A blissful melodic spiritual experience that crosses cultural boundaries…
Yosef Gutman Levitt – Shir Yedidot (Song of Loves) – Soul Song Records – 2025 – CD – 45:51 – ****1/2
(Yosef Gutman Levitt – bass, five string acoustic bass guitar; Yonathan Avishai – piano; Yagel Harush – kamancheh, oud, ney; Yoed Nir – cello; Gilad Ronen – reeds, arrangements; Yshai Afterman – percussion)
We have been entranced with the recordings of Israeli acoustic bassist, Yosef Gutman Levitt, for some time now. Beginning with Upside Mountain in 2022, and then River of Eden (with Peter Broderick) last year, Yosef continues with deeply melodic spiritual acoustic music, inspired by biblical prayers, meant to sooth the soul and inspire reflection in troubled times.
Gutman Levitt greatly expands his range on his latest release by including Yagel Harush’s kamancheh (Persian bowed instrument), oud, and ney (wooden flute). Adding to this exotic (to Western ears) instrumentation, is Yoed Nir on cello; Gilad Ronen on reeds, and Yshai Afterman on percussion.
On the twelve tracks Yosef explores nigunim (wordless Chassidic melodies), as well as new improvisational tracks that permit the group to blend seamlessly, with Yagel stirring the pot, while Avishai’s piano interludes back Nir’s cello, and Ronen’s reeds. The melodies, while easily digested, leave a lasting soothing, calming aura that intoxicates. The listener will crave repeated revisits.
These are love songs to a higher calling, gentle lullabyes where cultural boundaries are crossed. At times you might hear celtic, bluegrass, and Middle and Far Eastern motifs explored. Levitt’s warm, woody bass tone provides the underlayment throughout.
Standouts include “Ya Lach Nafshi,” where the ney, kamancheh, and clarinet blend sweetly, and “Azamer Bishvachin,” with cello, piano, and pizzicato bass melting together. “Burning Fire” bristles with upbeat energy, while the closer, “Yedidot 259” has a waltz like calmness that would be perfect for a bride and groom’s entrance to the “chuppah” (Jewish wedding canopy) for their ceremony.
Once again Yosef Gutman Levitt provides a salve for life’s wounds, and much needed relief for those in need of healing.
—Jeff Krow
Tracklist:
Pode El Hashem
Ya Lach Nafshi
Nigun Ga’aguim
117 Yedidot
Azamer Bishvachin
Burning Fire
Haroe
Nigun Simcha
Shfai Ruach
Vehacohanim
Yedidot 157
Yedidot 259
More Information through Bandcamp
