An Aryeh Kunstler Cover (Daniel Goldstein)

Here's a cover of B'sheim Hashem, a track from Aryeh Kunstler's latest album.

Additional lyrics by Daniel Goldstein and G-d.

Follow Daniel on Facebook at Daniel Goldstein Music

Aryeh Kunstler "Our Eyes Are On You" Review

Here's my review of Aryeh Kunstler's "Our Eyes Are On You", which originally appeared on JMR.

For those of you who are new to the Alternative Jewish Music scene, Aryeh Kunstler is the king, in my opinion. Aryeh blends the styles of contemporary secular music and English lyrics with gorgeous pieces of Jewish music and Hebrew lyrics.

This is Kunstler’s second solo album, although it has the quality of a 4th or a 5th album. It’s no surprise, Kunstler comes from a musically gifted family. His father, Avi Kunstler, has albums available for purchase as well, and his brother Dani has the group V’havienu which Aryeh is a part of. Also, Aryeh can be found on the wedding circuit as a guitarist for the Neshoma orchestra and as a member of Yaakov Chesed, a 4 piece band headed by Jake Polansky.

Like I previously mentioned, expect great things from this album, it went above and beyond my expectations and a whole other world past “From the Depths”, his debut album.

I decided to do something different, I compared and contrasted this album with Aryeh’s other musical works. Enjoy!

Hashem Sifosei vs Oseh Shalom -
A mix of Hebrew and English lyrics, this song is not only a great intro song to get the blood pumping, but it has quality lyrics as well as some very cool Kunstler tweaks. The second time around, listen for how Kunstler sings the words “I long to say”, it’s moments like those that the Kunstler style and skill can be found and eaten up. He also throws in something I never get tired of hearing, a muffled/synthesized voice with light guitar strumming behind him, in the last minute of the song. Oseh Shalom was good, but it was not nearly as professional as this song is.

B’Shem Hashem vs Az Yashir -
This is a tough call for me, because Az Yashir was my favorite song on his first album. However, once again, the professionalism in the music and vocals can be found in this song more so. Not only that, but this song has more of a soft rock feel to it, and glorifies the soft rock genre. Aryeh adds so much feeling to this song by the mixture of “Yah’s” with the Hebrew lyrics. Toward the end of the song, there are some gorgeous background vocals as well, that should not be taken for granted.

Mi Chamocha vs The Radio? -
I discussed this song with my wife during one car ride. We both grew up listening to secular music, and we came to the conclusion that if one song were to be taken from this album to be played by the radio stations, this would be the right choice. It has a nice refrain, where it slowly builds you up to the climactic chorus which makes you feel as if you’re flying. All around, this song just screams good times. It’s not my favorite song, but it definitely one of the better songs on this album.

Nachamu vs B’lev Echad Single -
This song is very heartfelt, and could definitely touch anyone who has witnessed a tragedy or just feels the daily stress of this golus. This song does exactly what it preaches, it consoles you and gives you that extra lift. I was jogging back from the car repair shop, after having a sleepless night the night before due to my car breaking down in the middle of nowhere while coming back home from a wedding and this song, once it got to the second time through, turned my jog into a run where I felt the stress and over tiredness fading from me and a second (or perhaps third) wind kicked in. This song really gave me a boost and I think it could do the same for anyone. It has the same feel as B’lev Echad, the single that was done for the Merkaz Harav attacks. Very emotional, very good.

Modim vs Modeh Ani -
Both Modim and Modeh Ani (first album) are about thanking our creator. This song was done way better though. Modeh Ani was less professional and the overall tune was not as good as this one. Everytime I hear this song, it makes me want to play the air drums… in other words I start mimicking the drums in the song by slamming on anything with my hands… that reminds me, I have to go buy a new vase…woops.

Veliyerushalayim vs V’havienu albums
We have more of a V’havienu feel to this song than anything else. Most people know that V’havienu (Dani & Aryeh Kunstler) are my favorite albums, so how could I not love this song? It’s so soothing and has so much hartz in the song. The best part is, the vocals are just icing on the cake, it’s the musical arrangements in this song that are a thing of beauty. I would love to hear an instrumental version of this song.

Gam vs rock songs in general
Gam is a crazy awesome rock song. It has the same style as Mi Chamocha, where it has a slower refrain and a rocking chorus that literally rocks (no pun intended). There’s not a lot to write about it, but just know that this song is so good, it speaks for itself.

