Guela Vision
Album
A statement of personal and collective expansion. To not be held back by internal and external limitations.
Geula Vision is the debut album from the Moshe Sobol Band, led by the versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer Moshe Sobol. Moshe is featured prominently on the marimba, a large West African wooden percussion instrument played with mallets; he also sings and plays various percussion instruments on the album.
The music is deeply rooted in Jewish culture and tradition, going all the way back to the multisensory, mystical workings of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. With lyrics in both Hebrew and English, Geula Vision covers wide musical and spiritual ground, blending the sounds of New York’s Jazz, Hip hop, Latin and African musical communities into a story covering everything from an ancient text about the ingredients of the Temple incense mixture (‘Incense’) to the yearning for the redemption of humanity embodied in the words of the prophet Isaiah (‘House of Prayer’).
The album features a stellar lineup of musicians including:
Moshe Sobol - Bandleader, Composer, Arranger, Percussion, Vocals
Shlomo Gaisin (Zusha) - Guest Vocalist
Jon Madof - Guitar
Scott Wattel - Piano, Organ, Contributing Arranger
Joey "G-Clef" Cavaseno - Alto Saxophone
Erik Lawrence - Flute, Alto Saxophone
Steven Bernstein - Trumpet
Yoshie Fruchter - Oud
Brian Glassman - Bass
Shmuel Braun - Background Vocals
Gershon Braun -Background Vocals
The first track to the album is "Moshe N’viecha". This song is a declaration that states, “Moses, Your Prophet as it is written in Your Torah.” It grooves on Moshe and evokes a sense of ideological foundational pride in being rooted in the words of Torah through Moses. It then brings the pasuk, "Velo Kam Navi Od, B' Yisrael K Moshe Asher Yidao Hashem Panim El Panim". This statement declares that there has never arisen a prophet in Israel like Moshe that knew Hashem face to face. The word Panim (face) is connected to the word panimius (internal). Just like the face represents what is going on inside a person. Moshe knew Hashem on the deepest level. The 3rd part of the song hopes to evoke a sense of mystery on what that might mean.
The next song entitled "Incense" is a re-imagination of the grinding preparation of the Ketores(incense) when the Beis Hamikdash stood over 2000 years ago. The overseer would state, "Hadek Hetiv Hetiv Hadek, M’Pnei Shehakol Yafa L’Besamim (Grind it thin, thinly grind it, because the rhythmic sound is good for the spices). The repetition in the song hopes to evoke a work-like trance so the Kohen(Priest) could get into the groove of grinding with the pestle and mortar. The next part of the song focuses on one of the eleven spice ingredients called chelb’na or galbanum in English. This spice has been taught to smell really bad as it represents the people not doing the most righteous acts but that even these people should be included in the service. This spice though when put together with all the other ingredients brings out the good scent of the others. We should meditate on our own shortcomings, own them so we can then start improving the parts that are within our power of influence to correct. The next part is a high energetic repetitive motif that evokes the zenith of the grinding process ending with the malei asham (smoke raising herb), which then goes into an oud solo to further evoke the middle eastern ancient feel.
The next song is entitled, "Keili" which means vessel. This song highlights how important it is to find structures and containers for the inspiration and dreams we have which ultimately result in a feeling of true freedom. The paradox is that vessels have limitations but it’s the limitations that give birth to a sustainable freedom and success.
"Bed of Solomon" is the fourth song and is from King Solomon’s, “Song of Songs.” It features Shlomo Gaisen from Zusha on vocals. This orchestral lullaby conveys never to fear the dark exile because we are well equipped to withstand the challenges. And our prayers are always heard when we call sincerely.
Then we have “House of Prayer,” a celebratory calypso and rock piece utilizing the famous verse, “For My House will be called a House of Prayer for all the nations.” This song hopes to unite all people to engage in a parade-like affirmation, giving the feeling of familiarity, belonging, and unity. The bridge hopes to add a feeling of awe as the nations of the world discover the inner mysteries and depths of the Divine Presence.
May this album inspire personal and collective Redemption in peace and harmony!