Sounds Of Yemen 1962-1987

Yemenite music in Israel is extremely unique style in the Middle-East and was conceived as a result of the immigration wave of Yemenite Jews s to Israel. The new immigrants brought with them a rich and ancient culture of language and heritage. The music they brought was mostly religious and ceremonial and was divided into either men or women songs, accompanied by drumming on a large olive oil tin can. The key figure of this genre is without a doubt the singer and writer, Aharon Amram, who was Born in Sana’a, Yemen, and immigrated to Israel as a child.

From the dawn of the sixties, and for over four decades, Amram recorded and released dozens of records on his independent record label, “Sounds of Yemen”. A pioneer of his time, Amram combined in his repertoire religious songs (mostly penned by Rabbi Shalom Shabazi) as well as secular songs which he wrote himself. Alongside traditional compositions, Amram experimented with Western electric instruments such as guitar, bass, organ and a drum set, as well as with rock and soul arrangements. This mosaic created a unique sound signature which became the foundation for today’s Middle Eastern “Mizrahi” music, and the presence of this foundation is felt to this very day.

Forever the innovator, upon the arrival of the eighties, Amram updated his sound with extensive use of drum machines and synthesizers, and weaved disco and pop arrangements into his songs, remaining relevant for years.

This double LP captures the finest of Amram’s immense catalog and reflects a variety of styles and artistic periods. Out of Amram’s extensive reel to reel archive, we chose twenty tracks, among them are timeless hits, obscure tracks as well previously unreleased material.

The Yemenite sound, of which Amram is a pioneering spear, is a part of a living culture which thrives to this day. His songs are constantly played in weddings, haflas, and other celebratory events. Amram holds a place of utmost respect within the Yemenite community as well as within Israeli culture in general. His songs were covered countless times and will excite new listeners for generations to come.