Mor Karbasi - Ojos de Novia

The Guardian 60

(Alama)

Now based in Jerusalem, Mor Karbasi specialises in the Ladino-language songs of Sephardic Jews, expelled from Spain in the late 15th century. Comparisons with Yasmin Levy are inevitable, but Karbasi has a less dramatic but quietly commanding approach and a distinctive style. Her mother is from a Moroccan Sephardic family, and the set begins with traditional Moroccan Berber songs, with Cameroonian bass star Richard Bona backing Karbasi’s cool, reflective vocals on Hayken Juar. Elsewhere, there are reminders of the time she spent living in Seville, with inspired flamenco guitar work from the acclaimed Tomatito family on her own composition Susona. There are some upbeat songs here, including the almost funky Ijdigen, but for the most part it’s a delicate, sophisticated set, and the finest track is the reworking of Tres Morillas, a medieval story from the time when Jewish, Moorish and Christian communities lived together in Spain.