Specialising in the forgotten psychedelic sounds of Israel and grooves from the Middle East, the reissue label based in Tel Aviv Fortuna Records have made it their mission to uncover and share the most beautiful vibes coming from their own back yard that have become lost in the troves of time.
East meets West with their most recent reissue, The Jazz Workshop’s Mezare Israel Yekabtzenu, a long lost and super rare 1973 jazz album from Israel, remastered and reissued for the first time on a heavyweight (180g) vinyl LP.
Headed by Albert Piamenta, The Jazz Workshop was a group of jazz pioneers from the Middle East who sought to make the connection between the countries of their upbringing and the hardcore sound of New York jazz. Druze, Arab and Jewish folk compositions interpreted in a deep, mystical yet persistent manner, making this reissue an absolute gem for jazz collectors and DJs alike.
We’re lucky enough to be premiering the third track off the LP, ‘Sha Shtil Harabbi Ba’, a fluorescent journey through free jazz and Bill Evans-inspired ‘So What’ chords with a deep Middle Eastern flavour.
The Mezare Israel Yekabtzenu LP will be released in full via Fortuna Records on 1st December. Head over to their Facebook to keep updated with the release and to get your hands on a copy.