Lishuasicha vs Shimshon?
This is such an interesting song, I don’t really know what to think. It’s a fast rock styled song with a dark feel to it. It’s about the story of Shimshon (Samson) being captured by the Plishtim and he’s bound to the two pillars with his eyes gouged out. I guess it’s uplifting that Shimshon got one more burst of strength to destroy the plishtim, but at the same time, it feels kind of strange listening to these lyrics with this music behind it. It’s by no means a bad song, it has great arrangements, I’m just confused.

VaAnachnu Lo Naida vs Im Eshkacheich
You’ve found it! This is my favorite song, and I’m surprised he didn’t call this song “Our eyes are on you”, for this is the song you’ll find those lyrics in, if you were looking for them like I was. From start to finish, this song feels like Im Eshkacheich from the first album mixed with some V’havienu song , but like 20x better. LISTEN TO THIS SONG, you will not regret it.

Split the Sea vs my head
What is this? It’s not my style, but there was definitely a lot of work put into this song, so there’s no way I can bash this. I’m sure there will be lots of people who love this song, but it’s not my genre.

Yizkerem vs depression
I feel like this song could have been composed on tisha b’av after watching one of those Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation videos. The song never really uplifts you, it starts with a depressing refrain and an leads into an eerie chorus. From the lyrics, it’s clear that the song is about the holocaust and how we should never forget it even as we come closer to the time when the last survivor will pass on to the next world. It’s an appropriate way to end an album since we are in golus and we really shouldn’t feel true joy until the final redemption.

Overall, I loved this album. The last 2 songs weren’t my favorite, but there was definitely a lot of work put into them. This was definitely worth the delays and the wait, Aryeh Kunstler went up a whole level in professionalism in my head, and he will in yours too. BUY IT!

It's been a while + Recent Releases

Life happens... Life does things that prevent you from doing the things you love and sometimes there's no excuse, sometimes I was just lazy. Whatever the reason is, I haven't posted in a while. I've been busy or lazy and I've mainly focused on writing reviews, one which will appear this week on JMR (Jewishmusicreport.com). Either way, I'm back! Not like I used to be, but I hope to get some more postings up.

In other news, here are the recent releases...

Shimon Craimer (Nashir Beyachad) -

This album sounds very different than the mainstream Jewish music album, which in my opinion is good. I plan to write a review on it, and to tell you the truth, I don't know if it's going to be me raving about how good it is, or my concerns with it (probably, because I haven't gotten the album yet).

Lipa Schmeltzer (Meimka DeLipa) -

I don't know what to think about this album, I've never been a huge fan of Lipa's music, mostly because of the language barrier (I can't speak or understand Yiddish), and subsequently, I can't sing these songs, because I can't get the words down. However, I can not deny Lipa's talent. He's like a bundle of energy and talent being released everywhere! 16 songs seems like too much and I've been told that it would have been better if they just cut out some songs and left you with 10-12 solid songs. I haven't bought this album yet, and I'm not sure if I will, but if someone wants to send me the album to review, by all means :). I will definitely give a real, unbiased review.

Aryeh Kunstler (Our Eyes Are On You) -

I actually bought this album and I can't get enough of it. Funny thing is, I'm not usually a fan of alternative Jewish music, but Kunstler's talent is undeniable. Look for my review coming soon on JMR. The album is due out May 31st, today!

Miami Boys Choir (Ultimate Miami) -

This is a good pickup for anyone who hasn't purchased the Miami albums over the years. I would have preferred Miami hits over the course of history, rather than Miami English songs. However, they still had some great English songs. I'm probably not going to buy this album, only because I already own the entire Miami Boys Choir collection, give or take a few. I can live without the digitally remastered versions.

There was also a chassidshe album by the Shira Choir (which includes Beri Weber), not exactly my genre, so I will likely not pick it up. Also, the Moshav Band released a new album, also not my genre, and I will not be picking it up. Sandy Shmuely released a new album as well, but it doesn't have enough songs on it for me for the $15 price. Also, it's not exactly to my taste as well. But I wanted to you to know that these albums are available and you may like them! Click on the links and have a listen.

See you later!

JMDerech.

Albums Coming Soon...

