Isra-Alien: Found in Translation

The duo of Gilad Ben-Zvi on steel string guitar and Oren Neiman on nylon string guitar create a rich mosaic with their twelve strings of mostly original compositions. They wisely alternate between rhythm strums and picking, letting each flavor and tone fall on its own strengths. There are a handful of fun dance pieces, as the strings chirp together on the chiming “Shliichim” and the evocative Mediterranean “Yalla Makot” as well as the beautiful and melodic “Epizoda.” The team mix shades of American blues during “Shutafim” and the folksy “Bukra” and the strings create dewdrops of strings on the dainty “Ha’anak V’gano.” Neither guitarist vies for the spotlight; each tries to make the other look his best, always the best sign in any partnership. Well recommended.

www.israalien.com

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