Album Notes

Gilad Ben Zvi, and Oren Neiman are both Israeli guitar players who have moved to NY within the past 7 years and made it their musical home. They met originally during their mandatory service in the Israeli army and have been close friends ever since. This duo was born through many years of musical collaboration and ongoing discussion about various musical concepts. Isra-Alien recorded their debut album this summer, and it will be released early January 2009. Meanwhile they are performing extensively in support of the album and will continue to do so throughout 2009.

Isra-Alien: The Isra-Alien project is a journey to the roots of the Israeli music. What is “Israeli music?” Is there such a thing? Is it possible for a 60 year old country to develop its own style and sound of music? These questions have been part of an on-going conversation (sometimes argument) between Gilad and Oren. Many of Israel’s Diasporas contribute something to it, Greek, European, Gypsy, Russian and even American Jazz, Blues and Rock. “For us it’s going home and starting from scratch.” The music no longer stems from the mind and the mathematics and structure that go with it. Instead it is rooted in the simple emotions of the heart. No Guitar Hero spiels or notions of how the music “should be”… the music writes itself. Since Gilad is a rock guitarist and Oren is a Jazz guitarist, it became a challenge physically but also mentally to play “Naked” without a band or guitar effects to hide behind. This challenge is the motivation and creativity that leads to our originality. So here we are; only us with all the “good” and the “bad” notes to be heard…… Enjoy…