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Nigun Ga'aguim by Yosef Gutman Levitt
From the album
Album Title: Shir Yedidot
Label: Soul Song Records
Released: 2025
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About the Album
"Nigun Ga'aguim" emerges from the repertoire on Shir Yedidot that moves between Chabad nigunim (Hasidic wordless melodies) and original compositions. This piece exemplifies Levitt's approach of "neither stripping the music of its roots nor forcing it into a modern frame, but letting it find its own new space." Featuring Yonathan Avishai on piano, the renowned ECM recording artist brings "distinct sensitivity and improvisational finesse as he merges Western and Yemenite-inspired tonalities, creating patterns that feel both fresh and rooted." Yoed Nir on cello adds harmonic depth to this contemplative piece. The track showcases Levitt's unique five-string acoustic bass guitar, built by Harvey Citron (Steve Swallow's luthier), on which he's developed "a warm, singing, bell-like high-register tone with a focus on simple, direct, expressive melodies." This nigun speaks with voices that have been carried through generations, part of melodies "adorned with prayer and tears for two thousand years." Recorded and mixed by Stefano Amerio, this piece reflects the Soul Song label's mission to create music that stimulates the imagination through performances from the soul.
Tracks
Pode El Hashem; Ya Lach Nafshi; Nigun Gaaguim; 117 Yedidot; Azamer Bishvachin; Burning Fire; Haroe; Nigun Simcha; Shafal Ruach; Vehacohanim; Yedidot 157; Yedidot 259.
Personnel
Yosef Gutman Levitt
drums
Yonathan Avishai
piano
Yoed Nir
cello
Gilad Ronen
saxophoneYagel Harush
oudAmir Bressler
drumsYishai Afterman
percussionReviews
- Shir Yedidot by Mike Jurkovic
Date featured
October 5, 2025
This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.
