A musical panacea for chaotic times…
Yosef Gutman Levitt & Peter Broderick – River of Eden – Soul Song Records – audiophile LP – *****
(Yosef Gutman Levitt – double bass, five string acoustic bass, compositions; Peter Broderick – violin/effects, compositions; Yonathan Avishai – piano; Itay Sher – nylon string guitar; Yoed Nir – cello)
I have happily followed Israeli acoustic bassist, Yosef Gutman Levitt, for some time now. As an observant follower of Orthodox Judaism, Yosef, is deeply into spiritualism, as expressed in his nigunim (vocal Hebrew melodies without words that celebrate Biblical scripture.) Gutman’s compositions, done as improvisations, are deeply moving, with melodies that bring on a dreamy heavenly bliss.
For his latest project, River of Eden, Yosef brings in violinist, Peter Broderick, along with accomplished Israeli musicians, Yonathan Avishai (piano); Itay Sher (nylon string guitar); and Yoed Nir (cello). Yosef and Peter wrote all the compositions, and the result is intoxicating. The melodies linger, simple, yet profound as a whole. There is a gentleness here, leaving a feel of contentment, like sharing a special meal with the closest friends.
Peter Broderick’s violin adds a folk richness, that along with Yosef’s bass, and Avishai’s bright piano lines, that just feels right. Sher and Nir add to the mix like a warm caress.
Opening with “The Open Door,” all the way through “Wave of Forgiveness,” the entire album touches on the need for acceptance, the joy of family, and the “other-worldly” connection with something greater than our existence. The brief niggunim (“Al Achat,” “Ana Avda,” and “Eshet Chayil”) set the stage for “Gratitude,” “Revolution,” and “Renewal,” that Gutman Levitt wrote with arranger and co-producer, Gilad Ronen.
Broderick’s use of effects with his violin help add to the sound stage. Peter was so inspired that he brought a Danish folk tune influenced, “Cinnamon Swirl,” as well as a deeply moving “The Old City,” after a solo walk around Jerusalem. Broderick’s belief that “music has the potential to transcend the biggest crises and conflicts that we have as humans” makes him the perfect partner for Yosef’s music and life purpose.
The mindset that River of Eden brings is a panacea for the chaotic times we face, with world events encroaching on our efforts to live a more righteous life. Thanks go out to Yosef Gutman Levitt for aiding in this effort.
—Jeff Krow
River of Eden
Tracklist:
Side A:
The Open Door, Nigun Al Achat, Gratitude, Nigun Ana Avda, Revolution, Renewal
Side B:
Nigun Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor), Cinnamon Swirl, The Old City, Reflection, Wave of Forgiveness
