Shwekey New Music Video: We Are a Miracle

Here is the latest music video released from Yaakov Shwekey entitled "We are a miracle".

Lyrics by Sophia Franco 

Composed by Yitzy Waldner 

Yaakov writes: 

B"H 

Yesterday, Tisha B'av, I was sitting on the floor reading about the horrors and suffering of our nation. It's been so many years crying so many tears..... Instead of waiting for our planned live-show release, I decided, there's no better time to release my "WE ARE A MIRACLE" music video than today! Let this film be a tool to help teach and remind our generation what we've been through. But, more importantly, focus on how lucky and thankful we should be that we are a part the greatest nation in the world! A world that still has a lot of unconditional hatred towards Israel and the Jewish people. And just like we persevered through the worst atrocities, we will continue to flourish and be proud of our heritage! Let's sing this song as one and see and feel that each one of us is a great MIRACLE...

Shwekey Music Video: Lo Yaavod

Arguably the most creative song on Shwekeys latest release "Cry No More" is Lo Yaavod.

Here is the latest music video produced by Mendy Pellin

Shwekey: Jewish Music Video

To promote his latest release, Shwekey has a music video for his title track " Cry No More".

Click here to read the review of this album.

Shwekey "Cry No More": Album Review

Here is my review on Yaakov Shwekey's latest release: Cry No More

Kadai

Song starts with a techno sound and moves into a hora/disco. This song is written by Yitzy Waldner and arranged by Yanky Briskman. Pros: Great driving  song with solid vocals performance. Cons: Arrangement is not bad but certainly not the most interesting. 

Grade: A-

Batuach Ani

Sax intro has that calming effect. This song is written by Elimelech Blumstein and Arranged by Yanky Briskman. This is a tune that gets better the more times you listen to it. Pros: Nice string arrangements

Cons: missing a great sax or guitar solo that might bring you tears. I just didn't get the goosebumps here.

Grade: B

Lo Yaavod

Written by Yossi Muller and Arranged by Jeff Horovich who also plays keys on this song.The song also features guitars by Metalish. I find this song the most interesting of the album and probably the least typical "Shwekey" tune, if you will. It's a slow to moderate rock tune. Pros: Great arrangements with different lyrics that haven't been sung  a million times. Nice guitar riffs. Cons: Guitar solos are just OK and I  would have enjoyed something a bit more impressive. The guitar part of the intro is kind of boring but that's just me.

Grade: A

Mi Bon Siach

Composed (backup vocals as well) by Yitzy Waldner with Arrangements by Moshe Laufer and additional Arrangements by Yanky Briskman. This ballad starts with a new age sound and moves into an arrangement filled with strings and acoustic guitar. Pros: Love the A part of this song and the B part has a nice ending.

Cons: As a ballad it's not all that different than previous ones. Strings get a bit boring after a while.

Grade: B

Hiney Anochi

Composed and Arranged by Moshe Laufer. This tune tune is heavy hitting Rock/Disco right out of the gate and has a nice drive to it. Pros: Very nice punchy horn arrangements. Cons: Not the most musically challenging tune but it's catchy.

Grade: B

Oleinu

Composed by Ezi Reissman and Arranged by Yanky Briskman. This ballad features strings , acoustic guitar and oboe (drums and bass of course). These arrangements are simple but nice (not exactly re-inventing the wheel). Pros: Part B is nice and the bridge has a nice but tame guitar solo. Nice choir vocals at the end of the song. Cons: a bit too predictable.

Grade: B

Rabi Nehorai

Composed by Yitzy Waldner and Elie Shwab with Arrangement by Ruvi Banet and Yanky Briskman. This song is solid from top to bottom and has all the right elements of a hit song:Great intro with guitars moving into a solid sax solo (Arkady?). Great newly sung lyrics with a great dynamic vocally and Shwekey really hits a home run with this song. They even added a bit of a sephardic element playing an Arabic styled bridge. This Disco/Hora is sure to get you dancing and should be a big hit on the wedding circuit. Pros: Great song, exciting arrangements and solos. Cons: Mix could have been a bit better perhaps a bit too much echo (I'm nit picking here?).

