Tunes on Tuesday: Yesh Ai Sham (There Is Somewhere)

Why this tune?

I spent several years in Israel in the late 1980s and early 90s, and to this day have a strong emotional connection its music. This week’s song, “Yesh Ai Sham,” is one example of the work of Yoni Rechter, a giant of Israeli music, contributing his talents for decades as a composer, producer, arranger and performer. I heard him first with the pop band Kaveret when I was growing up in the US in the 1970s, and discovered more of his work when I moved to Israel in the late 80s. One critic described his influences as “Bach, Beatles and Bill Evans,” all of whom you can hear in this song, which includes many pleasing pop passages and some tasty sophisticated jazz progressions.

The lyrics by Anat Gov are also lovely, a simple message from a lover assuring their partner that “somewhere there’s someone thinking of you.” “I’ll sing a song to you,” begins the third verse, “a sad sentimental song / a song that won’t leave you by yourself.”

You can hear the complete track on my YouTube page.

Tunes On Tuesday Reel

Check it out!

Full track

Gidi Gov sings