Ronen Green’s music merges blues and folk with that mysterious quality, that indelible imprint that marks his songs as coming from here, the strange reality that is Israel. In this multi-cultural mix, singing in English reflects Green’s South-African roots, as well as his musical influences, that range from Bob Dylan and Neil Young, to Jose Gonzales and Ali Farka Toure. His debut album Puzzle revealed a songwriter working slightly off the beaten path, going his own way, steadfastly optimistic in his acute observation of the life around him.
In Green’s new album, Coincidence (both albums produced by Tamar Eisenman), he goes further and deeper on the path he has forged. Singing the joys of being a Dad, or protesting the exploitation and hypocrisy of the media, Green’s music stands out with its integrity, compelling rhythms, the sweet texture of its groove, and its relentless optimism. For many of us, to live in Israel is to embrace contradiction, the stark contrast between all the beauty and pleasure this place has to offer, good times with family and friends, and the conflict that cuts through it all, the violence, the wars, the awareness that so many people live in poverty and fear, the lies perpetuated by those in power. Ronen Green sings about it all, telling “the truth that can never be said,” from a conviction that we have the power to change.
One of my favorite tracks on this album is the song Choice. Fast and fun, you’ll find yourself swinging and singing along, as the songs asks its questions – “Who decided time is money/Who decided who is rich who is poor?” – and responds with the inevitable chorus: “Someone made a choice for us.” Listen (and maybe dance) all the way to the end of this song, Ronen Green has a message for us: “we have a choice”.
Ronen Green will be launching Coincidence on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Tmuna Theatre (8 Soncino St. Tel Aviv). The full band performance will feature special guest Shay Tochner, with Maytal Michaeli opening for Ronen Green. Ronen Green- vocals, guitar, harmonica; Shani Shavit- bass; Adi Rotem- electric guitar; Stav Lipitz- drums and percussion. Doors open at 21:30, tickets are 40 NIS in advance, and may be purchased via this link. Link to facebook event.
Listen to Coincidence, the full album on bandcamp.
