From a Window to a Wall is the U.S. debut from Israeli songstress Noa Babayof. It was produced by Espers’ Greg Weeks at his Hexham Head studio in Northern Philadelphia and mixed by Brian McTear and Itay Taragano at TRX Studios. From a Window to a Wall will be released on the Language of Stone he and Jessica Weeks head, distributed by Drag City. Noa will tour the U.S. extensively this Summer in support of the album’s release.
All songs on From a Window to a Wall were written by Noa and backing musicians include Katt Hernandez (Vashti Bunyan band) on Violin; Jesse Sparhawk on Mandolin and Harp and Margaret Wienk on Cello and Contra Bass – both of these from Fern Knight; Greg Weeks (Espers) on Recorder, Percussion, White/Pink Noise, Bells;
Jessica Weeks (Woodwose) on Flute.
Much is made about the lack of originality in music. “Everything has been done, and done to death” people decry. This is a very modern attitude, and perhaps more than a bit flawed. Music has always been a continuum. Styles and traditions are passed from one generation to the next to be cherished, replicated, altered or reinvented. Just as one individual looks to another for identity and support, so one song looks to the last for meaning; a place in the grand structure.
Noa Babayof does what many before her have done. She is a folk musician in the singer-songwriter tradition. She pays homage here, stretches boundaries there, and most often plays within the structures formed by the greats that preceded her. This in itself is not an easy task. Very few have what it takes to make it on a stage where what separates the weak from the strong is neither record sales nor charisma, but the greatness of the songs. This is something Noa is reminded of each time she picks up her guitar to meet the challenge.