Soon thereafter, Raichel began recording in his home studio, inviting numerous musicians to participate, including many Ethiopian Jews, Arabs, Africans, and singers from Yemen and South Africa as well as Israelis. The experience opened his ears to the musical potential of rich ethnic diversity. Many young olim sought to leave behind folkways to assimilate into Israeli society, but some passed Raichel recordings of traditional Amharic singers like Aster Awekem.

After serving as musical director of the Israeli Defense Forces Band, Raichel taught music at school for Ethiopian immigrants. Raised in a secular family in Kfar Saba, Raichel first witnessed colorful customs from Yemenite families living up the street. This is rooted in a broader love for all peoples and cultures he encounters.

Fitting for February, love is a motif in Raichel's life and music the composer/keyboardist's biggest hits are love songs ' Hinech Yafah' (הינך יפה / 'Thou art Fair') from Song of Songs, ' Boi' (בואי / 'Come') and ' Im Telech' (אם תלך / 'If you go'). Since emerging in early 2003, The Idan Raichel Project has changed perceptions of Israeli music.

Idan Raichel, Israel's musical superstar of the decade, arrives in Chicago for two performances in February.

India arie songs 2013