THE IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT

2006-11-13

While recent headlines are dominated by conflict and war in the Middle East, this Israeli music collaborative has achieved success by celebrating diversity, blending traditional Ethiopian folk music, Arabic poetry, Yemenite chants, Biblical Psalms and Caribbean rhythms. The IDAN RACHEL PROJECT is the brainchild of an Israeli keyboardist and producer who invited over 70 musicians with a wide variety of backgrounds to take part in the recordings. Raichel has been fascinated in particular by the growing population of Ethiopian Jews in Israel, and many songs feature members of Israels Ethiopian community. The record also features traditional Yemenite vocalists, a toaster and percussionist from Suriname and a South African singer. -P