Çay Vakti

This charming release features two of Israel’s most highly regarded musicians collaborating to showcase songs from the early years of their country’s history. In the decade after World War II, composers arriving from Europe were inspired by the extraordinary diversity of musical cultures they encountered in Israel and this is reflected in the recognisably Oriental sounding melodies they wrote. Suzy, who was born and raised in Turkey and goes by first name only, has made these songs her own and broadened their appeal by translating them from Hebrew to Turkish.

As you would expect from two such impeccable performers, the standard of musicianship and arrangements are outstanding throughout. Suzy’s voice is a sensuous study in controlled passion, perfectly capturing the ache and longing of the lyrics, while Yair Dalal’s poised mastery of numerous instruments – including oud, qanun and violin – is as impressive as ever. If you were sitting back, revelling in the album’s dreamy languor, you might wonder why it hasn’t been awarded four stars or more, and that’s because less emotionally involved listeners may have started to fidget in their seat some time before track six, when the pace briefly quickens in ‘Allahim Kurar’.