Jonny Greenwood, the acclaimed guitarist of Radiohead and The Smile, has joined forces with Israeli rock musician Dudu Tassa to release a new album titled "Jarak Qaribak". The album is set to be released on June 9, 2023, via World Circuit. The LP's lead single, "Ashufak Shay," features the soulful vocals of Lebanese singer Rashid Al Najjar and is available for streaming now.
"Jarak Qaribak" was co-produced by Greenwood and Tassa and mixed by Nigel Godrich, a longtime collaborator of Radiohead. According to a press release, the album's title translates to "Your Neighbor Is Your Friend," a message that speaks to the power of community and unity.
The album is a beautiful fusion of cultures, featuring an array of talented vocalists from across the Middle East and North Africa. Egyptian singer Ahmed Doma, Palestinian singer Nour Freteikh, Moraccan vocalist Mohssine Salaheddine, Dubai's Safae Essafi, and Iraqi singer Karrar Alsaedi are just a few of the talented artists who have contributed to the album.
This collaboration is not the first time that Greenwood and Tassa have worked together. Greenwood previously played on Tassa's 2009 album, "Basof Mitraglim Le'Hakol," and Tassa opened for Radiohead during their 2017 tour.
Greenwood is known for his innovative approach to music and has previously collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Paul Thomas Anderson to Krzysztof Penderecki. Tassa is also a prolific musician and has released numerous albums throughout his career.
With their unique blend of musical styles, Greenwood and Tassa are sure to create something truly special with "Jarak Qaribak". Fans of both artists are eagerly anticipating the release of this highly anticipated album, and it is sure to be one of the standout records of the year.