While the Middle East continues to dominate headlines with news of conflict, war, and devastation, The Idan Raichel Project offers a positive vision for international relations where diverse cultures coexist and collaborate to produce remarkable results. The multicultural ensemble returns to the US to bring their visionary musical experience to live audiences across the country, performing at some of the country's most prestigious venues.
The Idan Raichel Project is the brainchild of Israeli keyboardist, composer, producer, and arranger Idan Raichel, who invited over 70 different musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in the recordings. In particular, Raichel has long been fascinated by the music of Israel's growing population of Ethiopian Jews, and many songs feature members of Israel's Ethiopian community. The recordings also include Arab musicians, traditional Yemenite vocalists, a toaster and percussionist from Suriname and a South African singer, among others.
After multiple number one hits and triple platinum sales in Israel, the record label Cumbancha released the music of The Idan Raichel Project worldwide in November 2006, bringing even more renown to this inspirational collective. Billboard Magazine called The Idan Raichel Project "One of the most fascinating titles to emerge in world music this year, a multi-ethnic tour de force." The New York Times selected the album as one of the top world music releases of the year, and media from Peru to Portugual was unanimous in their praise. The Boston Globe declared "The results are gorgeous.The more forward-driven tunes are global late-night music of the highest order, and the Project as a whole is a fascinating window into the young, tolerant, multi-ethnic Israel taking shape away from the headlines."
Since the international release, The Idan Raichel Project has headlined at New York's prestigious Central Park SummerStage and performed across Europe as well as in Mexico City, New Delhi, Singapore, and Mumbai. Future touring plans include Australia, South Africa and South America. Wherever they perform, The Project unifies the audience in a celebration of that which is unique about the cultures of the world, as well as that in which we are all alike. For those who have not discovered the enchanting music of The Idan Raichel Project now is their opportunity to experience this powerful concert experience.