Shira U'tfila are a group with a growing reputation for their performances of Sephardic music. Based in Belgrade,Serbiathey are exploring the significant cultural legacy of the Sephardic Jews that arrived originally from medieval Spainand, via Istanbul,settled in cities like Sarajevoand Belgrade. Led by the cantor in the Belgrade synagogue, they've taken little-known repertoire from old 78rpm recordings arranged for an ensemble of oud, Arabic zither, violin and Middle Eastern percussion. Bringing in a guest vocalist could help their international profile, butthe music and playing has a spontaneous, intimate feel. The original archive recordings are included as a fascinating bonus disc. (London Evening Standard website)
Serbia-based ensemble (...) draw pre-WW1 material from 78s of Balkan Sephardic songes (...), absorbing and renewing it with skill and present-day spirit. (fRoots, UK)
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