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.
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
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Video for ‘Mayim Mayim’
Yossi Sassi & The Oriental Rock Orchestra‘s latest album “Illusion Of Choice” has been released worldwide on April 4th. The album was recorded in Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece.
Yossi Sassi is an Israeli musician and producer. He invented the world-known Bouzoukitara musical instrument, and co-founded the successful metal band “Orphaned Land”.
In 2011 Sassi began his solo career that combines rock & traditional Mediterranean music. His first album, “Melting Clocks”, was recorded in 2011 during a break between intensive tours with Orphaned Land. The album included collaborations with singer Marina Maximilian, ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman and other artists. The second album “Desert Butterflies” was released in 2014 and included the study of ancient instruments. There were also collaborations with interesting artists, including Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. The third album, “Roots and Roads”, was released in 2016 and it’s a very personal album that was recorded in light of a difficult period. This album has been submitted to the Grammy nomination. The Yossi Sassi Band Album no. 4 is the reason that we are here. The album launches a new path, a path that also belongs to you.
Our review for Yossi Sassi & the Oriental Rock Orchestra‘s new album “Illusions Of Choice” can be found here.
