Folksongs from Israel

A nice collection of Israeli folk songs from the Burning Bush Ensemble, the top Jewish ensemble in England. It covers a relatively diverse range of sounds, from vaguely North African- and/or Latino-sounding songs to more klezmer-like compositions. Also, a good deal of straight Hebrew folk songs. As far as a low-level album of Jewish music is concerned, this isn't a bad one to pick up by any means. Highlights on the album are primarily the higher tempo pieces, such as "Hava Netze Bemachol"; but some of the slower ones also showcase the vocal ability of Lucie Skeaping quite well. Throughout it all, it is the concise arranging of husband Roderick Skeaping that holds the ensemble together through the music. Pick it up for a quick refresher in Hebrew folk songs.