00:00 Background
00:56 Meeting Yigal Calek
6:47 What made Yigal's music unique
11:24 Limitations on Jewish song writing
16:05 Bearing your soul
22:14 How Nisht Gedaiget Yidden was Born
23:30 What about songs that connectmelodies with "random" lyrics
27:00 What is a hit
27:17 Naftali Kemp and a letter from the Vilna Gaon
29:27 Stripping down the layers
31:15 A different interpretation of Didoh Bei
33:20 Involvement in production and arranging of the songs
39:24 Musical influences from outside the Jewish world
40:39 The Big Question
47:33 Centrality of Jewish song in Judaism
48:47 Ishay Ribo & MSG
53:57 Trends in music
58:00 Power of a melody
58:58 Technology and distractions to songwriting
59:35 How Yossi and Mendy met
1:02:15 Where is Jewish Music headed
1:05:28 Connecting different communities through song
About the Guest:
Yossi Green (born 1955) is a Hasidic Jewish composer of contemporary Jewish religious music. As of 2013 he had written more than 700 melodies[3] in the genres of pop music, classical music, liturgical music, Hasidic music, and show tunes. His songs have appeared on more than 120 albums and CDs. His clients include most of the superstars of the Orthodox Jewish music world. He has released four greatest hits albums titled Shades of Green, and a solo album, The 8th Note. He regularly performs at charity benefits accompanied by popular Jewish singers under the rubric "Yossi Green & Friends".
About the podcast:
Dive into the Heart of Jewish Music with Mendy Portnoy: Where Music and Soul Collide.
Imagine a young boy, one of nine children, captivated by the melodies of Shabbat prayers. In his mind, the cantor's voice wasn't alone; it soared alongside a full orchestra, transforming the synagogue into a concert hall.
That boy, Mendy Portnoy, grew up to become a world-class producer, shaping the very soundscape of Jewish music with TYH Music and Farbrengable Studios.
Now, Mendy invites you on a unique journey - not just through hit songs, but into the lives and minds of the people who create them.
Join Mendy as he sits down with iconic voices, from soulful singers to talented songwriters and industry insiders. Each episode unveils the stories behind the music, delving into the joys and challenges of the music world, and the individual spark each guest brings to their craft.
Peek behind the curtain and discover the fascinating people who shape the music that moves our Jewish community.
But Mendy's podcast goes beyond celebrity interviews. Growing up in a vibrant family led by an orchestra conductor-turned-Rabbi, music was always woven into Mendy's experience of Judaism.
This podcast is his quest to understand the very essence of "Jewish music" - its origins, influences, and what it means to those who create and embrace it.
Whether you're a music aficionado, curious about the industry, or seeking a deeper connection to the melodies that touch your soul, Mendy Portnoy's podcast is your invitation to listen, learn, and be inspired. Join him on this exploration of where music and soul collide, and discover the vibrant heart of Jewish music.