Album Notes

TOY VIVO DUO - LAUGHING WITH ANGELS (LIVE IN BRUSSELS)

Avshalom Farjun – Qanun
Avi Agababa – Darbukka, Riqq, Bendirs, Udu, Shakers, Bells
Gershon Wiserfihrer – Ud (guest artist on "Por Manuel" & "Muwashah")

" Sometimes it happens that live performance is a pure magic. We are so pleased to be able to share this moment with you" (Avi Agababa & Avshalom Farjun)

Avshalom Farjun is a self-taught musician, a producer & the founder of the world music label Nada. In 1992 he created the acclaimed group Bustan Abraham.
During the 11 years of its existence, Avshalom has performed with Bustan Abraham in hundreds of concerts all over the globe, before deciding to present his own solo performance. He plays the Qanun in a non-traditional manner, exploring a wide range of musical influences from east & west.

The Qanun is an oriental psaltery & the grandfather of the piano. It is a flat wooden ancient zither composed of 90 strings. According to Arab historians, the Qanun was invented by Al-Farabi (9th century), who was a philosopher & musician of great importance of the Abbasid period. He was born in Persia and spent most of his life in Baghdad.

According to legend, Al-Farabi introduced the music of the Qanun to the Abbasid court by means of a demonstration of its versatility… he moved the entire court first to laughter, then to tears, and then to sleep by his compelling playing… and while they slept, he slipped away.

Avi Agababa is a leading figure among Israeli percussion players and one of the firsts to concentrate at Mediterranean and ethnic music.
Avi's playing is known for its musicality, expressive feel, unique wide range of sounds and very strong groove.
He has been performing all over the globe with Israeli artists Chava Alberstein, Yair Dalal and Eyal Sela among others. Through the years Avi has collaborated with some world renowned musicians such as L. Shankar (India) Omar Faruk Tekbilek (Turkey) and Naser Musa (Jordan). He has also been involved in musical projects with the L.A Jewish Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago classical Oriental Ensemble and the Israeli Jerusalem Camerata.


“Avshalom Farjun succeeds in unfurling a fascinating rainbow of feelings. He reveals the instrument’s endless expressive potential in an unprecedented way and transports you to special musical places that you have not yet been.”

Ma’ariv

“Avshalom Farjun, causes wonder with his improvisations on the qanun. This astonishing thousand-year-old 90-stringed instrument furiously changes form and sounds, moving within the same composition from an Arabic sound similar to the oud to the sound of a western romantic harp, then to the sound of a Latin guitar and even that of a Mediterranean mandolin. "

Time Out -Tel Aviv

“The qanun in the hands of Avshalom Farjun is transformed into a full string orchestra. His playing is precise, magical and filled with dignity and sensitivity. A wonderful example of beauty and splendor"

Yediot Ahronot

“The playing of Avi Agababa is a true pearl. Even though there was no set of drums onstage, those who occasionally closed their eyes could believe that such an array was indeed on the stage and that hidden powers had concealed them from the eyes of the audience. It is difficult to describe in words, and indeed one must come to a performance in order to see what this man is capable of doing with a simple tambourine in order to truly appreciate the distinctive sound of Agababa.” Nana culture


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