Shua Kessin - Contest through Mostlymusic

I've got to tell you, this guy is good at promoting his album. He's got banners and ads coming out all the time and he even had a party for the release of his album in which he sang from a cherry picker. That's impressive. Anyway, here's the contest that Mostlymusic has released:

Send in the cutest photo and enter to win $100 at Mostly Music! Email entries to contests@shuakessin.com

Photos must be with a Shua Kessin cd cover/poster/printout or something that has to do with the new release of Lo Lihitya'eish.

My Review of Shua Kessin - Lo Lahitya'eish

(via JMR)

Shua Kessin is not stam (normal), in a good sense. There, I've said it. He is a multi-talented artist. Singer & Composer, Kessin is the next big thing! I may not enjoy every one of his songs, but it's obvious that he is brimming with talent and a lot of work went into this album. From the top notch compositions, to the masterful arrangements, to the mix of genre's in the songs - This album screams "HIT!"-

The artwork for this album "Lo Lihitya'eish" is easily one of Sruly Meyer's greatest creations. And the booklet is gorgeous. You're going to want to go to DesignsBySruly for your next photo design project, because he's the best in the business. One of the coolest features of the booklet is the notes supplied under every song. Kessin added notes from where he was inspired for each song, allowing you to feel like your personally there with him, listening to his story.

Kessin was interviewed by JMR's very own KolIsha in Country Yossi, which can be seen here. That article will give you the gist of the album.

How am I getting this review out to every so soon after the album was released? I had the privilege to listen to the album early so that I could review and get out the information on this album to you, the buyer, as soon as it hit the stores! I'm reminding you to constantly check into the Jewishmusicreport.com for the most up-to-date information in the Jewish Music industry. Also, see my blog, jmderech.blogspot.com

Tachils & HOT, MILD, COLD Meter Time!

Lo Lahitya'eish: (HOT) Crazy Israeli styled intro. Kessin's range can be heard from the start with this "bang" of an intro! Very often I hear that words don't really fit the music (you know who you are ;D), but there's a noticeable difference with this song. The mix of Hebrew and English and the meanings are fantastic. What's amazing, is the fact that the song is 5:23 long and never gets boring. Fantastic intro and title song!

Nishmas: (HOT) This song, we were privileged to hear early as an acapella version. I was not nearly as impressed with the song then as I am now. This is definitely a song that needs and sounds better with musical backup. Kessin mentions in the booklet that his inspiration for this song came from after speaking to a friend who had been through a troubled life. He told him, Nishmas is about thanking Hashem for the basics of life, not the extras.

Maminim: (HOT) A hora or salsa? composed by Kessin during a friend's sheva brachos. This song is not something to just sit and listen to, one needs to be dancing in order to bring out the pleasure of this song. So come on! Get up off your feet and break it down! My favorite parts of the song are the wordless parts; the "ay di da da dum" parts. Great ending to the song as well :)

Aneini: (HOT)What's interesting about this song, is the fact theat the music has an eerie twist to it, yet the actual song sounds like something off a Shalsheles album. A weird combo. It doesn't matter, this song is a lot of fun to sing. The second part of the song, Kessin plays around more with his voice and harmonizes with himself, giving the song a better sounding quality. For me, this song is more fun for me to sing then to listen to.

Nekudos Toivas: (HOT) Why does this song start off with a stereotypical rap sounding "ya! woo!"? Regardless, it works and it's a intro I've never heard, yet enjoy. The beauty of this song is it's simplicity and sing-ability. You're not going to find anything complicated in this song, which is what gives the song its gadlus! The shticky part, with the added lyrics toward the end (3:55) are very smooth and sweet. Sounds like something Yossi Green would do.

Niggun: (HOT) What would an album filled with diversity be without a Niggun to add to the collection? The sound of this song gives off an "around the campfire" feeling. The music is gorgeous, especially the violin work starting at 2:45. The harmonies following the violin piece spice up the song. It goes from "just another niggun" to a "geshmake niggun".

Refueini: (MILD) Kessin chooses a Chassidic pronunciation for this song and uses Yiddish as well. Kessin composed this song while by an ill young man's bed side. While the song lacks in an amount of different words, it makes up for it in depth. You can feel the heart in this song when he screams out "Refua Shelaima!" (Heal Completely!).

Beitin: (HOT) Motti Illowitz lended a hand in this song with lyrics. Kessin writes that he decided he needed a song with some rhythm and that's where "Beitin" comes in. It sounds very much like a Shloime Dachs song; perhaps Bayom Hahu from Dachs's Avinu album? Regardless, it's way better than that song. 3:59 is amazing! Listen for when he slows down the song for a little bit, it adds some spice.

Generations: (HOT) This song is composed by Yossi Toiv, originally for his zaidy, now with Shua's help, the lyrics are directed more towards all of Klal Yisrael. The guest child soloist is Ami Eller from Kol Noar Boys Choir. He adds some beautiful harmonies behind Kessin - 4:21 and on is beyond words. Kessin slows down the song and begins the climactic ending of the song. This is by far one of the best English songs I've heard in a long time. It's Abie Rotenberg's, Journeys caliber.

Vizamrun Loch: (MILD) This song is very Shlomo Carlebach/Eitan Katz style, with some additives. Anyone who appreciates that style of song can more than appreciate this song. Kessin has the perfect voice for this genre. The guitar strumming behind his voice throughout the song is very befitting. It's my least favorite song on the album, but I still enjoy it, that's saying something.

