Hear and Dare

Tracklist:

Music has changed. From a defining force, leading the zeitgeist, into something that exists in the background of life. Mp3 and technology have turned it upside down and inside out.On one hand, anyone can edit audio and record music on their home computer, as it is becoming easier to manipulate sounds, on the other side of things, the quality of sound and recordings is becoming less important as files become smaller and smaller.

There is a deterioration in the way we perceive and consume music. We no longer “climb” towards it – instead, music comes to us.We consume music “from the air”, yet ironically enough, not “breathing it in”.True, we still are moved by music, especially by live performances (which COVID-19 had recently tampered with) yet it used to be the thing that defined who we are. It used to be something you hear – it thrills you – then you dare to dream. You dare to be and go beyond the here and now. Today’s music is “hear and there” – everywhere. In every shopping mall, every car wherever you like however you like it. Here, there, everywhere, whenever.

This is what our new album is all about: HEAR & DARE rather than Here & There. Honouring the musicians and musical pieces that had been written through magical moments among people sharing irreplaceable moments. This is our dream – to create such moments.
credits
released March 19, 2021

Produced by Yossi Sassi

All music & lyrics by Yossi Sassi, except “Levitating” (composed by Ben Azar & Yossi Sassi) and “Gates of Ishtar” (composed by Danielle Sassi & Yossi Sassi). Gia Sigouria lyrics written by Nikos Sarris.

The Oriental Rock Orchestra
Yossi Sassi – Vocals, Guitars, Bouzoukitara, Bouzouki, Charango, Saz
Or Lubianiker – Electric Bass
Shay Ifrah – Drums
Ben Azar – Guitars, solos on “Hear & Dare” & “Gia Sigouria”
Roei Fridman – Percussion
Danielle Sassi – Flute, Tenor Flute
Sarel Ha’cohen – Kanun
Yogev Levy – Ney

Guest musicians
Mats Levén – Lead Vocals on “Hear and Dare”
Christos Dantis – Vocals on “Gia Sigouria”
Emil Guseinov – Viola

Management & Production management – Amir Rozanes, Southern Productions
Concept art by Amir Rozanes, Liza Murashkovsky, Southern Productions
Album design by Noa Reshef @ Lemur Creatives

Engineered and recorded by Liron Schaffer at Black Rock Studios, Santorini, Greece
Additional recordings at Jaffa Sound Arts, Tel-Aviv Jaffa
Assistant engineers – Eli Goren, Aner Baruch
Mixed by Liron Schaffer at Jaffa Sound Arts
Mastered by Jonathan Jacobi at Jaffa Sound Arts
Legal consulting: Ivri, Kerner & Co .Law Offices
Special thanks to our families, Jeremy & the Shotts family, Kostas Kalimeris, and to all the loved friends and followers around the world who helped support this album!
Special credits go to Anthony Willcocks, Boaz Alon, Eden & Rafael Melo, Katia & Arnesto Weber, Larry Berkovitz, Maya Zutta, Menno Schouten, Stephen Jones – THANK YOU!