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Order CDs direct from the artist for $15.00 each or $12.00 each for any combination of 3 or more, plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send check or money order to: David Helfand
370 West 17th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401 USABuy Now at:
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Beyond the Sea of Reeds
As a child, as I heard the songs and stories of the ancient days of Israel and the journey of the Israelites, they were always a part of me. Through my journey to adulthood, as the stories of my ancestors weaved in and out of my being, they finally opened their secret door and whispered to me, as I first touched Jerusalem’s walls in the city of old. With tears in my eyes, beholding the wonder of the Dead Sea Scrolls, I could almost imagine my ancient ancestor writing with his pen, reaching out his hand. At the edge of the Negev Desert, my heart pounding with images of the vast wanderings of tribes searching for home, I hold the harp to my ears and listen.Tracks (click on track title for 1 minute RealPlayer sound sample.)
- Caravan 9:44 [Download complete MP3 track 8.9MB]
- Dreams 4:35
- Scrolls of Compassion 8:53
- Nomads 6:08 [Download complete MP3 track 5.6MB]
- Sea of Reeds 3:46
- Mi Chamocha 3:37
- Ki Eshmerah Shabbat 5:00
- To Feel Your Prayer 4:18
- Ma Na Vu 6:20
Sound samples are Real Audio Media (.rm) and require the free Realplayer software available at www.real.com
To save the MP3 files to your hard disk: Windows: RIGHT CLICK on the DOWNLOAD link and select "Save Target As." Macintosh: CLICK and HOLD on the DOWNLOAD link and choose "Download Link to Disk." Beyond the Sea of Reeds CD is also available from: JewishMusic.com - TARA Publications, or 1-800-TARA-400 or 410-654-0880
Reviews
We were suitably impressed with the debut from Oregon's David Helfand, called "Callings From the Quiet Grove". With his inspired "Beyond the Sea of Reeds", he takes a major leap of inspiration, not to mention faith, to secure a spot on our most featured list. It’s a fascinating acoustically heightened world music journey with harps, violin, dumbek, percussion and select vocals conceived on a pilgrimage to Israel. Traditional songs from Israel and the Middle East are reworked through the blending of many instruments, some born of that region and others from continents far and distant. Two vocal pieces balance the moods and extend the reach of David’s listenings, musings and discoveries of ancient ancestry and modern callings. Highly recommended.
Backroads Music, June/August 2000A beautifully, deeply spiritual offering from Oregon musician/composer David Helfand. Features the composer on Celtic harp, mandocello, and percussion with guest string players, vocalists, performing original songs (mostly instrumentals)inspired by Israel, the siddur and the story of the Exodus.
Tree of Life Judaica and Books, The Leaflet News Letter, Vol. 4, No. 1, September/October 2000The title track is a haunting march, all dumbek and keyboard reeds. Tucked in around this are mostly instrumentals featuring Helfand’s delicate Celtic harp. This Eugene, OR, artist also plays guitar, mandocello, keyboards and bass. Suffused with mystery, brightened by subtle percussion, this music suggests rather than reflects, the composers journey to Israel. Helfand credits that journey with inspiring this album. A Shlomo Carlebach tune is included (originally a Hashivenu, here used for Mi Chamocha), with energetic vocals by two capable singers. Helfand treats the beautiful "Ma Navu" to an adventurous journey on his harp, with violin and a tiny tambourine for the sweet ride. A thoughtful album, the second from this neighbor to the south.
The Jewish Transcript: Arts & Entertainment CD Reviews, Vol. 76, No. 17, September 2000
