Jacob Balshan recorded this, his third original CD, at the studio of Nathan Cohen in Gan Hayim, Israel, in March of 2006. All of the music and most of the lyrics to these 12 songs were written by Jacob. Other lyricists include Natan Alterman, Itzak ben Tov and Moshe Shafrir. While most of the songs are spirited memories and stories of love- missed, unfulfilled and fulfilled; the title song: “Queen of the City” describes the triumphant moment of a diva on stage; it was inspired by a trip to New York to hear his nephew Guy Bocati play guitar for the world famous Israeli popular singer- Rita. “Tell Me”- a beautiful ballad of longing, is the story of a lover who wants to be told only that he is loved and desired. The CD is packaged with literal English translations in a 16 page booklet; however, these do not capture the poetic beauty of the Hebrew language, as interpreted in the captivating and commanding baritone voice of a precise and articulate singer/songwriter. Many of those who have heard this CD consider it Jacob’s best one yet.
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Jacob Balshan is a world class singer/songwriter/guitarist who has performed for over 20 years in Israel, Europe, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States - on the radio,on television, at clubs,universities,synagogues, JCC’s, and private events. He has recently created a slide show in Hebrew for Sing Alongs,to be accompanied by guitar and or/keyboard,plus his vocals.
In addition to his original songs in Hebrew, Jacob sings popular songs in Hebrew and in many other languages, such as French, Spanish, Russian,Ladino and Yiddish.Jacob’s more than 120 original compositions draw from all his experiences in life, with many poetic references. His music and lyrics are influenced by the sounds and rhythms of the many cultures to which he has been exposed. He broadens the concept of contemporary Israeli music for most listeners .
In June of 2000, and again,in 2004, Jacob traveled to Israel to record two original albums: “Love Songs in Hebrew”, and “If I Were a Bird”. The former won a nomination in the categories of Best Album and Best Song (“Habdidut”) in 2004,from Just Plain Folks, an international organization of independent music professionals. Both of these albums were recorded with his nephew Guy Bocati, who was lead guitarist for Rita and is currently working with Arik Einstein- both Israeli Mega-stars. He recorded this, his third cd, called “Queen of the City” in March, 2006,with Natan Cohen in his studio in Gan Hayim, Israel. Excerpts can be heard at HYPERLINK "http://www.cdbaby.com/balshan" www.cdbaby.com/balshan -songs are also on ITunes and other internet music portals.
Jacob has had gigs on Israeli radio, including an appearance on “Open Door”; and later, his musical compositions: “Shir Ahava”, lyrics written by Natan Yonathan, and “Efo Zeh Shevedya”, lyrics written by Yonathan Geffen, were on the Israeli hit parade. He also composed the music to a French song: “Explique Moi, which was on the foreign hit parade of Israel. He was offered a recording contract from Phillips of Israel.
While singing and acting in a musical with Shimon Yisraeli and Oshik Levy,among others, he received a contract to perform in a night club in Brussels, Belgium; and he thus began a seven year career in Europe.This led to performances in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Marseilles, and Paris, where he sang and played guitar at Le Theatre de Mogador and Olympia. Polidor Records in Paris, France offered him a contract, as a composer/songwriter.
Jacob began by composing simple melodies as a young child in Casablanca, Morocco. He made “aliyah” to Israel at age 9. He built his first guitar at age 15, and quickly learned to play. The next year his performance career started at age 16 in his hometown of Ashdod,Israel, when he sang for Independence Day. He participated in Kibbutz community shows and later performed in clubs throughout Israel. When his army service as a paratrooper was completed, he was hired to entertain the troops.
In 1986, Jacob moved to New York, N.Y. where he sang professionally until 1990, when he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His most recent appearances in the tri-state area have been at Gratz College; a program of Jewish Love Songs, performed at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.; Steel City,in Phonenixville, Pa.; Klezmas Eve with Ken Ulansey at the Sedgwick Cultural Center; Andrea Clearfield’s Salon; The Grayboyes Music Festival;the Bat Ami Chapter of Hadassah dinner, at Beth Israel Synagogue,in Vineland, New Jersey; The Mermaid Inn; the Bux-Mont Jewish Community Fest; Arcadia University at the National Conference of Secular Jews; at the Philly song Shuffle (part of the Philly Fringe Festival); Concerts for the Philadelphia Songwriters’ Alliance; Ron’s Underground;Independence Day Celebration in Vineland, New Jersey; at the Kabalah Center in Philadelphia; and a performance for the Israeli Consulate for “Aliyah”.
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