Search - Pharoah's Daughter :: Out of the Reeds

Eclectic, unplugged world fusion music

Brianna Neal | USA | 09/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"From Basya Schechter and friends comes this mesmerizing collection of songs inspired by traditional Jewish music from around the world. The world percussion and group vocals give a folksy feel to the music, and some of the arrangements are lively and even danceable, like "Ija Mia," "Shnirele Perele," "Afilu," and "Lecha Dodi." Others are more like the sort of reflective folk music or light jazz that one might hear in a trendy coffee shop. But all the selections have an air of gentle whimsy about them, as though drawn from hearts and souls that seen the world, forgiven its flaws, and embraced its people with love and understanding. The musicians of Pharoah's Daughter are: Basya Schechter and Benoir on guitars (at least some of which are tuned in quartertones, I think), Martha Colby on cello, Tracey Love-Wright on winds, and Jen Gilleran and Jarrod Cagwin on percussion, a plethora of guest musicians, and just about everyone on vocals at one point or another. For more Jewish music from the far corners of the world, try the compilation album "The Hidden Gate: Jewish Music Around the World." And if you find "Out of the Reeds" appealing, try also the work of Nana Simopolous, SAVAE (the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble), and Axiom of Choice, as well as Basya Schechter's solo work.

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Excellent Acoustic Jewish Fusion

S. Goldman | N.Y., New York United States | 05/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Basya Schechter and Pharaoh's Daughter have created an album that mixes traditional and origninal contemporary songs, and sounds from all over the world. It is a spiritually uplifting album."