Yasmin Levy (Israel)

Praised as one of the best singers in the Middle East, Yasmin Levy establishes a meeting point between Ladino music from medieval Jewish Spain and flamenco.

July 29, 2010 | Sines’ Castle | 22h00

Born in Jerusalem, Yasmin Levy was introduced to Ladino singing and culture from a very young age. Her father was the leading figure in the world of research and preservation of the Judeo-Spanish culture, dating back to the 15th century. In her deep, spiritual and moving style of singing, Yasmin preserves and revives the most beautiful songs from the Ladino/Judeo-Spanish heritage, mixing it with Andalusian Flamenco. Yasmins debut album, “Romance & Yasmin”, created a stir amongst world music lovers across the globe. Her following album, “La Juderia”, featured Ladino and Flamenco music in her unique emotive style. In 2007 she released her third album, “Mano Suave”, and Yasmin was nominated for the BBC World Music Awards 2006. For her latest work, “Sentir” (2009), she integrates effortlessly all these musical directions. Produced by the acclaimed Javier Limón, the album draws songs not only from Ladino (’Mi Korason’, ’Londje de Mi’) and flamenco (Javier Limón’s ’Nos Llego El Final’) traditions but also contemporary material (by Javier, Yasmin) and even Leonard Cohen (in a remarkable and fresh version of ’Hallelujah’).

http://www.myspace.com/yasminlevy
http://www.yasminlevy.net

Yasmin Levy: vocals
Vardan Hovanissian: flute (duduk), clarinet
Tim Fairhall: electric upright bass
Cuffy Cuthbertson: lead guitar
Nikhi Mukhi: mandolin, second guitar
Ishay Amir: cajon, cymbals, shaker (percussion)