By Shahar Masori
SAN DIEGO — Growing up in Israel and taking an active part in the local music scene, I can say with absolute certainty that I was deeply affected by American music. Whether it was country, pop, rap, rock, or fusion, my greatest joy as a kid was sneaking into my older brother’s room, playing his American records, and practicing those same songs I heard on his guitar.
Those moments sparked a lifelong passion for music and opened my eyes to the power of music, and to the potential it held for a much greater understanding and collaboration between the two cultures I so revered.
For me music was always a powerful outlet and a cultural exchange. Various Israeli musicians have managed to enter into the American music scene, and vice versa. Americans appreciate classical musician and violinist Itzhak Perlman, the contemporary pop sounds of Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai, and bands like Orphaned Land, which created magnificent sounds influenced by their Yemeni and Moroccan backgrounds.
Likewise, American music has profoundly influenced Israel. The impact of American culture is evident in the works of many Israeli artists who have studied or lived in the United States. This cross-cultural exchange has led to a fascinating fusion of styles and themes. American pop culture, rock, and hip-hop have left lasting imprints on Israeli music, creating a dynamic and evolving musical landscape.
Israeli artists frequently incorporate American musical styles into their work, creating a unique blend that resonates with both local and international audiences. The Israeli jazz festival in Akko, for example, is one of those places I personally had the chance to participate in. I remember the first time I was invited to play there; it was a small production that was staged in one of the many ancient nooks and crannies that exist in the awe-inspiring ancient city of Akko. I was asked to play Bach on a classical guitar, and next to me were two people playing the Oud, two others with a Darbuka drum and an American electric guitarist. The result was a really interesting sound and experience. It made me appreciate so much more the power of collaboration.
Beyond the music itself, collaborations and partnerships further enrich both cultures. Joint music festivals and cultural exchanges foster a deeper understanding and appreciation between Israeli and American musicians and audiences. Programs like the America-Israel Cultural Foundation have been instrumental in supporting and promoting Israeli artists in the US while also bringing American artists to Israel, creating a two-way street of musical and cultural enrichment.
Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Dust in the Wind” opened me up to a much greater world and introduced me to the power of lyrics, offering a wider outlook on life. For instance, the first time I heard the lyric from Kansas, “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea, all we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see,” I was struck by its beauty and depth. This one sentence so beautifully encapsulated so much about human nature.
The symbiotic relationship between Israeli and American music is a testament to the power of cultural exchange in a globalized world. These creative dialogues not only enhance the musical landscapes of both countries but also promote mutual understanding and respect. As we celebrate this vibrant exchange, we are reminded of the universal language of music that transcends borders and unites us all.
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Shahar Masori was raised in Hadera, Israel, and immigrated to San Diego in 2000, where he helped build a balloon decor business and raised two sons.