Shades of Green II - Yossi Green is back with another mix of his hit songs and possibly some new ones. (Summer Time)

Our Eyes Are On You - Aryeh Kunstler is finally here with a follow up album to his hit debut album. (Lag B'aomer Time)

Shimon Craimer - His 2nd album is almost here and it looks promising! Can't wait to hear what he has in store for us! (Lag B'aomer Time)

Mazel Tov to Aryeh Kunstler on his enagement

I guess we know know why Aryeh Kunstler has been having some delays in his album coming out ;). For good reasons! Mazel tov to the chassan and kallah, may they build a bayis ne'eman b'yisrael!

Onlysimchas listing - http://onlysimchas.com/v4/index.cfm/fuseaction:simcha.view/simchaid:90882

New albums in the works...

My sources are telling me many albums are in the works.

After winning the 2008 Oorah auditions, Yisroel Werdyger's second album is in the making.

Teem Productions, headed by Yossi Tyberg and Gershy Moskowitz, who propelled Yisroel to stardom with Bayis Ne’eman Beyisroel, will be producing this project as well, with musical arrangements by Shua Fried.

Much thought and research went into the selection of songs, with several compositions by the talented Yossi Green, and several by Yitzy Waldner. Motty Ilowitz, composer of the title track on Yisroel’s last album, which has become as staple at chasunos everywhere, also lends his talents to this project. Other contributors include Pinky Weber, Meshulem Greenberger, Chaim Elya Hartman, and even some new composers who hope to make their mark on the Jewish music scene.

Stay tuned for Yisroel Werdyger’s new album, coming after the summer Iy”H! (via JMR)

Dovid Gabay's 3rd album song selection process is close to completion. No estimate on when it's going to be released has been given yet. Gabay's professional recording career started with his first album "Legabay", produced by Avi Newmark. That same year he was featured on R' Shmuel Brazil's "Ki Atah Imadi". He then made guest appearances on Oorah's annual CD's & "Harei Yehuda". Up next was Gabay's next hit album entitled "Omar Dovid", which hit the Jewish music scene by storm, featuring the hit song "Hagomel", sung by Jewish weddings everywhere. Another guest appearance followed on Shloime Kaufman's "Avodas Tzedaka" album and finally he was the focal point of the "Kumzing" concert. By no means is Gabay's career slowing down. He's constantly featured in concerts such as HASC and his new album, produced on his own, promises to be another smashing hit.

Yoni Zigelbaum is a new singer whose been in the spotlight recently. He has a tremendously powerful voice and producers have been chasing him. He's youthful and has a tremendous amount of energy. He's sung at some recent concerts and an interesting interview with JMR's Mendel "The Sheichet" Markel can be seen here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue0SSzuFQ9E). He's collecting songs for his albums as of now and they can be emailed to him at yonismusic@gmail.com.

Menucha 2... When is it coming out? Everyone wants to know. Menucha started out with the first album way back in 2003. That's 7 years and their first album is still a hit. On YBC Live 3, a new Menucha song entitled "Shiru Lashem" was featured. It sounded great, like the old Menucha we know and love.

The group features 3 men by the names of Danny Berkowitz, Avi Shachter and Shlomo Schwed. The first album had Doniel Waldman on it, but he has since left the group. It's amazing to see that the remaining 3 guys have stuck together for so long without putting out an album. Eli Gerstner told me that Menucha 2 is due out Purim. That's less than a month away. Let's just wait and see :).

Aryeh Kunstler, everyone's favorite Jewish rocker is expected to release his new album any day now and it's promised to be a hit like his first album "From the Depths". Aryeh started out with V'havienu, a group with his brother Dani. He then proceeded to join Yaakov Chesed and released two albums with them as a guitarist and vocalist. Finally he released a single entitled "Yisrael B'tach Bashem" with Yossi Piamenta and was featured on Gershon Veroba's latest album "Second Impressions".

Aryeh has been seen everywhere, from opening for Moshav Band and singing with the Yeshiva Boys Choir. He know can be seen on a constant basis playing for the Neshoma Orchestra as a lead guitarist/vocalist.


Yacov Young is known for his sweet yet powerful voice. Very underrated and a bliss to the ears. His debut album "Yogati Motzasi" was not well known, but it had some spectacular songs on it.

Yacov has his own orchestra and can be seen singing frequently in the Jewish wedding scene. To hear a taste of his sweet voice, check out this YouTube video of him singing Shloime Daskal's "Anim Z'miros" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYKcz1sNAbU).

