DIVAHN: Divahn

Divahn

Divahn

© 2002 Galeet Dardashti et al. (805996001822)

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Think Jewish music = Klezmer? Then you need to hear Divahn's Middle-Eastern/Sephardic groove. The all-female quartet infuses traditional songs with creative sophistication, using tabla, cello, rabel & other acoustics. Lyrics in Hebrew & Judeo-Spanish.

notes

Anyone who thinks Jewish music equals klezmer needs to hear Divahn's Middle Eastern and Sephardic grooves. Divahn infuses traditional songs with sophisticated harmonies and arrangements using tabla, cello, rabel, doumbek, banjo and other acoustic instruments, plus vocals in Hebrew, Judeo-Spanish, Persian, Arabic, Aramaic and Turkish. Their beautiful lyricism flows through an intense rhythmic drive. The group distinguishes itself as the only all-female ensemble performing Mizrakhi-influenced music (Jewish music from the Middle East and North Africa) in the US, and has performed with some of the world's most renowned master musicians, including Glen Velez and Anindo Chatterjee.

Divahn, a word common to Hebrew, Persian, and Arabic, means a collection of songs or poetry. Through its music, Divahn seeks to underscore common ground shared between diverse Middle Eastern cultures and religions. The group captures the breadth and diversity of Mizrakhi and Sephardi music throughout the centuries, while simultaneously creating and redefining innovative directions for the music in the present.

"A stunning debut! ... Darting, stabbing rhythms, throaty, urgent vocals and intricate and intelligent arrangements, this is a flat-out thrilling record."
- The Jewish Week

"In combining the old and new, drawing from across the globe, and mixing their respective musical gifts, Divahn have not only a fine debut on their hands, but a new musical statement - one of craft, originality, and spirit."
- Austin Chronicle

"A work of deep, provocative, timeless beauty."
- Seth Rogovoy

"Traditional and wonderfully new at the same time... Highly recommended."
- Ari Davidow's Klezmer Shack

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1. Shabekhi Yerushalayim
words: Hebrew, Psalm 147
music: Avihu Medina (1948- )
Though the text of this piece has been around quite a while, the music was written only decades ago by Avihu Medina, one of Israel's most noted composers and performers.

2. Dror Yikra
words: Hebrew, Donash ben Labrat (920-990)
music: traditional Mizrakhi
This famous zmirah (Shabbat song) relishes the freedom experienced on Shabbat as we take a break from the week's toils.

3. Yigdal
words: Hebrew, Daniel ben Yehuda (14th century)
music: traditional Iranian
Galeet first heard the melody for this well-known religious hymn at the Iranian synagogue of her grandparents (Yona and Hoori Dardashti) in Rishon LeTzion, Israel.

4. Ya Ribon Alam
words: Aramaic, Rabbi Israel ben Moses Najara (1555-1625)
music: traditional Iraqi
This is a favorite zmirah, sung at Shabbat dinner. We've thrown in some of our own Southern flair to complement this Iraqi melody.

5. Duerme
words: Ladino
An old Sephardic lullaby sung to a lover.

6. Va'amartem Zevakh Pesakh
words: Hebrew
music: Iraq
Many Iraqi Jews sing this traditional pizmon at the Passover seder; it praises God for rescuing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

7. Yodukha Rayonai
words: Hebrew, Rabbi Israel ben Moses Najara
music: from the Turkish folk song Katibim (Üsküdar'a)
Katibim is a well-known, light-hearted Turkish folk song in which a woman describes her man. As is common practice in the Jewish diaspora, Turkish Jews liked the music so much that they chose it for a pizmon (religious poem).

8. Cuando el Rey Nimrod
words: Ladino
This song is also known as "Avraham Avinu" or "Abraham our Father" as it provides a rendition of the birth of Abraham, the Patriarch. Many Sephardim have traditionally sung this song at the male infant's brit milah, or circumcision ceremony.

9. Scalerica de Oro
words: Ladino
The unfortunate bride-to-be in this song has no money to offer as a dowry. Friends and family, therefore, offer the couple their prayers for prosperity, happiness and good fortune ("mazal bueno").

10. Shekharkhoret
words: Hebrew
This song was originally "Morenica" in Ladino. In both Hebrew and Ladino, the title means "dark woman." Although the chorus refers to the magnificent beauty of the "Shekharkhoret," the speaker herself states, "I used to be fair; the summer sun made me dark," suggesting an ambiguous attitude toward beauty. The song was traditionally sung at Mizrakhi weddings as the women danced around the bride.

