Shlomo Artzi's Classics Reimagined with Andalusian Orchestra in New Album

Shlomo Artzi and the Andalusian Orchestra have joined forces on a new album released Thursday, titled "Shlomo and the Andalusians." The project, produced by Patrick Sabag, blends Artzi’s original vocal recordings with new orchestral arrangements by the Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod, under artistic director Elad Levi.

The album includes songs such as "Nivra'ti Lach," "Kol Yom," "Elohai," "Tirkod," "Hi Lo Yodaat Ma Over Alai," "Yare'ach," "Nof Yaldut," "HaAhava HaYeshana," and, fittingly, "Tachat Shmei Yam HaTichon," the song that includes the line, "now there is time in the eastern style." Sabag previously worked with Artzi on "Osher Express" and earlier produced Beni Barbari’s version of "Shinuyei Maza HaAvir."

Artzi said that when he first heard what Sabag and the orchestra had done with his songs, he was captivated by the new arrangements. He described the experience as "sailing in sounds to all kinds of other countries" and called the reunion between his songs and the Andalusian style a "miracle," thanking both Sabag and the orchestra for giving his songs new life.

Sabag said his collaboration with Artzi on "Osher Express" changed how he understands Israeli music. He said he asked Artzi for permission to use the original vocal tracks and was grateful that Artzi trusted him and gave him freedom to take the songs on a new journey. Sabag also called the work with the Andalusian Orchestra a homecoming for him, saying it is one of the most moving and complex productions he has created. Levi said Artzi is a modern paytan, or liturgical poet, and described the project as a natural meeting between Artzi’s voice and the Andalusian sound that honors the past while keeping Israeli music fresh and relevant.