Arte Y Vida Chicago,
Album Review
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If the unique qualities of Ladino culture and music ever find an audience beyond scholars and traditionalists, it might be because of artists like Sarah Aroeste. Like some unlikely cross between Yasmin Levy and Alanis Morissette, the American born Aroeste finds deeply personal meaning and not a small amount of catharsis in these ancient songs. Ladino’s roots are in pre-1492, pre-Castilian Spain, but took on characteristics typical of a Diaspora when Spanish Jews were scattered across the globe. Musically, this means that you can hear traces of Middle Eastern, Italian, Greek, South American, and other sounds as well as those of Spain. On her new release, Gracia, Aroeste examines lyrics that are quite relevant to the modern world. She has fit these old tales and a handful of originals into an explicitly feminist framework to tell stories of strong women making their way through the world, expressing desire, longing, loss, sensuality and triumph. Her musical approach is contemporary and eclectic, occasionally reminiscent of those hard rock/hip hop hybrids from a decade ago. More often, though, she and co-producer Shai Bachar inject a more subtle and welcome edginess into the proceedings, accenting the natural melodic power of the songs. And if there is any justice in the world, the remix of Scalerica will soon be a global dance floor smash. 05/08/12
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