Our second album, Keshoshanah, was launched in December 2007, to celebrate the group's tenth anniversary.
Featuring songs written mainly by members of the group, Keshoshanah contains 11 tracks in our trademark mix of styles, from reggae to lullaby. Members of the group perform all the parts - including the instruments - with only their voices.
| 1. | Shalom Aleichem |
Words: Traditional Music: Alicia Ambrose |
Tradition has it that angels follow us back from the synagogue on Friday night to inspect our housekeeping and bless our homes. We greet them with these words: "Peace upon you, angels of peace." |
| 2. | Shma Koleinu Hear an excerpt (460k) |
Words: Daily Prayers Music: Miki Shaw Solo: Judy Konigshofer |
When we ask God for mercy, we are united, and speak as one. We sing "shma koleinu", "hear our voice" to show that our voices have become one voice. |
| 3. | L'chu N'ranana | Words: Psalm 95 Music: Alicia Ambrose Solo: Andrew Stitcher Mock Trumpet: Lindsey Taylor-Gutharz |
"L'chu n'ranana", "let us sing joyously" - this Friday night psalm gets us into the Shabbat spirit with its lively rhythm. |
| 4. | Adon Olam | Words: Mediaeval hymn, Shabbat morning prayers Music: Alicia Ambrose Solo: Alicia Ambrose |
This hymn contains many of the principles of Jewish belief; it is one of the most famous songs in the prayerbook. |
| 6. | Durme | Words: Traditional Music: Traditional, arranged by Alice Parker Solo: Alicia Ambrose |
A lullaby in Ladino, the language of many Sephardi Jews: "Sleep, mother's little son; sleep, with no sadness or sorrow. Hear the words of your mother, the Shema Yisra'el." |
| 7. | B'tzeit Yisra'el | Words: Psalm 114 Music: Alicia Ambrose |
Sung during services of thanksgiving, this syncopated song recalls the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. |
| 8. | Y'kum Purkan | Words: Prayer for the community, Shabbat morning service Music: Miki Shaw |
This Aramaic prayer is recited in synagogue for the whole community and asks God to bestow blessings of peace, health and long life on us all. |
| 9. | Modeh Ani | Words: Daily morning prayers Music: Alicia Ambrose |
When we wake in the morning, we express our thanks for the day ahead. This setting of "Modeh Ani", "I am gratefully thankful", with its laid-back refrain, is reminiscent of a breaking dawn. |
| 10. | Keshoshanah | Words: Song of Songs Music: Miki Shaw |
This wedding favourite has been sung at a number of Kol Rina singers' own marriage ceremonies! "As a lily among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As an apple tree among trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons." |
| 11. | Harofe | Words: Psalm 147 Music: Alicia Ambrose |
In this reggae-style setting of psalm 147, God is "Harofe", "the healer" of broken hearts. |
Kol Rina are:
Alicia Ambrose (director); Jenny Abelman; Nic Abery; Julian Gilbey; Judy
Konigshofer; Daniel Roseman; Andrew Stitcher; Andy Shaw; Miki Shaw; Lindsey
Taylor-Gutharz.
Additional vocals by Daniel Eilon.
Heartfelt thanks to:
Belsize Square Synagogue, Andy and Jon, Steven Lindall, Kinneret Maor, Naomi
Alderman, and all our families and friends.
Recorded and mixed by: Andy Shaw and Jon Fiber, Shock Productions
Recorded in Belsize Square Synagogue
Group photograph: Steven Lindall
Cover design: Miki Shaw