Friday Night Revived CD

Finally, the long awaited liturgical release from one of the most fun contemporary Jewish composers, Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael. Friday Night Revived! based on the Kabbalat Shabbat service, is chock full of uplifting musical renditions in Hebrew and English. The music ranges from country to blues, to chanting and even gospel. The G!d language pays homage to Lord as well as celebrates Shechinah.

The title song "Moving into Shabbos" will ease your transition from the week. The country western and revival numbers — "Shiru" and "Gonna Pray" — will have you clapping along. The pulsating chants — "Evenings" and "Circle of Love" — will trance you out. Written in memory of her father, Reb Rayzel has even transformed the Kaddish. There is something for everyone.

Although Reb Rayzel belts out the lead vocals, she is joined by a wide array of friends backing her up with rich harmonies and arrangements. Her MIRAJ sisters, Juliet Spitzer and Rabbi Margot Stein, added their melodic voices on numerous selections; Shabbat Unplugged member Rabbi Shawn Zevit adds vocals and the sounds of the forest on Psalm 96; Judah Prince lends songwriting ability and authentic dulcimer to complete Ufros Aleynu; Rabbi Jack Gabriel slides in to add vibe on the Priestly blessing; Yofiah enhances the "Circle of love" with her trills; Rabbi Yaffa-Shira Sultan and Frank Kohn embellish the Kaddish; Leah Weisman and Cantor Naomi Hirsch chime in on Aleynu. It really seems the community is singing along!!

This is certainly the recording to put on while cooking for Shabbos or when you are just too tired to get to shul. It pushes the edge of Jewish music fusion. As well, the English poetic renderings are great for the non-Hebrew speaking crowd. It will revive any community with its melodies — just like the title promises. Put it on and don't expect to sit still. One thing for sure — you won't be bored!

To order this great recording, click on the link below.

Click here to read the article: Looking at the prayer for evening in a new light

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