Jewish Music Review: Benny Friedman: Taamu

Benny Friedman's debut is probably one of the most anticipated albums to ever be released in quite some time and it's a pleasure for me to review this album. Produced by Avi Newmark and distributed by Sameach Music.

1) Misod
Composed by Elimelech Blumstien
Arranged by Ian Freitor

This is strong disco/rock tune that's catchy and easy to lock onto and has a yeshivish edge to it.You have the signature Avi Singolda sound on the rhythm guitar and a great sax solo at 2:58 by Shlomie Cohen and of course great brass work by Daniel Flam and co.

Rating: 8

2) No Lyrics
Composed by Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by Ian Freitor

This niggun is not one your father sang in the shteeble. It features many updated concepts in comtemporary music today including programmed beats with hip hop style background vocals.As the song progresses they throw in some dramatic soundtrack style effects and drums.Interesting to listen to but it's not the best song on the album.

Rating: 7

3) U K'sheim
Composed by Yitzy Spinner
Arranged by Moshe Laufer

The piano ballad features soft but strong vocals by Benny and certainly his sound reminds you of his uncle Avraham but with a real twist that sets him apart. With nice chord progressions I really appreciated the bridges in this song. This is certainly a song one can play during the Chupa.

Rating: 8.5

4) Taamu
Composed by Shmuel & Bentzy Marcus
Arranged by Avremi G.

The title track starts with a very hip hora/disco I really enjoy the "A" part of this song. The song goes to a more straight ahead disco on part"B" and they throw in some Latin piano fills. I'm sure this song will get a lot of play time during the wedding circuit. I really enjoy the end of the song where he goes into an almost chazanos version of the melody.

Rating: 9

5) Hameracheim
Composed by Simche Friedman
Arranged by Leib Yaakov Rigler

This ballad starts with a flourish of flute, strings and brass. Benny starts by singing and the flute answers with an echo harmony in general it's a very classicaly based arrangement to start and it is retro in style.

Rating: 7

6) Moshiach
Composed by Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by Ian Freitor

This song starts with a Latin style based arrangement that is geared for a hora style.The background vocals are really nice here as is the flute work.

Rating: 6.5

7) Kad Yasvun
Composed by Meshulam Greenberger
Arranged by Moshe Laufer

This is another great piano ballad and Mosher Roth does a really nice job with the choir here.Toward the end (6:23) Benny goes for some real high notes that show his extended range.

Rating: 7.5

8) Amar
Composed by Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by Mona Rosenblum

A Hora that grabs your attention from the first note that's played and keeps you dancing.This song will certainly grow on you.

Rating: 8.5

9) Yaavducha
Composed by Bentzy Marcus
Arranged by Avremi G.

Featuring 8th day in this country style tune features some fantatic harmonies and A Capella that you truly enjoy.

Rating: 9

10) Letova
Composed by Oreil Avraham
Arranged by Ian Freitor & Leib Yaakov Rigler
A song with a seemingly strange intro with a retro sound (moog synth?). This moderate rock song is a very solid creation and the major chord progressions give it a very happy sound.

Rating: 8.5

11) Botaich Ani
Composed by Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by Leib Yaakov Rigler

A very contemporary styled ballad. Benny shows more of his soft side with falsetto on this tune.Featuring soprano sax and guitar overdubs with really nice background vocals.

Rating: 8

12)Emes
Composed by Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by Ian Freitor

You can argue with me but in my opinion they left the best for last. This song really stands out in every way. From the bluesy hip hop hora style to lyrics and the diction to the solid rythm guitar to the great brass lines it all just comes together. I can't stop listening to this song and can play it till the cows come home and still not get bored of it.

Rating: 11 out of 10 (huh?)

Synopsis:

All in all a very strong debut album that lives up to the hype and Benny has proven he is a force to be reckoned with in the Jewish Music business. He's got some great range with some serious pipes to boot. Kudos to the producer Avi Newmark who also brought you Dovid Gabay and certainly has an eye for talent! Avi had a major hand in putting this fantastic album together and his hard work has certainly paid off.I look forward to hearing more of Benny in the future as I'm sure you will too.

Here is the sampler trailer for Benny's Album. Enjoy!