Love Songs in Hebrew by Jacob Balshan

I am very impressed!"

The CD is accompanied by a 12 page booklet of lyrics in Hebrew with English translations. "Love Songs in Hebrew" was recently nominated in the Best Album category for 2004 by Just Plain Folks. The song :"Habdidut" from the album was nominated for Best Song of 2004.

Jacob Balshan started composing simple melodies as a young child in Casablanca, Morocco. He made "aliyah" to Israel at age 9. He began to play the guitar at the age of 14, and composed his first songs for that instrument. He participated in Kibbutz community shows and later performed in clubs throughout Israel. When his army service, as a paratrooper, was completed, he was hired to entertain the troops. Except for periodic returns to Israel, Jacob spent the 70's singing throughout Europe- in (among other places), Amsterdam, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Paris, where he performed in Le Theatre de Mogador, and Olympia (which is the French equivalent of our Carnegie Hall). In these, and other cities, he added to his native tongues of Hebrew and French, songs in other languages, such as Spanish and Russian. He even learned one song in Japanese, to the delight of his tourist patrons.

Again in Israel, in 1973, he recorded a song he composed, arranged by a friend, Nathan Cohen, which was played on many Israeli radio stations and listed on their "Hit Parade". More of his songs could then be heard on Israeli radio.

In 1986, Jacob moved to New York, where he sang professionally until 1990, when he moved to Philadelphia. He performed to acclaim at Israeli Independence Day functions, synagogues, clubs, community centers, universities, and theaters, in both New York and Philadelphia. Jacob traveled to Israel in 2000, where he recorded this CD of "Love Songs in Hebrew", with his nephew Guy Bocati, one of Israel's finest young guitarists.

Jacob Balshan's repertoire is broad and varied - from Yemenite folk songs to Romantic French ballads, and more. His original lyrics and musical compositions draw from all his experiences in life, with many poetic references. He broadens the concept of Israeli music for listeners accustomed to a more traditional genre. Jacob also engages his audiences in familiar and popular songs in which they can participate. He is available for performances. He would like to hear your response to the CD.

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