Biography
Four artists come together and continue the natural evolution of Yemenite Women songs. Instinctive and mystical texts that have passed for centuries from mother to daughter acquire a modern and contemporary meaning in a special instrumental composition. The combination of traditional Middle Eastern strings, cello and acoustic guitars, and the fact that these songs are sung for the first time by a man - creates a unique soundtrack that takes the listener into the deep world of the women in Yemen.
Igal, whose father is of Yemenite origin and mother of Moroccan descent, born in Algeria, was exposed in his life to the hidden and fascinating world of Yemenite Women, and has spent years studying their traditional songs and texts that expresses the marginalised life in the Yemenite society. These songs were told as secrets and have been preserved for generations from word of mouth, from mother to daughter. Igal collected the songs for years, from childhood memories and from personal meetings with old Yemenite women.
The starting point of the creative process was influenced by the Yemenite Jewish tradition, that used singing and drumming alone, as since the destruction of the Holy Temple it was forbidden to use musical instruments as a sign of mourning.
During the creation Igal felt the desire to expand the statement to a more universal one, and began to look for more instruments. Ian, a guitarist specializing in South American folklore, jazz and classical guitar, joined adding the harmonic part. Leat, brought the classical world with the cello, adding bass, warmth and tenderness into the music of "Gulaza". David, a middle east music percussionist and Jumbush player joined the group, adding new tones and rhythms to the ancient yemenite music.
Offering a very unique and experiential performance Gulaza quickly burst into Europe, invited to perform on known and important World Music Festivals stages. Gulaza toured internationally in: Spain, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, South Korea and China.In Israel Gulaza performed in main Festivals and venues: Beit Avi Chai(Jerusalem), Felicia Blumental Music Center, Inbal Ethnic Center, White night Festival(Tel - Aviv), International Sacred Music Festival, International Music Showcase, Sufi Festival, Tel - Aviv Jazz Festival and more