Bagel Music: October 2007

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Yonatan Razel vocalist of the year

Yonatan Razel has been voted by YNet readers as singer of the year in Jewish music category

After a week long voting the results have come in for the YNet Alternative Jewish Music award;
Thousands of Ynet readers voted, entering the site, choosing vocalist of the year and

he is Yonatan Razel who narrowly edged out his own brother Aaron for the top spot. Razel received the award from Ynet at a festive ceremony during the Festival of Jewish Music held during Succot in Beit Shemesh.

Sach Hakol

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Ynet readers vote: Yonatan Razel vocalist of the year

From YNet

Yonatan Razel who finally released ‘All in All’, his first album, after many years of expectations even made history when the song appeared on the prestigious playlist of Army Radio. He attended the award ceremony where he was told that not only was he vocalist of the year but that his song "Zion" (Love will come out of Zion) had been selected as the song of the year. He came to the stage where he performed the winning song to the sound of cheers and applause from the audience.

In the category of songs inspired by Jewish sources, readers chose Od Yeshama by Adi Ran from his collaborative album with Srulik Hirshtik and the Five Voices Band. The Moshav Band took the honors in the genre of non-Hebrew music with their album "Misplaced". The band has recently signed a major contract with Sony Records. The biggest surprise of the night was no doubt the Ynet music award for best band which went to Red Heifer who won despite the fact that they have not had much media exposure.

I am not worthy but thanks anyway

Razel who was clearly excited addressed the audience with a shaking voice. “Bless God. Thanks so much to the audience, I really don’t feel that I am worthy of the honor but if the audience has chosen this then it makes me happier than appearing on the playlist of army radio. Thank you so much. I only hope I can return the love.”

Mishael Dickman of Red Heifer said: “We are very happy to have been chosen and want to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged us over the years. It is our audience that gives us our strength. The band is really excited about this award which gives us a push to do more in the industry.”

Yonatan Razel's Melbourne, Australia appearances:
Yonatan Razel- Ani Ledodi (A.Razel) Live in Melbourne
Yonatan Razel- Ivdu Et HasHem Bsimcha Live in Melbourne 5768

More:
Meir Panim concert with Dudu Fisher and Avram Fried more)
Yonatan Razel- Bnei Beitcha

References:
Ynet: Ynet readers vote: Yonatan Razel vocalist of the year

kipper tip to Jewish Blogmeister

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Matisyahu leaves Chabad

From jta

Orthodox Jewish reggae sensation Matisyahu is leaving the Chabad movement.

"I am no longer identified with Chabad," the American singer told Ha'aretz this week during a private visit to Israel. "Today it's more important to me to connect to a universal message."

Born Matthew Miller, Matisyahu embraced Orthodox Judaism while studying in a Chabad yeshiva in New York City His virtuosity in reggae and hip-hop, religious lyrics and uncanny garb and antics on stage launched him to international music stardom.

According to to the Israeli newspaper, Matisyahu experienced a "spiritual shift" while celebrating the High Holy Days in Israel. That drew to him to alternative forms of Chasidut such as Breslav.

"What we do is not at all about Judaism and not about Chabad. It's much bigger than one religion or another," he said. "It relies on something real that can speak to anybody. It's about truth and memory."

While still Orthodox, Matisyahu said he is "searching for freedom from a pronounced identification with one
specific group."

References:
JTA: Matisyahu leaves Chabad

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Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Matisyahu in Israel

Brooklyn hip-hop and reggae artist here for the holidays, gives surprise performance at Tel Aviv club

From YNet

Successful hip-hop and reggae artist Matisyahu is spending the Sukkot holidays in Israel. Last week he even gave a surprise performance at a Tel Aviv nightclub as part of a set given by musician and saxophone player Daniel Zamir.

About half an hour into Zamir's performance at the Levontine 7 he announced that a special guest would be joining him and Matisyahu emerged from the crowd wearing a white hat.

Zamir later said that no rehearsals had taken place and that the performance was completely improvised. Longtime friends Zamir and Matisyahu met in New York several years ago, the two have performed together in Israel before. Zamir also joined Matisyahu's US tour twice.

Matisyahu has visited Israel three times in the past two years. During one of his visits the popular artist, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, said he hoped to one day make aliyah.

He has also collaborated with Israeli psychedelic trance duo Infected Mushroom and took the stage with them in Baltimore several months ago.

Mr Bagel: Matisyahu's third Studio album is due for release early in 2008. I'm looking forward to its release.

References:
YNet: Matisyahu in Israel