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Found In Translation

by Isra-Alien

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1.
Epizoda 05:32
2.
3.
Shutafim 05:29
4.
Ma'alot 05:30
5.
Shlichim 04:12
6.
Yalla Makot 03:35
7.
Shdemati 07:32
8.
Bukra 04:36
9.
Strannik 07:24

about

With two guitars and a second-nature connection, Isra-Alien finds the deep ties that bind rock and jazz, Israeli music and global sounds. Powered by the masterful technique and close friendship of jazz guitarist Oren Neiman and rock guitarist Gilad Ben-Zvi, the duo’s acoustic music moves effortlessly from rootsy to refined on their third album, Found in Translation (release: June 30, 2018).

Meeting on a remote base during military service and then reuniting years later in New York, Ben-Zvi and Neiman found an unexpected common ground in music that grew from the complexities of their shared heritage. By finding new sounds and settings for old forms and melodies, they hint at the diverse facets of Israeli music.They turn from sparse melodies to sensuous feats of guitar nimbleness on a dime, inspired by everything from the Greek bouzouki to Flamenco and other guitar traditions.

“Since this is our third album together we really feel like we were able to deepen and further establish the unique musical language that we created together“ Neiman says. “We keep trying to stretch whatever sounds we produce from two wooden boxes and twelve strings, while trying to explore new sonic territories”.

On originals like “Shutafim” - a grooving composition with a classic middle eastern melody that Gilad wrote in honor of his new “roommate” - his firstborn son, Ben-Zvi hints slyly at his rock chops, bringing out the pick sound and adding percussive touches as well as some characteristic rhythmic twists.

“Epizoda” -the album opener, is one of a few songs in the album that Ben-Zvi and Neiman composed together, a first endeavour for the duo. “Writing together was really an extension of the creative process we’ve had all along. Many of our pieces come together from extensive rehearsing during which the arrangements materialize. This time around we started working with some fragments that we each brought to the table and we shaped the compositions together.” says Neiman.

“Shdematy” -Isra-Alien’s arrangement of a composition by influential early Israeli composer Yedidia Admon, has a sparse desert vibe that allows the beautiful melody to breathe while the minimalist groove of the guitars is reminiscent of a desert version of a spaghetti western.

“When people talk about Israeli music, sometimes it feels like we are grappling with whether there is such a thing, and if there is such a thing, what are the ingredients that make it what it is. Through our dialogue, we’re exploring that.

Israel is a diaspora country, just like U.S. Some of the elements in the music are obvious: klezmer and Middle Eastern sounds,” Ben-Zvi adds. “But you also have the harmony of Russia, and the playing style of the Mediterranean, and the time signatures of the Balkans. It’s not just about singing in Hebrew.”

credits

released May 19, 2018

All songs composed, performed and produced by Isra-Alien except:

"Strannik" by Emil Kroitor
and "Shdemati" By Yedidia Admon Gorochov

Isra-Alien are:
Gilad Ben-Zvi (Steel String Guitar)
Oren Neiman (Nylon String Guitar)

Recorded July 10, 2017 at Dreamland Studios, Hurley NY

Engineered, Edited and Mixed by Albert DiFiore at The Rumpus Room

Mastered by Scott Hull at Masterdisk

Photography : Robert Curtis
Art and Cover Design: Inbal Stark

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about

Isra-Alien

Isra-Alien is a high-energy acoustic guitar duo with innovative compositions and imaginative arrangements - deeply rooted in Israel's diverse musical traditions.

Gilad Ben Zvi, and Oren Neiman are both Israeli guitar players who moved to New York eight years ago and made it their musical home. They met originally during their mandatory service in the Israeli army.
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