Hapam Yilaveh
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
A Canadian outfit with a penchant for wordless melodies and detailed chamber ideas, Siach HaSadeh bring winds, strings and harmonica to these 11 cultured tracks.
“Kaayal Taarog” starts the listen with Yoni Kaston’s flowing clarinet alongside the warm strings for a very rich climate, and “Avinu Malkeinu” follows with Joel Kerr’s thick double bass complementing a hint of mystery in the somewhat haunting delivery.
Landing in the middle, “Nigun Pinchas M’Kortiz” finds itself in mesmerizing territory, where Daniel Fuchs’ meticulous violin hypnotizes us, while “Ashrei Ha’am Yodei Serua” allows for intimacy via the gentle clarinet, as the strings enter with much emotion.
Closer to the end, “Tikun Chatsot-Tfilas Tal” welcomes Didem Basar’s kanun and Jason Rosenblatt’s harmonica for the textured album highlight, and “Bevo’o Me’edom (Oy Golus Golus)” exits with the eloquent wind, manipulated cello from Gael Huard and nearly sci-fi, cinematic qualities that are impressive and memorable.
An accomplished effort that embraces Jewish, klezmer, spiritual and world music ideas, this is truly an enlightening and intricate listening experience.
Travels well with: Galeet Dardashti- Monajat; Divan- Shalhevet