Afir

    This selection should have air time on any radio station which caters to listeners who appreciate quality song writing and a deluxe musicality. I am very impressed!

  • Jacob Balshan is incredible.
    author: Hanna Coleen Rowley

    Jacob Balshan is incredible. His guitar technique, YOTZEH MIN HAKLAL,(extraordinary) goes beyond and into the sublime!

  • Outstanding production and lovely arrangements.
    author: Rebecca Poulson

    Thank you so much for the beautiful cd. It is gorgeous. The production is outstanding as well, and the arrangements so lovely!

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