Voting Begins for 144 Contestants

A Jewish Star singing talent competition is well underway after a record number of contestants from around the world auditioned for Season Two.

144 auditions who fit the strict criteria were accepted to join the music contest – 77 in A Jewish Star and 67 for A Jewish Star Junior – the new division for boys ages 8 to 14.

“Without a doubt this is the most ambitious grassroots project in the Jewish music industry,” said Mica Soffer, Executive Producer of the competition.

Aderet and others in the music industry are keeping close tabs as voting has officially opened December 30 2010. Rating contestants from 1 to 5 stars, the public will be choosing 10 finalists and 3 junior finalists that will continue on to perform in the season finale – A Jewish Star Live Show on February 20, 2011.

At the show in the Brooklyn School of Music, judges Avraham Fried, Eli Gerstner and Mendy Pellin will be choosing 3 runner ups, and from them the next Jewish Star and the next Junior Jewish Star.

“The idea of this contest, that anyone can just display their talents to such a huge audience and be discovered in minutes instead of the years it would have taken in years past really appealed to us,” said Mendy Werdyger, CEO of Aderet/Mostly Music, the largest distributor and promoter of Jewish music and one of the sponsors of the contest.

Werdyger, who distributes Mordechai Ben David, Yaakov Shwekey, Lipa Schmeltzer, Miami Boys Choir and many of today’s new artists, said “the competition will bring an entire new dynamic and level to the world of Jewish Music. We can definitely expect a surge of new and fresh talent.”

The winner will be receiving a 2 year car lease of a 2011 Honda Accord from Leasing Direct, $1000 cash from Tribul credit-card processing services, recording a song at Ruli Ezrachi studio in Brooklyn with coaching time by Avraham Fried and career promotion by Aderet / MostlyMusic.com.

The winner of A Jewish Star Junior will be joining the Yeshiva Boys Choir (YBC), and will be receiving 2 flight tickets to Israel with hotel accommodations covered by VIP Israel, $1,000 from Tribul credit-card processing services and career promotion by Aderet / MostlyMusic.com.

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Elad Shaer - Leman Shimcha - Single

Only half a year has passed since Elad Shaer released his second album, Hotzei Mimisgar Nafshi. Elad is currently working intensively on his third album will be released iy”h this summer. Shaer will continue to write and compose the majority of songs in the album.

Last year, Shaer made an image change with exciting ballads singer considerable number of rhythmic singles, which became big hits. For example: “Eilicha” in prayer, Abba She Kulanu, Ten Lismoach, and more.

Leman Shimcha is a song written by actual prayer from Shaer, combining touches of works Yeshivish there are frills that made us miss falafel.

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Yoely Greenfeld - Yechadshehu יחדשהו - Official Music Video

This is the official music video featuring "Yechadshehu" from Yoely Greenfeld's new CD called '' HAMVORACH YISBORACH'' which is due to be released by January 10 iy"h,

The song was composed by Tuli Weill and choir conducted by Yoely Horowitz,

The album is produced by Naftali Schnitzler, and it features all new songs, composed and arranged by Yitzy Waldner, Moshe Wertzberger, Lipa Schmeltzer, Pinny Ostreicher, Motty Illowitz, Dovid Kaufman, Pinky Weber, Naftali Weill, Naftali Schnitzler,Sruly Meyer, Moshe Laufer, Ruli Ezrachi and Yitzy Spinner.

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Avraham Ohayon Releases 1st Single, "Haleluka"

 

Avraham Ohayon presents his first single since being a Top 3 finalist in the first annual "A Jewish Star" talent competition. Avraham's brand new song, "Halleluka" highlights his tender voice and shows a delightful musical arrangement in this wonderful song. The track is composed by Ohayon himself, with an arrangement and mixing by Yehoshua Levitt. Recorded at Yehoshua Levitt's Studio, with music by the Avraham Ohayon Band. Artwork by Sruly Meyer and photography by Avy Perez. 

 

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DAVID HERSKOWITZ RELEASES SINGLE TITLED AISHES CHAYIL

You’ve heard him both live and on CD’s as a soloist, but now David Herskowitz  is beginning  his career as a solo artist. Now he is launching his first original version of Aishes Chayil—a lovely interpretation that demonstrates his beautiful grasp of melody and phrasing as well as his sweet and resonant voice. The song was produced by David himself, and exhibits the superb ear that he has acquired for harmonies. You can find Aishes Chayil on iTunes on January 6th, Rosh Chodesh Shvat!

