Melech Mechaya - Melech Mechaya (2012)

International release of the 2012 CD by the Portuguese Klezmer
band Melech Mechaya. In this album MELECH MECHAYA reinterprets 5 traditional klezmer songs, including the Doina from the legendary klezmer clarinetist Dave Tarras. The creative arrangements of the band establish connections between the traditional klezmer rhythms and the modern influences of the 21st century, with the inevitable flavor of Fado and the Portuguese feeling. That mixture is even more surprising in the old portuguese song "Chapéu Preto", where the folk "chula" rhythm is united with the klezmer vibes of the portuguese melody. The 7 original compositions of the album, which represent the majority of the tracks, reveal a highly inventive sound that pushes the modern klezmer further to new boundaries. These songs, matured both in live concerts and in studio sessions, contain vibrant melodies and mesmerizing grooves, breathing the air from Fado and Tango, old folk and new jazz, trip-hop and drum'n'bass, John Zorn's Masada's work and Goran Bregovic's vibe. All this with an acoustic formation: clarinet, violin, guitar, double bass and percussion. The album features two special guests: in the song Gare No Oriente the unique voice of Mísia, she who has been taking Fado outside the box, and in the song Caleidoscópio the trumpet of Frank London, the founder and leader of the Grammy award-winning Klezmatics, the number 1 international reference in modern klezmer.

* 14 tracks, 7 originals, take us in a musical land where, in a light mode, Klezmer and Fado traditions meet. Special guests for the occasion
the Fado singer Misia and Frank London (Klezmatics)
*«This band exists out of five outstanding musicians and mixes the tradition of Klezmer and Yiddish music from several (European) regions mixed with an occasional Arabic or Balkan vibe and also some Portuguese traditional influences now and then. They can be party animals but also play more melancholic. A nice album, well played and really catchy.
(FolkWorld Magazine, Germany)

Tracklist:
1.01 - Melech Mechaya - Dança Do Desprazer (3:32)
1.02 - Melech Mechaya - Freylach De Varsóvia (3:39)
1.03 - Melech Mechaya - Los Bentos (2:23)
1.04 - Melech Mechaya - Mazel Tov (2:28)
1.05 - Melech Mechaya - Pano Corrido (2:59)
1.06 - Melech Mechaya, MISIA - Gare No Oriente (4:35)
1.07 - Melech Mechaya - Jahfotes (2:52)
1.08 - Melech Mechaya, Frank London - Caleidoscópio (3:20)
1.09 - Melech Mechaya - Aqui Em Baixo Tudo É Simples (3:31)
1.10 - Melech Mechaya - Chapéu Preto (2:34)
1.11 - Melech Mechaya - Chinelo Aquático (4:27)
1.12 - Melech Mechaya - Doina (3:24)
1.13 - Melech Mechaya - Sirba + Di Grine Kuzine (2:33)
1.14 - Melech Mechaya - Dança Árabe (3:27)