Avitar Banai of the first album is kind of present-absent in the cultural space of my generation, who were born after its release. Before the performance, I tried to check the mood and turned into Amichai Hasson’s review, an imaginary review to my ears, which lamented the transformation of a Banai who sings forbidden songs into one whose performances are moved by rabbis. So yes, young man: once he was not a dos.
From the first moment you understand: Avitar has undergone a change
We heard about the album mainly through Banai’s own reflections: “I boil the water, floating memories, threatening to burn everything / There are drawers that I still don’t open, until there is more light in me”. The opening of the concerts heralded a change: Avitar is already in a different place. Already at the beginning of the performance he made it clear that the reunion was healing. He managed to channel the energies, “wonders and creations” as he describes the album, for a real reunion. During the performance Banai qualified himself and his enthusiasm and claimed that he is not sure that Halacha can be learned from his act.
Avitar Banai in concert. Healing session Photography: Marva Sharon
In the first part of the performance Banai performed the entire album, and in the second part a selection from his other albums. It is worth dwelling on the production: a meticulous band and no less than twelve string instruments. In addition, during most of the songs, an elaborate video art was projected that gave a garnet touch. The opening song of the album and the concert is ‘I have a chance’, a choice that in my opinion does the song and the audience no favors: you have to enter slowly to reach its heights. But this is the last bad word I have to say about the wonder that took place at this performance: a mesmerized audience, Avitar who gave his all and his excitement was evident.
Meeting, half meeting
One of the songs worth dwelling on is ‘Russian Theatre’. Avitar opened the first stanza with a minor piano playing, which in one moment broke out, in a chorus, and mesmerized me. This is also one of the few songs that I have changed from the original version: in his new version he wishes her not to be alone forever. From a distance it seemed that this was the most significant performance for him.
From minor piano to mighty basses. Avitar in concert | Photography: Marva Sharon
At the end of the first album, Banai moved to a song that did not make it onto any album: ‘The Water Tower’. Avitar said about it that it is a song that almost sums up the evening. “I was terribly afraid, I wasn’t ready, I wasn’t honest / I closed my ears, I turned off my eyes / I walked away from you but actually I’m always, I’m towards you”: these lines sum it all up. Afraid of completion.