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If you’ve never had an “I knew him when” moment, today you’re going to meet a singer/songwriter who you’ll soon be able to brag about. His name is Yoav. He was born in Israel, grew up in Cape Town, and lives in London now. I became friends with Yoav when we were both living in Brooklyn, when he was still playing CBGBs.
Last month he finished a coast-to-coast tour opening for Tori Amos – just Yoav and his guitar, no band. But as you’ll hear when you get to know his music, he needs no band. His debut album, Charmed & Strange, came out last week and you’ll have ample opportunities throughout this post to hear some excerpts. The most amazing thing about the album: every sound is created or generated by Yoav on the guitar, including the percussion and bass.
Check out my exclusive interview with him in the video below and watch as he demonstrates his unusual approach to the guitar. And there’s a whole lot more after the jump, so click on through.
Yoav demonstrates his chops in the studio
Official “Club Thing” Video
“Club Thing” excerpt:
To download a free mp3 of Yoav’s track “Adore Adore” go to www.amplified.com/yoav and enter access code: DiscoverYoav
Check out all past On Music posts here >>
Interesting. Definitely not my style of music, but he has some neat ideas.
posted by Jake Le Master on 2-6-2008 at 7:09 am
I’m not usually a fan of this type of music, but this is great! Downloaded.
posted by Amy on 2-6-2008 at 7:22 am
Just when you thought there was nothing new under the sun.
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing.
posted by bre on 2-6-2008 at 9:16 am
I saw Yoav twice during Tori Amos’ tour. The first time I knew nothing about him, and was blown away by his simple 4-song set. For the second show, I was looking forward to him almost as much as her. It really did feel like a “I knew (of) him before he was big” moment. Definitely a breath of fresh air, to hear something new.
posted by Caitlin on 2-6-2008 at 10:11 am
Wow - what an amazing sound. Thanks!!!
posted by Roger on 2-6-2008 at 10:35 am
Check out Tommy Emmanuel. He’s an Aussie who’s been doing things like this with a guitar for years, but is never, ever going to be the next pop icon.
posted by Ian EBH on 2-6-2008 at 12:18 pm
His technique is really cool. The songs are weak though.
I might check him out live, but I’d never buy his record. Songs come first. Trickery should serve the song.
posted by Tom C on 2-6-2008 at 12:31 pm
I like this kined of music ,its give you great feeling when you here his music …..thnx
posted by mira on 2-11-2008 at 10:21 am
Hey - just wanted to stop back by to say I just heard ‘Club Thing’ on my local station! I’m not saying it has anything to do with my request the other day, but still, the timing is suspicious, no?
posted by Roger on 2-18-2008 at 2:33 pm
It’s great to see how Yoav puts things together - I’ve just bought his album after seeing him blow everyone away at the LA show and it’s never off my ipod right now - the songs are awesome and they stay with you for days!!!
Can’t wait to brag about ‘I knew him before…’!
posted by seagull on 2-20-2008 at 3:34 am
Not typically my style …. BUT
The first time I heard “Club Thing” I thought to myself, “hey this is pretty different lets here some more”. Jumped onto iTunes and listened to extracts from a few other songs and then bought the album.
I have been listening to it since!!
posted by Serge on 2-26-2008 at 6:52 am