All arrangements by Divahn:
Galeet Dardashti (lead vocals, guitar, doumbek)
Lauren DeAlbert (tabla, doumbek, riq, tar, castanets, zills, didgeridoo, didgeridoodle, vocals)
Michal Raizen (cello, vocals)
Emily Pinkerton (violin, rabel, banjo, vocals)

About the music:

Divahn's songs represent the breadth of Sephardic and Mizrakhi-influenced Jewish music throughout the centuries. While the terms Sephardic and Mizrakhi are often used synonymously, this is not always accurate. The Sephardic or "Spanish Jews" flourished in Spain for several centuries. They spoke Ladino, or Judeo-Spanish (a Hebrew-flavored dialect of Spanish), amongst themselves and, of course, composed songs in Ladino. Their music reflected the Spanish as well as the Moorish influences to which they were exposed. When the Sephardim were expelled from Spain in 1492, many of them settled throughout the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa, which is why Sephardic music and culture is so often linked to the Middle East.

Aside from the Sephardim, however, Jews have had a strong presence in the Middle East in the areas of countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria since the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE. Due to Islamic restrictions on music in many periods, Jews were the primary group permitted to serve as professional musicians. Throughout history, therefore, Mizrakhim (Middle Eastern and North African Jews) played an important role in perpetuating the musical traditions in their respective countries, influencing and being influenced by the cultures with which they resided for thousands of years.

reviews

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  • Divahn
    author: Paulette Rochelle-Levy

    Unique music for dance. The music has resonance in my heart!

  • Divahn
    author: Paulette Rochelle-Levy

    Unique music for dance. The music has resonance in my heart!

  • Fantastic,no other artists can even be compared or come close to Divahn!!
    author: Ce'cile (Gaspe')

    As soon as I had listened to the samples of songs I knew I had to have this CD, for it was exactly what I was looking for! Divahn is amazingly better than any group I have ever heard. So very talented & unique in every way. This CD is a must to have. Looking forward to there next one and all in the future.... Keep up the great work ladies!!!!!!

  • Saw them live at Berea College...
    author: Christy Bowen

    I had the neat oportunity to work with Divahn.. i was part of the crew that set up the sound for the concert.. even tried to help tune the drums :) The concert was really really good so I bought the CD and I have no regrets! Very nice. If you like this, check out Ensemble Kaboul with Ustad Mahwash.

  • Beautiful album of Mizrachi music, very skillfully performed.
    author: Carol

    This was an intro to Mizrachi (Sephardic) music for me. I heard of Divahn only thru friends because they were performing near here at a time I couldn't make. When I was sent their webpage, I took a chance and am very glad I did! These women are *excellent* musicians! Like 1 other reviewer, I would appreciate the text of the songs in the program notes.

  • Great CD - a must have
    author: Daniel Laby

    A great CD - good beat, great music - almost put me back in Spain!

  • Love listening to the music and the singing
    author: George L. Rothman M.D.

    This CD is everything I expected to be from the excerpts provided by CD Baby.

  • You go, girls!
    author: Joan Peterdi

    Music like this could keep the world from war, the title Divahn is perfect, the performances definitely up to the demands of the title. Thank you.

  • I am so fortunate to have happened upon this artist and her friends and their CD
    author: Batyah Reinert

    I happened to meet this artist and she played her drums for us. Then she told us about her friends and their CD. I am so fortunate to have found this CD. It is right up there with one of my favorite all times CDs. I do hope they do another one very soon. The only drawback would be that they did not include full lyrics in the jacket and my Hebrew is not strong enough to make out all the words. I would have like to have the lyrics in the jacket to follow along.

  • tres jolie un succes.
    author: DANIEL ROMANIA

    Nous avons besoin que vous garder les grand traditions des peuples.Il y a a beaucoup de musique mais pas tout signifie la vrais musique.Succes!

  • tres jolie un succes.
    author: DANIEL ROMANIA

    Nous avons besoin que vous garder les grand traditions des peuples.Il y a a beaucoup de musique mais pas tout signifie la vrais musique.Succes!

  • Great album!
    author: Chanah

    What a great album! I love it! Looking forward with anticipation to future albums.

  • What a fantastic album.
    author: Stuart Goldstein

    What a fantastic album. I can't wait to hear more from Divahn!

  • author: marilyn lister

    i first heard divahn on ny public radio,and i've enjoyed them ever since. thank you

  • Resonance with my neshamah..............
    author: Jay Hamburger

    Treat of a surfing discovery.....resonance with my roots AND musical brilliance!....a rich and lovely fabric.

  • Absolutely Delightful Music!
    author: Eli

    My wife and I had no idea what a treat we were in for when we a went to a performance by these 4 talented ladies. I have been listening to this CD in my car ever since. Soon my daughter demanded her own copy and I have given a couple as gifts. My roots are from eastern Europe, but this music has given me a much broader appreciation of my Jewish heritage. I heartily recommend it.