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Meydad Tasa - Gadol Hashem

Meydad Tasa is not a child anymore. He has grown into a musical superstar. Meydad, now a young bouchur he is ready to be re-introduced to the Jewish music world anew.

Tasa, is considered the prince of Eastern music, which all peak conquest possible. Now he is launching a new album entirely of chassidic music entitled- Gadol Hashem, where he shows a very natural pronunciation capabilities that were not embarrassing the great chasidic singer.

The album boasts ten songs that range from wedding hits, to slow haartzige, and even a song about chassidus. The velvety voice of Tasa featured together with the polished production which encompasses some of the best musicians in the country including the Israel Symphony Orchestra.

Musical arrangements and production on a tight won Yoeli Dickman , no doubt going to be one of the hottest names Hasidic music industry.

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Michoel Schnitzler and Shlomie Taussig in the Studio

Michoel Schnitzler and Shloime Taussig in the Studio Recording NEW songs for their Upcoming album

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8th Day Putting finishing touches on brand new album!

8th Day, Jewish music's new sound, (Co-founded by brothers Rabbi Shmuely and Bentzi Marcus) are in the final phase of their new album titled "Chasing Prophecy."

This is 8th Day's biggest project since the band formed a few years ago. The CD has many surprises, but perhaps, the biggest surprise for the Jewish music scene is that three-time Grammy nominee and Emmy Award-winning bassist Philip Bynoe has joined 8th Day and is playing on the new CD. Bynoe is best known for his work with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai and has played with the likes of Kevin Eubanks and The Tonight Show Band.

Jewish music critics have called 8th Day a fresh and totally unique sound, the likes of which the Jewish music scene has yet to encounter. (The great composer and music lover Yossi Green was heard saying after seeing them live in concert that "8th Day is the best thing in Jewish music's recent history.") According to lead singer and song composer Shmuel Marcus, this was some of their best work "because we really made an effort to challenge ourselves to make something really special and not just record an album just to do it.."

When asked about what inspired the album Bentzi, lead guitarist and arranger/producer for the band, said it was partially from all the experience and growth they have had as a band. "Thank G-d we've had a chance to connect with crowds from all walks of life with our music and to meet them and see them react and be uplifted in every town we go to is a huge inspiration to continue and keep writing new material."

They have been playing to audiences around the world featuring some of the 12 new album songs at their shows. With recent appearances in LA, Montreal, Texas, New York and Vancouver, their new hit song "Yiddish Country" was performed on the Nationally televised Chabad Telethon. The album is due to hit stores around Tu B'Shavt 5771 and available through Aderet Music.

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Brad Wallace - Be True -Single

Brad Wallace, is an up and coming Jewish lyricist from Los Angeles, CA.  Born and raised in Agoura Hills, CA, Wallace first discovered Yiddeshkeit during law school in San Diego, through shliach Chalom Boudjnah at San Diego State University.  After becoming an attorney, he traveled to Israel in an effort to discover his roots.  Wallace learned at Mayanot yeshiva in Jerusalem, and returned home to practice law and further his spiritual path.  He currently resides in Agoura Hills, CA, with his wife Natalie, and son Eliezer Levi, where he davens at Chabad of Agoura Hills, under Rabbi Moshe Bryski.

"Be True" is the title track off Brad Wallace's debut EP also entitled "Be True" - It's a hip hop anthem of positivity with a message of the need to be true to yourself.  Produced by hip-hop veteran, Sean T, "Be True" displays the lyrical talent of Wallace through his message of hope.

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A Jewish Star finalist Blesofsky Takes on Matisyahu

One of the most popular finalists of A Jewish Star Season One, Baruch Sholom Blesofsky, has put his own twist on a popular song by the most famous Chassidic Jew in the music industry.

Matisyahu‘s ‘One Day,’ which was chosen as the official song of the 2010 Olympics, is the song featured in Blesofsky’s new of clip, who says he wanted to give the song “a different feeling.”

He rewrote some of the lyrics and used auto-tune and other effects, with music by Shaya Lieberman.

“The proof of a good composition is when it can be sung in various genres,” he told COLlive.com. “I chose this song because it has a deep message.”

Shuky Greenberg was in charge of photography and overall production. Yisroel Sillman did the video production and editing.