Grade: A+

Yisimcho

Composed by Yizchol Rosenthal and Arranged by Yisroel Lamm featuring child soloist  is Yaakov's son: Menachem Shwekey. This ballad is not as predictable as the others and the arrangement is classic Lamm. Pros: Nice vocal dynamic ( like that last note he hits at the end) and nice violin solo.Cons: Intro a bit corny but nice child solo doesn't really add that much to the song.

Grade: B+

Retzoneini

Composed by Pinky Weberand Arranged by Yanky Briskman. This is the frielach chassidish tune of the album and is sung in with yiddishe verte. Pros: Very lively Cons: Very Predictable.

Grade: B

Cry No More

Composed by Yitzy Waldener & Yaakov Shwekey with Lyrics by Ken Burgess & backup vocals from Yitzy Waldner. This is certainly one of the more sophisticated English songs you have probably heard thanks to Lyrics from Ken. The arrangements are also more contemporary than many. Pros: Strong vocal performances with great acoustic guitar and  piano arrangements. I enjoyed acoustic guitar solos Cons: None worth mentioning.

Grade: A

Yaakov Shwekey on Baritone Saxophone: V'hi Sheamda

Check out Larry Cohen soloing on V'hi Sheamda on a Baritone Sax. Not Bad!

Yaakov Shwekey New Release:Ad Bli Dai

This video features new material from Yaakov Shwekey's latest release "Ad Bli Dai" thi song is entitled Veshochanti (nu nu).

Having 2 Shwekeys? Can there be only one?

As you may have heard Yaakov Shwekey's younger brother, Yosef Chaim has his debut album out and it's generating a lot of buzz. Now comes the question is can they both be big stars or when stars collide...well never mind. I found it interesting that they are both in different corners. Yaakov Shwekey is represented by Yochi Briskman and his album is distributed by Aderet. Yosef Chaim Shwekey is produced by (according to wikpedia but who knows) Moshe Laufer and is disributed by Sameach Music. I heard something a while back about an agreement that Yosef Chaim would not use the famous last name "Shwekey"on his record so people don't mix up the two borthers or something along those lines. Whether true or not, his last name is not on the album so that too is interesting. It wouldn't be a far stretch to imagine that he certainly wants to make a name for his own. There is no question after listening to Yosef Chaim's his sampler he does sound somewhat similiar to his older brother. It should be interesting to see how people will view him i.e. oh we can't afford Yaakov, let's get his brother? Certainly at least in the beginning he will be living in Yaakov's shadow to some degree or another. Yosef Chaim has already built his reputation by singing at Jewish weddings as the video below shows.The sampler does get your apettite wet and it sounds like there is some big potential there. I hope to review the album in more detail down the road.

Here is Yosef Chaim Shwekey performing live at a wedding in Crown Heights:

Yaakov Shwekey makes the NY Times?

We all know Yaakov Shwekey is one of the most well known figures in Hasidic Jewish Music. Shwekey name is now plastered all over the news but not just because he's a JM music star. Shwekey got his name mentioned in connection with a serious story that has made NY Times.
The city is trying to figure out how an inmate, Tuvia Stern, a former fugitive who was facing charges that he stole $1.7 million, held the six-hour kosher-catered party in December in the gymnasium of the Manhattan Detention Complex, apparently with the knowledge of two Correction Department chiefs and the jail’s warden, city correction officials said Thursday.
Guess who the entertainment was..you guessed it Shwekey! I guess when you are making a living you don't ask who is writing the check? I guess his Rabbi said it was ok to perform for a fugitive who stole lots of money? After all it's parnasah.... Update: Life-of-Rubin brings the NY Post stating that Shwekey performed for free! That is even more bizzare as far as I'm conserned.
You think this fellow Stern should be getting anything for free after stealing 1.7million? I'm not sure this story sits well with me...sorry guys.

