A special collaboration between the Israeli Embassy in Japan and the most popular “JWAVE” Radio in Japan, as a major release for the “Japan-Israel Cultural Bridge” project, YOSSI SASSI & THE ORIENTAL ROCK ORCHESTRA, have released a special rock version of the well-known folk song “Mayim Mayim” featuring the guitar legend MARTY FRIEDMAN.
Stream “Mayim Mayim” here:
As part of the project, Yossi Sassi was asked by the embassies to produce an Oriental rock adaptation to the familiar Folk-song.
Yossi hosted The legendary guitarist Marty Friedman (Ex-MEGADETH), who lives in Japan for the last 15 years, considered as an idol in the Japanese entertainment industry and as an international guitarist. Marty even received an honorary ambassador degree from the Japanese government.
Over the years, Sassi and Friedman combined forces several times. Recorded songs in 2 albums, and toured together across Europe (“Guitar universe euro tour”).
The unique adaptation of Sassi and the Orchestra, combined with Friedman’s instantly recognizable sound, brings to the song a new and kicking sound. Full processing Punch, joy and lots of “Bouzukitara” (Sassi’s one of a kind instrument). In addition, as a homage to his Israeli friends and being a Jewish in origin, Marty wanted to introduce his interpretation into the anthem “Hatikvah” into the song “Mayim Mayim”. This is a very moving thing, especially during such a period of cancelation of international artists appearance in israel, due to a growing boycott led by Roger Waters.
Why an Israeli folk song from the 50’s for Japan?!
The original version is very familiar to both Israeli and Japanese since the 1950s, when the original version was imported to Japan as a way to reunite the people after the way. In the 80’s it was used as the theme song of a very popular educational animation show, and to this day it has been considered a hit and appears not only as a folk song but also as mentioned in films, a manga animation and folk-dance ceremonies at schools. It’s funny that most Japanese are not even aware of the fact that the Hebrew song in the original, and most of them don’t even believe it ..
The song was premiered on 17/9/18 at the very popular “JWAVE” Radio in Japan.
Credits:
Original Composition by Emanuel Amiran
Arranged & produced by Yossi Sassi
Yossi Sassi – Guitars, Bouzoukitara
Marty Friedman – Guitars, Solo
Or Lubianiker – Electric Bass
Shay Ifrah – Drums
Recorded & Mixed by Liron Schaffer at ‘Jaffa Sound Arts’, Tel-Aviv Jaffa.
Drums recorded at Shiffo Studios by Asaf Shif. Bass recorded by Or Lubianiker.
Mastered by Jonathan Jacobi at Jaffa Sound Arts.
Production & management by Amir Rozanes “Southern Productions”
More information at:
http://www.YossiSassi.com | http://www.facebook.com/YossiSassi | http://www.youtube.com/YossiSassiOfficial | yossiassi.bandcamp.com
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About Yossi Sassi
Familiar internationally to music fans by his unique trademark sound signature, Yossi Sassi merges roots with contemporary music, while taking Oriental Rock to levels unheard before.
Sassi plays 17 different types of guitars and traditional instruments, and was invited to play live and share the stage with artists such as Metallica, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Steven Wilson, Dave Lombardo, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (G’n’R) and many others. Sassi invented the unique Bouzouki-Guitar (Bouzoukitara) instrument (Electric guitar combined with acoustic Bouzouki & Acoustic guitar), gave a TED talk on “The power of music to unite people”, and was awarded 4 peace and friendship awards.
With over 25 years’ experience as a Producer and Composer / Arranger, as well as co-founder of “Orphaned Land” (Century Media USA/EMI), Yossi Sassi continues to soar to new horizons.