KTZAT ACHERET/NO NAMES

In retrospect, it turns out that this only album by Ktzat Acheret (slightly different), was a summit meeting between three gifted musicians: Shlomo Gronich on keyboards (mainly piano, occasionally Hammond and moog), Shem Tov Levy, on flute, (and also on some recorders here and there) and Shlomo Ydov, mostly on acoustic guitar, with some touches of electric guitars.

As you can realize from the description above, this album is mainly acoustic, with a bit of electricity, but in an unexpected way, it could really rock from time to time. They blend here acoustic/classic influences with rockier approach, and traditional music, in this case some Jewish elements, along with Israeli eastern motifs. There are sweet songs and avant moments, some jazzy improvisations, (well delimited in the short compositions), musical parodies along with sadness, and overall, a very distinctive atmosphere.

While there are some hints of Gentle Giant, as others suggest, I find it to be much more reminiscent of the Canterbury music scene; the jazzy feeling, the humorous yet melancholic atmosphere and the acoustic approach, have much in common with that style. But more than that, it is an Israeli creation, and a very innovative one. Indeed it has been a breakthrough, especially considering the time and the place it has been released.

The album starts with a relatively simple, straight forward song, 'Traveling', that deals with the band travels for shows, but soon continue with one of my favorites in this album: 'Guru' by Gronich, who sing about his cat, with lyrics that recalls for 'Lucifar Sam' by Barret. The music is different though: Based on two dissonance chords, with intricate, tricky melody, and a groovy rhythm. The song is preceded with a lovely, spacey intro.

Another fav of mine is 'The echo' by Shem Tov Levy, a more structured song than most of the other songs, with excellent arrangement for string quartet. The Lyrics have been written by the great Hebrew poet Lea Goldberg. ('Here comes the echo in the middle of the sky. don't let my song be a wasteland'... sorry for this horrible translation...). A strong and unique song. From Ydov we get 'Pink sky (Twilight)', a very moving song with a bit of sweetness and melancholy, featuring his wonderful acoustic guitar. And this list could not be complete without '204', a pure avant guard piece by Gronich, featuring an avant, syncopated melody which in mysterious way is very catchy (once you get it), great moog noises and improvisations, distorted flute, and great drumming from guest musician Pepo Levy.

This unique album is warmly recommended for those who could be tolerant for Hebrew singing (in about half of the album). It is considered as a milestone of Israeli music, which inspired many Israeli musicians until nowadays. All of the three members are stilll very active musicians in various styles.