Wednesday 9 June 2010

Ofarim and Winter - Long forgotten and obscure masterpiece album




I am amazed by how many brilliant albums from the 60's and 70's never got the recognition they deserved and simply vanished. In the case of many of these records, matters were made worse by the fact that the record companies totally ignored their existence when the CD format replaced vinyl. Albums that you could still find in the record bins for years after their release suddenly disappeared from music stores when their labels failed to reissue them on CD. Only the collectors who maintained an interest in vinyl and continued to own a turntable would now on occasion come across these records at the used vinyl stores. "Ofarim and Winter" is the perfect example of what I am talking about. In 1973, Abi Ofarim and Tom Winter got together and recorded their album "Ofarim and Winter" which CBS released (CBS 65436). Ofarim had earlier scored a number one hit with his wife in the duo Esther and Abi Ofarim with the song "Cinderella Rockefella". Tom Winter, a British singer/guitarist, who was previously a member of the Dutch band Opus. The finished album is a collection of 10 acoustic based numbers with influences ranging from British folk, country and cool American blues-rock, to elements of flamenco, Yiddish and Middle Eastern. Loaded with insanely beautiful vocal harmonies as well. While they both do a great job with their solo vocal parts, it becomes very clear that Winter had the overall superior voice. The few of us who know and like this album are very priviledged because we are internationally such a minute group of people. I think that every person who owns and loves this album has a duty to use their blogs, websites, profiles etc... to bring people's attention to it. Maybe one day CBS will recognise what a fantastic record this is!

If you are interested in this album, check comments for a link.

2 comments:

  1. Get this masterpiece at

    http://rapidshare.com/files/397156648/Ofarim_and_Winter.rar

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    Replies
    1. Greetings Walid, it is both thrilling and humbling
      to have this work praised by a musician of your
      talent and accomplishment. It must be something in the......memes? I feel very much "at home" listening to your 2009 album, to your live stuff I've heard so far, and even to Sima's live "attitude". Thankyou so much for taking my work into your space :-) Tom Winter

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