Search - Yasmin Levy :: Yasmin & Romance

Another stunning album from Yasmin Levy

David J. Ohanlon | Lilyfield, NSW Australia | 12/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yasmin Levy's parents were diligent keepers of many Sephardic Jewish traditions, tales and music - the Sephardic Jews being banished from Spain around the 15th Century & settled in various parts of the world (eg. north Africa, eastern Europe & the Middle East). Yasmin's mother would constantly sing traditional Sephardic songs to her as a child & now Yasmin has put out three records to ensure that this music is never lost to the wider world.

The first of these albums "La Juderia" highlighted original Spanish influences, especially flamenco, in this music & it is to be treasured (although, sadly, this album has now been discontinued by the manufacturer).

"Romance and Yasmin" is the second album & displays distinctly more of an Arabic flavour whilst the third "Mano Suave" is rather more contemporary. All are stunning & well worth seeking out.

On "Romance and Yasmin", apart from the music itself (which is constantly engaging & transports you into another world), Yasmin Levy's voice is a jewel to behold. It is a true "voice of the world", by which I mean if you heard it & didn't know Yasmin's name or background you would be struggling to pick her nationality. Also, even though none of the songs are in English her diction is excellent.

Arrangements are generally acoustic and spare - usually any combination of flute, tambour &/or bongos, violin, cello & guitar (although keyboards are occasionally used for texture) & this adds to the sense of world-weary exile & longing at he heart of most of these songs (which by the way are by no means "dirgy").

Difficult to pick out highlights on such a thoroughly engaging album but possibly the rollicking "Since the age of Fifteen", the plaintive & gorgeous "Come precious, come beloved" (just listen to that voice!) & the reverential "My God our Lord" are the best.

Also, if you ever get the chance to see Yasmin & her excellent group of musicians in concert you shouldn't hesitate to do so.

Highly recommended.

"