Ojos de novia

"Mor Karbasi specialises in the Ladino-language songs of Sephardic Jews, expelled from Spain in the late 15th century. Comparisons with Yasmin Levy are inevitable, but Karbasi has a less dramatic but quietly commanding approach and a distinctive style ... Her mother is from a Moroccan Sephardic family, and the set begins with traditional Moroccan Berber songs, with Cameroonian bass star Richard Bona backing Karbasi's cool, reflective vocals on Hayken Juar ... There are some upbeat songs here, including the almost funky Ijdigen, but for the most part it's a delicate, sophisticated set, and the finest track is the reworking of Tres Morillas, a medieval story from the time when Jewish, Moorish and Christian communities lived together in Spain".

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"Une collection de 13 compositions captivantes, où le ladino côtoie les traditions andalouses et berbères. Accents flamenco, fougue gitane, arrangements de cordes et sophistication jazzy sont donc au rendez-vous dans ce voyage initiatique et enchanteur entre Méditerranée et Moyen-Orient, où l'auditeur est guidé par la voix cristalline et bouleversante de sensualité d'une diva solaire et resplendissante. On ne boude non plus pas notre plaisir d'écouter jouer ses invités de marque, les bassistes Richard Bona, Kai Eckhardt et le guitariste Tomatito. "Ojos De Novia" est un disque touchant et rare!".

"The much fêted Mor Karbasi delivers a traditional, but masterful testament to her diverse musical lineage. From the richly orchestral and celebratory opening track "Bismillah" - one of several traditional Berber songs aired on Ojos De Novia" - to the hauntingly melodic "Ahuvati Ester", this is a record that never misses a beat ... It would have been very easy for "Ojos De Novia" to be a nondescript, Café del Mar-esque summer record. The deep appreciation for the musical forms at hand however, and the expert delivery, ensure that it is much more than that".