Chadashot Tovot (Good News) by Miri Mesika

This is the second album I have heard from Miri Mesika, after being swept awayby her debut album. She does not disappoint. Miri's power, depth and vocalrange are tremendously impressive. Even her breaths between verses havebeauty. She is accompanied by excellent musicians, all blending mizrachiand ladino influences with old and modern instrumentation. A "bonus" trackof "Ahuvi" (my love) is included, which is a huge hit. When Mesika singsshe seems to transform, become part of the song, not just with her voiceand hands, but her entire being. One feels the soulfulness of the songthrough her. In "Azvuni L'nafshi" (leave me alone) there is a playfulsensuality that makes a great dance tune. There have been only rarepearls with such talents. Hopefully she will continue to delight, not justin her native land but worldwide.