  • Excellent CD
    author: Jan Tucker

    Bought this on spec -- enjoy this type of music --by the end of the CD was totally hooked!! Lots of variation between songs, masterful playing and singing, just wonderful!!

  • Excellent!
    author: Phyllis Friday

    On February 27 I saw Divahn's performance at the Bayside Performing Arts Theater in San Mateo, CA. My first exposure to Jewish music and thoroughly enjoyed it. The CD is excellent and am enjoying it. Many thanks and hopefully you will return again!

  • author: Lorill

    The CD was a gift to Peter following him sharing with me that his family has Shepardic Jewish Ancestry. I did an internet search and found Divahn. I sent him the CD as a gift after listening to track 5 - A Shepardic lullaby sung to a lover which I dedicated to him. We both really enjoyed the entire CD. Great artistic talent and creativity in this gift of magical music!!!

  • My daughter eyes were opened
    author: daveed

    i bought this cd for my daughter. she was having a hard time embracing her sephardic roots. this cd opened her eyes to not only her heritage but sparked an intrest to new forms of music. toda rabah!

  • Sends chills up my spine. Beautiful!
    author: Sara G. (Manhattan)

    I love this CD. There is something amazing... something otherworldly about the vivid vocals combined with that superb Indian percussion. It rocks my world!

  • it is pleasure to listen to this songs
    author: solomon fatakhov

    some of this melodies reminds my fathers melodies. I am from Cenral Asia, City of Samarkand.Now in N.Y.

  • Haunting, inspiring vocals and instrumental music
    author: Terry Kardos

    This group performs haunting, inspiring music, both in the vocals and instrumental music. It makes me want to throw on some gauzy fabric and dance swayingly while my mind is in a higher plane. I especially love to give this album as gift to women who are becoming Bat Mitzvah as adults.

  • Great Sound!
    author: Chana Sheva

    I bought this CD after hearing about the group from my son. He heard the group at a college event. Wonderful CD. I look forward to hearing more music from this group!

  • Traditional and wonderfully new at the same time... Highly recommended.
    author: Ari Davidow's Klezmer Shack

    Divahn have achieved the rare balance between sounding traditional and embracing the sounds around them. At the same time, because the band members are so familiar with the traditional forms of these songs, the overall impression is of an album far more traditional than one gets with most "Sephardic" music with its overdone Spanish guitar or lush generic orchestral arrangements. Here, instead, one has the perfect recipe for lovely new music. It is lovely new-sounding music, for traditional music, or even on its own terms. It is also an album that celebrates women's voices and women's music. The liner notes, although relatively short, are also highly informative and well-done. Highly recommended.

  • A work of deep, provocative, timeless beauty.
    author: Seth Rogovoy of Sing Out!

    Galeet Dardashti, lead vocalist and guitarist of this all-female quartet from Austin, Texas, is the scion of a Mizrakhi musical dynasty. Her grandfather, Yona Dardashti, was one of the most famous Persian classical singers in Iran, and her father, Hazzan Farid Dardashti, is an internationally renowned tenor performing Jewish and non-Jewish music including opera and Broadway. Galeet grew up singing with the Dardashti Family, but with this album she stakes her claim as a leader and visionary of Jewish music in her own right. ... The rhythm and string quartet captures the sinuous grooves of Mizrakhi music. ... In sum, this is a work of deep, provocative, timeless beauty.

  • An auspicious debut... Gorgeous harmony vocals... A new musical statement.
    author: Austin Chronicle

    Together, Divahn weaves an energetic, full-of-heart, acoustically driven voyage through the history of Jewish music, earning them a standing-room-only crowd at this year's SXSW. Don't think klezmer, however, for while their repertoire is as upbeat as that well-known Jewish genre, Divahn's music is more graceful and posed. No weak tracks on this evenly paced, well-recorded, and auspicious debut, but a few cuts stand out. "Ya Ribon Alam" successfully blends banjo and tabla (for the first time ever?) and showcases gorgeous harmony vocals, with Dardashti proving she's got vocal talent to spare. Closer "Shekharkhoret" begins elegantly with cello, violin, and vox, and ends in a dervish of rhythm and melody. In combining the old and new, drawing from across the globe, and mixing their respective musical gifts, Divahn have not only a fine debut on their hands, but a new musical statement -- one of craft, originality, and spirit.

  • A flat-out thrilling record
    author: The Jewish Week

    A stunning debut! This quartet of women musicians, led by vocalist-guitarist Galeet Dardashti, specializes in astute chamber arrangements of Sephardi and Mizrachi songs, and it plays and sings them brilliantly. Darting, stabbing rhythms, throaty, urgent vocals and intricate and intelligent arrangements, this is a flat-out thrilling record.

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