I had a chance to be involved in this CD and I passed it up.  Now, having recently listened to the music for the first time (and 19 subsequent times) I am quite blown away by the product.  It is some of the best life-celebrating music I have heard in a long time.  

Three descriptions come to mind:  Authentic.  Spiritually invigorating.  Deep.  Mike and Enosh have successfully brought to life original songs written by Enosh’s mother.   By combining ancient Hebrew Scripture and East African rhythms she brought songs into the world that can be recognized universally as holy.  And this is also music of a particular community.  By keeping the production understated and utilizing group harmonies, Music From Putti encourages the listener to imagine herself participating, dancing and singing with the group, instead of just watching and listening.

The rhythms and chord progressions resonate with the listener of modern rock, pop and hip-hop, reggae.  In fact, the progressions and lilting bounce share similarities with the early Bob Marley and the Wailers, (Check out Songs of Freedom discs 1 & 2 to compare for yourself.)  Both share some of the same origins, and both are not so much the music arising out of struggle, but the music that helps us to live through life’s struggles.  Such holy music provides the perfect vessel for both ancient Hebrew scripture and new lyrics about hope, love and peace.     

“Hatred” has a happy celebration with a “dancing in the streets’ feel that can only come from people who experience hatred and still know the world can, and will overcome it.  

‘Havoo” is similar to (but far from the same as) a tune sung in many American synagogues on Saturday morning, but it has more of a haunting mantra feel that captures some of the awe that the lyrics convey.  

“Am Yisrael Chai” is destined to be sung all over the world.  It has the power to pick up anyone who is feeling down.  And I love the shout outs at the end to artists and organizers who have helped out the community.

The best part about this CD is that 100% of the proceeds go to the community.  I hear that the community uses it for things like digging wells that also help other local communities.  I also hear they need a brick making machine so their bricks wont melt in the rain before they can fire them.  It only takes about 999 people buying one CD a piece to achieve that dream, and Putti and other local communities can build schools etc.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
When I Wake Up is a great title for a CD that I experienced as if in a dream or through my subconscious. Perhaps because I couldn't understand the words, except for a "shalom" here and there, the voices and rhythms seemed to feed directly into my senses, my heart.  Listening to this music connected me to an older, deeper, larger "self" or spirit. Neither Jewish nor a particular fan of world music, I enjoyed this CD so much.  I'll listen to it whenever I need a soul-feeding.
                            Read more...