He is currently collecting songs for his album and they can be mailed to him at yacovyoung@gmail.com


Michoel "Pruz" Pruzansky is a big hit. His powerful "MBD-like" voice is a thing of beauty. He released his debut album "Ashrecha" back in 2003 and since then, he has only gotten bigger. He released his second album "Pruzbul" in 2007, which led to a huge change in his style making him the "Pruz" we all know and love. He rocks a concert with the best of them and even has his own orchestra. Since his last album release he has sung on last years Oorah's "The Shmorg" album (a free download) and Shloime Kaufman's "Avodas Tzedaka".

Pruz is still looking for a couple more songs for his album and he can be reached through the contact form on his website.


If you know of any more albums that are due to be released soon and have information that you would like displayed, contact me at jmderech@gmail.com

Update on Aryeh Kunstler's NEW album

The word on the street (Facebook) is that Aryeh Kunstler's NEW and anticipated album will be released, G-d Willing, Chanukah time. Can't Wait!

Chavrusa Break Up Song Video

T.I.U.N.Y Purim Shpiel (NEW Video of the Week)

Aryeh Kunstler at YU Seforim Sale

Aryeh Kunstler and Avidan Moscowitz at YU Seforim Sale

Hey! What's with the funny guy in the grey shirt on Aryeh's right! lol.

Aryeh Kunstler Blev Echad Video

This was the video that was broadcast around the world during the Hachnasas Sefer Torah Dedication for the eight boys who were murdered one year ago at Mercaz Harav. Music and lyrics by Aryeh Kunstler (download the song for free here). Learn more at www.blevechad.com

Gadlus

Nachamu from V'havienu. I'll have a version with my choir singing it up soon!

V'havienu 3

Here's a preview from sameachmusicpodcast.com

I'm a huge fan of V'havienu as a group. The first and second albums were amazing. However, on this one I noticed something was missing. Once I started listening to the songs, I was like "where's the guy with the amazing voice?" Who am I talking about? Yitzy "Scratchy" Yenowitz. I looked at the album cover again and lo and behold! Scratchy had gone missing. I decided to do some research, so I contacted Aryeh Kunstler via Facebook. Aryeh told me that "Scratchy" had moved to the West Coast so he was no longer with them =( Well, I couldn't just throw away the CD; besides, the Kunstlers have melodious voices as well! So I decided to give it a listen, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Breakdown

• V'havienu - The first song and title track for this CD. This is the third time they are using the lyrics V'havienu as an opening track; go figure. They mixed the lyrics from the first and second albums. The low part is V'havienu Litzion (1), while the high part is V'havienu L'shalom (2). It's a very catchy song; I happen to like it more than the first two V'havienu's

• Ki ata hu - This song is not good to listen to if you're feeling depressed; it has a very somber tone to it. It has alot of heart in it as well, and I really enjoy the chorus.

• The Niggun - Everyone needs a niggun!!! A very enjoyable niggun to listen too. Other noteworthy niggunim - Niggun Neshoma, Niggun Nevoh, Kineret Niggun, Lazer's Niggun.

• Neshama Lach - Wow... I love everything about this song. From the inclusion of the child vocalist to the whole serious tone to the song. It fits the words to the song perfectly. I would love to hear this done with "scratchy" included! But even so, amazing.

• Mi Yidmeh - A very sweet song, and very beffitting for the lyrics. The soft harmonies give this song that "hot chocolate with the mini-marshmallows" feeling.

• Od Yeshoma - A slow version of Od Yeshoma, that's a new one for me. It's a very "pretty" melody. It continues the tone of the CD with soft harmonies and deep voices.

• Atah Echad - Yay!!! This song is so much fun. If you're driving on the highway or just sitting in your room this song get's you going or keeps you going.

• Shomer Yisrael - The somber mood returns. It's a nice slow song and a little more in your face than the others. If you like V'havienu's style, you will like this.

• Yevanim - This album came out around Chanukah, so might as well throw a song that relates to the day on it! It's a song from their Rebbe.

• Shalom Rav - Somber once more. This is the one song on this album I'm not a fan of, however, I can still see people liking this.

In conclusion: This Album/CD is worth the buy. I don't think it's as good as the last one, but a very nice job was done with just the two Kuntsler brothers on it this time.