The captivating collaboration between Dudu Tassa and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood brings us the delightful album, Jarak Qaribak: Your Neighbor is Your Relative.
Inspired by the proverb, "Better is a neighbor nigh, than a brother afar," the Israeli and British composers embraced this sentiment by immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Arabic music from various countries.
What truly warms the heart is their expansive and affectionate portrayal of the proverb's themes: the beauty of neighborliness, brotherhood, and the delicate balance between closeness and distance.
Greenwood, the acclaimed composer and mastermind behind Radiohead's groundbreaking sound, is supposedly like Tassa's distant brother. While he's renowned for his extraordinary guitar work that has shaped rock music for three decades, it's unexpected for him to venture into an album featuring classics from Iraq and Egypt.
However, Greenwood's personal ties to Israel through his marriage to artist Sharona Katan, coupled with his genuine curiosity bridging intellect and emotion, transformed him from a distant brother to a remarkably close neighbor. He's the kind of neighbor who could have lush, envy-inducing lawns but remains captivated by the beauty flourishing right beside him.
While Tassa remains dedicated to honoring his roots, as evident in his projects and collaborations with The Kuwaitis, he ventured to explore the extraordinary notion: can distant brothers (and sisters) become neighbors, even in music? The blend of ambition and camaraderie among artists of his caliber sparked this desire.
Thus, in just one of the nine tracks, he takes the solo spotlight, while every participant receives their due recognition. At the beginning of each song, a narrator, adopting a delightfully vintage radio style, introduces the contributors. But don't be fooled, as the sounds that follow are anything but old-fashioned.
But what makes Jarak Qaribak truly enchanting is that its collaborative aesthetics go beyond mere appearance. It's a wondrous dance between Greenwood's realm of classical music, progressive rock, and electronic beats, Tassa's fusion of Arab-Western rock, and the timeless grandeur of the performed songs. The result is a musical tapestry that weaves together diverse traditions, creating a harmonious blend that's as captivating as a magic carpet ride.
The real connection between Greenwood and Tassa lies in their shared love for wild, heart-pounding rhythms that make you feel like you're caught in a musical whirlwind. In this new album, which delves into a different cultural landscape, that connection shines through with delightful subtlety.
Just listen to the mesmerizing violins in the opening track Djit Nishrab or the way Greenwood's signature bass and drum machine groove wraps around a Yemeni song in Ya Mughir Al-Ghazala like a trendy London jacket over traditional threads. It's a fusion of styles that's as unexpected and delightful as stumbling upon a hidden gem in a bustling bazaar.
In the midst of this vibrant album, Tassa takes the stage with Lhla Yzid Ikhtar, a Moroccan gem made famous by Abdul Wahab Dukhali. And while the weight of modernity hangs in the air, it's a familiar feeling for fans of Radiohead and Tassa alike. But fear not, for Tassa's unique touch shines through.
He pays homage to Israeli vocal legends like Zohar Argov and Eyal Golan who have performed the song before, but he doesn't imitate them or anyone else. No, Tassa has his own magic. He sings No Worse in a way that assures you he won't miss a beat, leaving you with a smile and a sense of musical bliss.
Across the ocean, Jarak Qaribak may be seen as a collaboration between a renowned guitarist and an Israeli artist named Dudu Tassa. But hold your confusion, for the truth is far more extraordinary. This album is not just the work of a couple, but a harmonious masterpiece that pays homage to the past, embraces the present, and hints at a promising future.
And guess what? It's the perfect soundtrack for a Friday! So, "Just so it doesn't get worse"? No way! This music will make you go wild with delight. It's beyond exceptional, and we're about to lose our minds in the best possible way!