Why Ten? by Yosef Gutman feat. Gilad Hekselman
Why Ten?, the latest release from bassist and composer Yosef Gutman Levitt on Soul Song Records, features the renowned jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman. This album follows Levitt’s acclaimed Soul Song, showcasing his collaboration with Lionel Loueke. In Why Ten?, Tel Aviv-born, New York-based Hekselman joins Levitt on upright and acoustic-electric bass, Ofri Nehemya on drums, and Gilad Ronen on woodwinds. Recorded and mixed by award-winning engineer Stefano Amerio, the album predominantly features Levitt-Ronen originals in a refined, melodic setting.
Levitt praises Hekselman’s versatility and expressive range, describing their collaboration as a journey into an atmospheric and deeply creative space. Hekselman, reflecting on the recording experience, highlights the trust and mutual search for beauty that underpinned their sessions in an old Jerusalem studio.
The album’s title, Why Ten?, references the symbolic significance of the number 10 in Jewish mysticism, specifically the ten utterances of creation and the ten supernal sefirot from kabbalah. Levitt invites listeners to explore these mystical concepts and their relevance to everyday life, infusing the music with a sense of wonder and introspection.
The album features a mix of electric and acoustic tracks, with Hekselman seamlessly switching between guitars. Standout tracks include “Rushing Rapid,” “Bnei Heichala,” “From Darkness to Light,” “Desert Days,” and “Arava Route 90.” Levitt’s transparent and soulful melodies are a central feature, often voiced in unison with Hekselman on his unique five-string acoustic bass guitar.
Soul Song Records, founded by Levitt, aims to create music that is intimate, improvisational, and profoundly honest. Future collaborations are planned with artists such as Peter Broderick, Yonathan Avishai, and Yagel Harush.
Tracklist
| 1. | Rushing Rapid | 5:00 |
| 2. | Why Ten? | 4:39 |
| 3. | Nigun 551 | 2:24 |
| 4. | B'nei Heichala | 3:24 |
| 5. | Desert Days | 2:59 |
| 6. | From Darkness To Light | 4:26 |
| 7. | From The Water | 4:10 |
| 8. | Arava Route 90 | 3:08 |
| 9. | Soul Spark | 3:59 |
| 10. | Neria's Farm | 4:09 |
| 11. | Two Souls | 3:33 |
| 12. | Walking In Simplicity | 3:29 |
Videos
Credits
Gilad Hekselman, electric and acoustic guitars
Yosef Gutman Levitt, double bass & acoustic bass guitar, compositions
Gilad Ronen, reeds, compositions
Ofri Nehemya, drums
Mixed by Stefano Amerio
Recorded in Jerusalem
License
All rights reserved.
Yosef Gutman’s modest, soulful playing radiates a thoughtful beauty, a bright colored land of sound. A sound that’s drawn by the quill of the soul, tradition and world music influences, something completely unique and ever changing. A music that is rooted in Jerusalem but draws on global inspirations.