Blesofsky says he intends to release more of his own compositions soon (like “Tell It To Them“) and thanked “all my fans out there for your constant support. It helps me continue writing.”

He said his composing work for Mordechai Ben David and his son Yeedle is “moving forward” but did not want to elaborate at this point.

We asked him what are his thoughts about A Jewish Star Season Two.

“Both seasons’ judges are and were great. Mendy Pellin praised me, so my opinion is biased. Avraham Fried - who am I to comment? He’s the best. And Eli Gerstner is a great choice because he’s a producer, arranger, composer and engineer. His opinions are well-rounded.”

Blesofsky was chosen by the public as one of the 10 finalists of Season One, but he says he’s not auditioning again. “Baruch Hashem, I got what I wanted even without winning.”

In Season One there were complaints that the judges paid attention to the performance and production of the audition and not only to the quality of the voice.

Blesofsky said its justifiable. “There are 2 aspects that make a succesful artist: Musical ability and personality,” he says.

As for tips and advice to new contenders he says, “Connect to your audience! Sing from your heart. Don’t be a diplomat when singing a song, save that for the interviews.”

VIDEO: Debut of One Day by Baruch Sholom Blesofsky

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Binyomin Moshe - Romemu

Download the smash hit Romemu by Binyomin Moshe, Winner of a Jewish Star 2010

Music by Freilach Orchestra 100% of the proceeds donated to Chasdei Soul II Soul Foundation,
benefitting the education of children with special needs www.ajewishstar.com/Download

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Yonatan Shainfeld - Shira Besimcha - single

Yonatan Shainfeld just released a second single Titled  Shira Besimcha and will be  on his upcoming album Titled Na’ar Hayiti. his upcoming album should be arriving in stores in the next 2 weeks.
 

Music: Beri Schapira
Processing: Eli Cohen & Yitzy Berry

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Benny Friedman II In Full Production

 One year after the release of his debut album Taamu, which was critically acclaimed by music fans and professionals worldwide, Benny Friedman has begun work on his follow up album. No release date has been announced for this eagerly anticipated project, but producer Avi Newmark promises that he hopes to start recording as soon as song selection has completed. While most of the songs have already been chosen, demos can still be submitted to avi@newmarkproductions.com

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Ohad – Min’ee Kolech - New Single

Ohad is back with a new single Ohad is working on his 3rd album Ohad will also be performing live at this years HASC concert together with Yehuda Green.

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Yehuda Katz –Hodu

   Yehuda Katz, acclaimed musician and undisputed leader of the legendary Jewish rock band "Reva Lesheva", stopped everything four years ago and made a complete switch. Katz and his band performed world-wide, produced albums and created quality Jewish music that gained international fame. Then, he decided on a change of pace, as well as sound.
 

   Seeing Israeli youth so far removed from Judaism bothered Yehuda Katz. So, he got together a few like-minded friends and formed a voluntary organization "Neshima" ("Breath"), a dynamic educational group that aimed to bring youth closer to the source of Judaism and Jewish culture formed by the Torah and Jewish history. In so doing, Katz joined the ranks of informal educators, but his love of music has not abated and Katz plays, performs and most importantly composes exciting Jewish material, albeit a might quieter. Through this Katz completes a "spiritual" turnabout, his latest music is more spiritual, inspired by loftier ideas. His performances, too, have undergone a transformation and contain not merely music but also convey a spiritual message.

   In his newest album Yehuda Katz goes solo providing an unusual musical experience. Those who see the performance will hear less rock; instead the music cuts through the usual cynicism, touches the soul and resounds through you. Yehuda Katz aims to carry you off to the world of Jewish culture, and he's ripe and full and determined to do just that.

   As a close protégé and friend of R. Shlomo Carlebach, Yehuda Katz was fortunate enough to spend a quarter of a century watching his teacher open hearts with his songs, his stories and through personal contact. Katz was blessed with an opportunity to inspire the souls of many through this rare approach to music, stories and Jewish spirituality. In this way he managed to connect to Jewish from the four corners of the earth.

   The first single now being released, "Hodu" generated an amazing clip. The day that the song was recorded, Katz heard on the radio of a struggle between parents at a religious school in Petach Tikva, surrounding their opposition to the integration of Ethiopian children into the community. This news greatly upset Katz, which is
expressed in the clip, and led to his having artists from the Ethiopian community join him in song and dance throughout the recording.

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