“Songs for Empathy” is a multi-layered creation that confronts it’s listener with a wide range of human emotions, centering on empathy, compassion, fear and optimism. Songs in Spanish and instrumental melodies encourage an awakening of the spirit and invite the listener to look at the world around him, evoking companionship and healing.

Nadav writes: “After years gazing upon the human society, I was left with a yearning for empathy. I asked the troubles of man- each sees only himself, and rarely softens to another heart. With these ideas in mind, Songs for Empathy were written”.

The world of influences Nadav Friedman comes from is vast and rich. After years in the Jerusalem scene as a drummer-percussionist, and formal education in classical and jazz music, he was drawn to dedicate himself to studying musical traditions. At the midst of the pandemic he travels to Boston to get a Master’s degree at one of the most prestigious programs in the U.S- The New England Conservatory, while teaching Middle-Eastern at the same institution. He continues to explore Turkish, Arabic, Andalousian, Cuban, South American and West African traditions, and performs in international festival in the U.S, Panama, Costa Rica and Australia. In Israel he plays with Andalusian Orchestras, Jazz and world music groups and had participated in the Israel Festival, Red Sea Jazz Festival, Jerusalem Jazz Festival, The Oud Festival, Mekudeshet Festival, Light Festival, Tzlilim Bamidbar and others.

In August 2023 Nadav’s debut album- “Songs for Empathy”, will be released as a mirror to these cultures. Advanced harmony and improvisation meets Israeli classics, a-symmetrical rhythms from the Mediterranean and Bach inspired horn arrangements. More than everything- “Songs for Empathy” area social, cultural and human statement.

PR PHOTO – Francesco Gargiulli