Bye Bye Bye: (HOT) We all had the pleasure of hearing this song already. A rocking song composed by David Kaufman. Shua uses a Chassidic pronunciation for this song as well. It really would be Bay Bay Bay, but with this change in pronunciation, it sounds like Bye Bye Bye. When I first heard this song, I'll be honest, I didn't like it. However, after the umpteenth time playing it, I fell in love with it. Now I can't stop singing it, just ask my wife. She was going to send me "bye bye bye" if I didn't stop. :P A terrific song to close up a spectacular debut album.

HOT = 9

MILD = 2

COLD = 0

Conclusion:

Go to the store now! Go buy it now! Why are you still sitting at your computer now? Bye Bye Bye!!! :). You can also buy it on Mostlymusic.com through this link, Shua Kessin - Lo Lahitya'eish.

Shua Kessin - NOW AVAILABLE!

I have a review that will appear on JMR soon! This album does not fail to impress!

It's finally here! Lo Lihitya'eish. This debut album from Shua Kessin features 11 tracks. 9 of the tracks are composed by Shua, 1 by Yossi Toiv (Country Yossi) and this track, Bye Bye Bye, composed by David Kaufman. (Be'eilokim, Hareinu Mezamin, Hinei) This album is being delivered to stores as we speak. It's also available online at MostlyMusic.com (http://www.mostlymusic.com/shuakessinlolihityaeish-p-4305.html) you can purchase the CD or download the album with a full PDF booklet!

Please also enjoy an interview which was in the recent Country Yossi magazine.

For updates and more upcoming information, please go to http://www.ShuaKessin.com or follow Shua at http://www.twitter.com/ShuaKessin.

For promotional and booking info call 347-678-2536 or email Ozer Babad at Info@OzerBabad.com

Shua Kessin - Bye Bye Bye Single

Shua Kessin goes N'Sync with "Bye Bye Bye"!

Please enjoy this single from the brand new upcoming album premire, Lo Lihitya'eish. This debut album from Shua Kessin features 11 tracks. 9 of the tracks are composed by Shua, 1 by Yossi Toiv (Country Yossi) and this track, Bye Bye Bye, composed by David Kaufman. (Be'eilokim, Hareinu Mezamin, Hinei)

This album is expected to hit stores in the next 2-3 weeks. Included is the cover and an interview which was just featured in Country Yossi Magazine.

For updates and more upcoming information, please go to http://www.ShuaKessin.com or follow Shua at http://www.twitter.com/ShuaKessin.

For promotional and booking info call 347-678-2536 or email Ozer Babad at Info@OzerBabad.com

We invite you to send this full length single to all your friends and family.

Wishing you a Ksiva V'Chsima Tova!

Lyrics:

דהוא אלהא קשוט ואוריתה קשוט,ומסגא למעבד טבון וקשוט
בה אנא רחיץ,ולשמה קדישא יקירא אנא אמר תושבחן

Download it here http://www.divshare.com/download/8517408-24b

Shua Kessin - Lo Hisyaesh

Coming Soon!
For updates go to http://www.ShuaKessin.com
or follow Shua at Twitter.com/ShuaKessin

Shua Kessin Contest

Ever wanted to see a CD being recorded live? Well, next Monday, August 17th, you can! Shua Kessin is wrapping up his debut album and he wants you to come check it out. Here are the details.

Winner must be over 18, and be able to come next Monday evening to Williamsburgh where the CD is being recorded. We will also be having a photographer come and take pictures of that evening on the studio.

If you have any questions, or to enter in the contest, send us your name to contests@shuakessin.com.

Good luck and we hope to see you there!

http://www.shuakessin.com/?p=761

http://www.twitter.com/ShuaKessin

Shua Kessin - Acapella Single!

Shua Kessin is a name you'd might have been hearing more of lately, and for good reason. Shua has recently become a huge name on both the Kumzits and wedding scene. He is currently finshing to record his debut album, "LO LIHITYAISH" which will be ready at the end of the Summer. This debut album is produced by Ozer Babad, and will feature songs composed by Shua himself.

We wanted you to get a small taste of what Shua has to offer, and so we present to you an A Cappela version of Nishmas. This is a song that Shua composed and will also be featured on his upcoming album.

Here is a small description of the song by Shua.

"We say Nishmas every Shabbos. I was recently talking to a friend who has been going through some terrible Tzoras. Whenever I ask him how he is doing he always makes a point in saying "Baruch Hashem!" I asked him what he thinks the meaning of Nishmas is and he told me, without any hesitation, "We aren't expressing our thanks for the extras in life like a nice house, or a nice car...we are simply thanking hashem for the basics. The fact that we wake up every morning and we breathe, we smile, we eat, we are healthy."

That's a special thought and the message is simple. Hashem is always there for us making sure we have everything we need to survive, even with all the trouble facing us in todays tough Matzav. Hashem is always there for us, and for that we sing, Nishmas Kol Chai."
Please enjoy this A Cappela single, Nishmas, from the upcoming album, "LO LIHITYAISH" - due this Elul!

This is only an A Cappela version of the song. The song, along with the rest of the album, will contain full musical arrangements.

Song Credits-
Produced by: Ozer Babad
Composed and sung by: Shua Kessin.
Choirs by: Shira Choir conducted by Zevi Fried (Recorded at Neumann Media, Brooklyn, NY)
Vocals recorded at: Berry Studio, Brooklyn, N.Y. By Nir Graff
Mixed by: Zohar "Baba" Borger
Single Cover Art by: Sruly Meyer (DesignsBySruly.com)

It's a free download, please feel free to pass it around, and of course visit my website (www.ShuaKessin.com) for more updates, pictures, and videos.

Please also feel free to follow Shua on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ShuaKessin

For a full write up of Shua Kessin, check out Mendel's post at the JewishMusicReport.com

For more information on Shua's upcoming CD please email Sruly Meyer, at sruly.meyer@gmail.com.