Yemen Blues

This is not the first time I've seen Yemen Blues and they were fantastic, again. Ravid, the leader, is so full of energy and charisma that he draws you in to his own enthusiasm making for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. It was very unfortunate that the concert was held on a rainy, Oscar Night Sunday so the audience was very sparse. But even with that, he performed as if it was a sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl, a tribute to his professionalism. He performed many of the songs from his first album along with some new ones and I look forward to the new album. The only criticism is that I much prefer Ravid with his natural hair, rather than the extension braids, and the showy high-fashion is too much of a contrast, if not a contradiction, to the traditional, yet fused, Yemen/jazz/blues they play.

My boy loved it. He thinks the Yemen Blues needs to add a piano to their list of instruments. I enjoyed it also. I think Yemen Blues should add two female backup singers to assist the male singer. We danced and enjoyed the tribal music.

Awesome concert. I highly recommend seeing this group live.

Yemen Blues is almost hard to describe to appreciate. Blending classic Arabic lines with Afro-rock percussion, the real gems are the brass, not usually part of ME or African music (pipes, yes, but not real BRASS), and the vocalist/guitarist who drives the energy and crowd appeal. Yes, you must go and see them. Lots of good examples on you tube.

Really exciting music , exciting performance that energized the audience.