Dudu Tassa, Jonny Greenwood – Jarak Qaribak (World Circuit, 2023)
The album Jarak Qaribak is a collaboration between Israeli musician Dudu Tassa and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, which showcases their innovative approach to Middle Eastern music. The album has received praise from both fans and music peers. Nine exceptional tracks were produced by Nigel Godrich, featuring guest vocalists from Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, and Morocco. Nigel Godrich is known for producing music for Radiohead.
The album’s title, Jarak Qaribak, which roughly translates to “Your Neighbour Is Your Friend,” reflects the spirit of generosity that underpins the project. Tassa and Greenwood are mindful of the region’s political sensitivities and have avoided making political statements on the album. Instead, they focus on creating engaging reworkings of love songs from the Middle East.
The album’s sequencing introduces new instrumentation gradually, with each track adding a unique element. From the ornamented vocals of Egyptian singer Ahmed Doma in the opener “Djit Nishrab” to the synth-funk backing and soaring vocals of Safae Essafi in “Ahibak,” each track offers a fresh take on the region’s love songs. The instrumental additions uplift the originals’ essence, highlighting the songbook’s elasticity and how melodies can be reapplied to new voices.
Jarak Qaribak is a beautiful album showcasing Tassa and Greenwood’s talent and their guest vocalists. It is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural and political boundaries.
Buy Jarak Qaribak.
Author: Ian Bevington
Great review! Based on this I’ll definitely have to go and check it out.