Yaakov Shwekey Performing Live @ Wedding

Well the return of the Jewish Music Insider is here with a Live video of Shwekey Performing at a wedding at the Marina Del Ray.

Cantor Helfgot and MBD: Video

This is great video featuring MBD and the Great Cantor Helfgot at a Purim Mesibah in Los Angeles in 2008. Make sure to watch it till the end and you' see some crazy notes from the great chazzan.If you want to check out a real music video of Shwekey click here.

Shwkey Concert: Deal NJ

As you can see concerts are still well and alive this summer.Yaakov Shwekey is set to perform this summer in Deal, NJ at the Axelrod Performing Arts Theater on July 16th at 7PM. This concert will be a benefit for the Special Chilren Center of Deal of which Shwekey's wife, Jenine Shwekey, is a founder.

(HT Shlager)

Jewish Music Ban: More Thoughts and Information

There has been a lot of talk about the recent ban in Israel over a Jewish Music concert. Today there is an article in the 5 towns Jewish Times by the editor. He gives some more information about the actual validity to the story as well as it's ramification to singers involved. In the article he mentions the idea that Shwekey who got the green light by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. According to the article there is a effort being organized to ban Shwekey from being hired in the 5 towns!

Jewish Music Insider: Shwekey: Sibling Rivalry?

Are you ready for shwekey 2? What are you talking about, you ask? I have it on good authority that Shwekey's younger brother is going to be releasing his debut album with Keyboardist, Yitzy Schwartz (most recently produced Sruly Willger).The problem is what name is he going to use? If he tries to capitalize on his last name Yaakov is not going to be a happy camper. Time will tell what will transpire. I believe that both brothers were in Miami Boys Choir together and both did a short stint of about 6 months or so.

Jewish Music Review: R' Shmuel Brazil: Borchainu

The long awaited review is finally here for R' Shmuel Brazil's latest release: Borchainu:

Barcheinu Avinu

I love this intro: starts off with an choir with a jazzy disco that turns into brassy straight disco. This is a very catchy and singable tune that could become a hit tune hence it’s the title song. Abish Brodt bring his usual soulful style and Rabbi Brazil brings some low end singing the low part of this song. The mens choir adds a nice touch and is not so predictable that you know exactly what harmonies they will sing. This is not a typical Arrangement for Brazil’s song and it is done well.

Rating: 9/10

Ezkiroh

Piano solo intro with strings starts with vocals Ephriam Mendelson who sings like MBD. It then leads to Rabbi Brazil singing the low part. The song is very hartzig and Mendi Jerufi sings the high part well. This is a song a choson might want to walk down to.

Rating 8 1/2 / 10

Shira Chadasha

The intro is a twist from a different song which I can’t place now. This is frielach style Oompah and very easy to sing. Brazi’l sons sing here. This song can fit right into the samchenu set. The boys choir sounds tight and adds a nice blend of vocals.

Rating 7/10

Eilecho

A Sephardic Hora starting with Mendi Jerufi and moving into the mens choir. This song is one my favorites.

Rating 9/10

Tzur Yisroel

Intro is a bit long and starts off with vocals by Rabbi Brazil. This ballad is nice tune but perhaps not as memorable as some of the others.

Rating 6/10

Eliyahu Hanavi

Another great frielach tune with Abish and company.

Rating 8 ½ /10

Taisi

Another ballad starts with a haunting melody by Rabbi Brazil. His vocals are accompanied by harmonies on the violin. The mens choir continues this beautiful niggn with nice harmony arrangements. The song builds with more intense drums and ends with Abish.

Rating 9/10

Ki Lishusocho

A oompah frielach that’s very catchy featuring mens and boys choir along with Rabbi Brazil. Mendi Jerufi continues it.

Rating 8/10

Sabeinu

Intro leads into mens choir and leads into this relaxing song. Rabbi Brazil continues and eventually the song picks up the pace with a moderate frielach.

