The exploration of Sephardic music is taking musicians in new directions. US-based Gerard Edery’s latest recording is a fascinating collaboration with Lithuanian singer Maria Krupoves, who specializes in the folk songs of Central and Eastern Europe, especially those of her native Vilnius (Lithuania).
The album is titled Two Faiths One Voice and the material includes Ladino music from Turkey, Occitan, Hebrew, Spanish, Tartar (Russian), Yiddish, Lithuanian and Armenian pieces. The Cd booklet includes lyrics in the original languages and English.
Spanish singer Rosa Zaragoza has spent years investigating the music of the Spanish Jews and has numerous recordings. One most recent is Terra de jueus/Tierra de judios, canciones de bodas de los judios catalanes (Land of Jews, wedding Songs of the Catalan Jews). In this case, Zaragoza collaborates with Eduard Iniesta, who plays a wide range of string instruments, including guitar, bouzouki, baglama and several more. The songs come from various sources in Spain and morocco. The CD booklet includes detailed notes in Spanish and Catalan.
Sarah Aroeste, on the other hand, takes Sephardic music in a contemporary directions. Aroeste has Spanish and Greek roots and she has collected Sephardic love songs, sung in Ladino, and combines acoustic Middle Eastern instrumentation with the power of rock, jazz and funk. Her latest CD is Puertas (Doors).
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.