Track listing: The Long Way, Grandma's Hands, Only When The Door Slams, Alee, I Wait for the Rain, The Falling Song, Packard Corner, Wednesday, How to Choose
The Long Way represents the conclusion of a 5-year musical trek for Los Angeles-based producer, sound engineer, and singer/songwriter Amir Halevi. The album's 9 tracks are self-produced, featuring a collection of personal reflections--a dedication of sorts to those in Halevi's life who have supported him throughout his musical journey. With lyrics in both English and Amir's native tongue, Hebrew, The Long Way encapsulates his formal musical training (Rimon School of Music in Israel; Boston's Berklee College of Music) along with his big-picture vision of sound engineering and production.
The title track sets the album's tone: chill, thought-provoking, introspective, ethereal. Halevi doesn't shy away from bringing jazz chords into his poppy folk vibe. A Sade-like smoothness with an Al Jarreau melodic creativity. Lyrically, there's an undeniable sincerity and simplicity. "Grandma's Hands," "I Wait for the Rain," "Wednesday"--these are everyday songs that touch on aspects of life with which we all have some level of familiarity.
The instrumental "Packard Corner" showcases the album's impressive musical line-up, bobbing and weaving their way through a chord-progression-wonderland. The guitar/flute pairing shines through, with some tasty drum work kicking in at just the right moments.
The Long Way concludes with the bouncy yet sparse "How to Choose," an acoustic/vocal track in which the guitar's complexity lays back deftly, not overpowering the track while simultaneously spotlighting what gorgeous sounds come from years of study, training, and practice. The album is a breath of fresh air, music for a cool Spring morning that will get in you the right frame of mind to approach the rest of the day.
While diving in to the music of Amir Halevi, it's worth taking a listen to a triplet of singles he's released: בים בם בם, פרח אחד, and a stunning duet/cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" alongside singer Aya Sivan. The duo captures the essence of Stevie Nicks' haunting lyrics, bringing a new perspective and lush harmonies to the classic. פרח אחד dances along whimsically with a stand-out solo--I'm assuming guitar with a slide? But the notes and manner in which some of the slide work is done, comes across almost sitar-y. Gorgeous, regardless.
Take some time out this week and dive into Amir Halevi's songs. There's an attractive element to his sound; a comforting yet energizing mood emanating from the speakers. Give Amir a follow across the socials & streaming platforms. Start your own journey with him at amirhalevimusic.com.