Rating 8/10

Hashem Oz

Introduced by Ephriam Mendelson and it does sound like a song that MBD would have sang back in the day. This frielach can certainly get stuck in your head.

Rating 8/10

Synopsis: I actually enjoyed this album more than Ohad or Shwekey. The songs are well written, easy to sing along with and have a lot of soul to them. Although some of the sounds are a bit retro there is something to be said about bringing it back. My hats off to Suki for putting in the extra effort in these arrangements.

Jewish Music Review Wrap Up

In case you missed my latest reviews I have one on Shwekey and on Ohad 2. Overall I think Shwekey has the better material and his songs will make a bigger impact on the Jewish Music scene. Time will tell which will be a bigger hit? What do you think about these albums?

Jewish Music Review:Shwekey Review: Lsheim Shomayim

As Promised I have finished my review on the newest Shwekey release:L'sheim shomayim.









Birishus


This song starts with the traditional tune from Akdamus and goes into a moderate ballad. The low part is real nice but the high part lacks a bit of a good hook and is a bit anti climatic.

Rating: 7 ½

Leshem Shomayim

The title song is the title for a reason it probably will be the next hit featured by Shwekey.Perhaps it will take the place of Shomati and Ben Bag Bag. I think there should have been more jamming on this song, live this song can really be a show tune.

Rating: 9

Eishes Chayil

A ballad and it attempts to take a more contemporary feel with suspended chords and Broadway style chord progressions. It’s not bad.

Rating: 7

Emes

The intro is misleading with heavy guitars that lead into… klezmer?
This sounds like every other chassidic frielach…nothing new here

Rating:5

Yizkerem

Arguably the most impressive ballad on this album and very haunting arrangement.
The choir arrangement is very tasteful and shwekey goes for some higher notes.

Rating: 8 ½

Halo Yadata

A sephardic song combining some very serphardic and contemporary chord changes.
Reminds of rona sheli rona.

Rating: 7 ½

Tatte Yiddish

This is another slow ballad in Yiddish. I think Yiddish is not one of Shwekey’s strength but the song is alright but nothing earth shattering.

Rating:6 ½

Hei Nam

If your not listening too carefully it sounds like he’s singing “hey now”. This is a a rock/disco and it attempts to be catchy but it is a bit dull.

Rating: 6 ½

Ki Hashem

Another ballad nice but nothing exetremely memorable.

Rating: 7

Ma Ma Ma

This disco with the words mamama sounds a bit strange. The arrangement is not enough

to wake up the tune.

Rating: 6

Meshoich

Another ballad, nice arrangements.

Rating: 7

Koili

A frielach/disco with a lot of stops and fills it could be a backup hit perhaps.

Rating: 8

Tatte English

It’s interesting to hear a Yiddish song and then hear it in English. The English is definitely better.

Rating:8

Coming Soon: Yaakov Shwekey Album Review

I got a chance to borrow this album (left) and take a closer look at this latest release by Yaakov Shwekey. I can give you some preliminary thoughts before I go into more detail soon. The album overall ( I haven't listened to all the tunes just yet) is recorded well and there might be a hit or 2 inside this CD. Shwekey will certainly retain his spot in the market with this album and Yochi Briskman did a fairly good job of picking some solid, good tunes with some really nice melodies. In my opinion Shwekey beats out Ohad for the better album ( Sorry Ohad). Stay tuned for my full review....

New Jewish Music Release: Shwekey....

As you may have heard Yaakov Shwekey is releasing his 4rth album. He is arguably the biggest name in Jewish music right now. He has also been able to consistently put out some hit tunes. With this latest release entitled "L'sheim Shomayim" he takes a more sophisticated turn, with songs like L'sheim Shomayim featuring edgy chord changes. You can hear samples of this latest work by clicking here. The album like Avraham Fried's features 13 songs. release date is set at Feb. 1st.