Re: Chava Alberstein

[CJ Walker <louis2louis2000...>]

here's a translated review of "Foreign Letters" from
MOOMA in Israel:

 
"Yiddish is the most hated languages in Israel.  And
it is not the usual case of a 'foreign" entity which
usually manages to attract hate.  And it is not
because language is the most bold implementation of
being a foreigner, or because it is something
distorted, unpleasant to the ear.  It has to do with
SELF HATRED and fear.  Everybody hates Yiddish,
especially those to whom Yiddish is close...  However
in the last years there is a cultural reaction and the
Yiddish is ones again struggling for her life.  Chava
Alberstein carries a royal role in this struggle.
 
"'Foreign Letters' is a new international album which
she has released.  It is on the most distinguished
label 'Naive' and it contains 12 new songs - 5 in
Yiddish, 6 in Hebrew and one, the title song in
English.  After more than 40 albums in Hebrew, one in
English, and six in Yiddish, Chava's international
career is more successful than ever....In past years
Chava Alberstein has strengthened her move which takes
Yiddish songs in a more folk-like style.  Simple and
warm.  The work on 'Foreign Letters' was done with Ben
Mink who produced K.D. Lang's biggest hits.  He was
also a partner to one of the Rolling Stones' latest
hits (Anybody Seen My Baby)...Even without
understanding Yiddish, the aim in the songs is clear
and precise, and Alberstein's love of the juicy
language is simply infectious.  The album which was
recorded in Canada wraps the Yiddish songs in such a
wrap which enables the Israeli audience to come closer
the language which is being refreshed through the
wonderful rich production.
 
"But not all of the album is Yiddish.  Most of the
songs are in Hebrew and there are here songs which are
of Alberstein's best ever.  'Liar' which compiles both
a east European flavor with a gypsy; 'The Ladder'
which is a mature smart ballad; 'Indifferent', and
'Passport Control' - energetic, clear cut. nervous,
brilliant text and a virtuosi performance by
Alberstein.
 
" 'Foreign Letters' offers the world a representative
of an Israeli who used to be the establishment, and
now working her way through a new world.  Alberstein
at her best - vocally, presentation of a song,
writing, her stubbornness, her vitality.  She
strengthens the depth of her authentic parts as a
writer, and encounters everything which is both
private and general.  She continues to write songs
that matter, does not care about fashions, and coming
to think about it, it is Alberstein, who use to be the
symbol of the middle of the road, she is, in her own
independent way, is actually rebelling - one of the
very few, and definitely in a big way."
 
 
> itzik wrote:
> > 
> > Anyone know of interviews with, or profiles of
> Chava Alberstein on the web?
> > - Itzik Gottesman
> > 
> 
> ---------------------- jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org
> ---------------------+
>