My Friend Hafiz Ira and Julia Levin Congers, NY 2013 release: “My Friend Hafiz” Top ten CDs of 2013 WFUV, John Platt + FOLK DJ Top 20 March / 2013 + Top 25 Artists FOLK DJ LIST March 2013 My Friend Hafiz is the result of a songwriter being inspired by a poet who was inspired by a mystic. Hafiz of Shiraz is a Sufi mystic from the 14th century whose 'multi-dimensional' poetry not only prompts an internal joy that promotes peace and, like The Beatles, reaches people of every faith, race and country with a universal message of love. His poetry has been translated into English by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Goethe and many others, but in 1996 Daniel Ladinsky published his first renderings of Hafiz poetry which was followed by four other collections, including a 1999 Penguin Publication, "The Gift". “The Gift” was a birthday gift to Ira and so were the 10 songs that followed within the next few months. Ira and Julia developed the songs and the recording was a personal project that has reached their fan circle but with two new bonus tracks, it is now being offered up globally to promote a positive feeling that transcends cultural, religious and national boundaries with sweet melodies that reach the listener where they are beyond the lyrics. Quotes... “If you’re looking for music to soothe your spirit and lift your soul, this album would be a good choice!” John Lindermuth, Rambles.net ~~~ “The Levins folk music speaks the universal language of hope and compassion.” Serge Kozlovsky of Radio Magico ~~~ “The messages that The Levins provide in these arrangements (and by virtue of being seemingly rooted in Hebrew faith, yet drawing inspiration from an Islamic poet) is just huge for me, being Unitarian Universalist in my philosophy. In this music is a spirit of togetherness and humanity that is all too rare, and is so, so appreciated.” Review/CDBaby “The meditative nature of the material is meant to impart gentle philosophical lessons, each a much needed remedy for a hurried and harried world. They also serve to remind us of that old adage that says music and poetry can indeed be a soothing balm for troubled times. Credit the Levins for showering these ancient proverbs and admonishments with such enticing appeal.” - No Depression, Lee Zimmerman My Friend Hafiz’s tracks 1 Dropping Keys by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T19:15:30Z 2 Sun Never Says by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T19:11:45Z 3 Your Mother And My Mother by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T19:09:23Z 4 When The Violin by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T19:07:09Z 5 A Root In Each Act And Creature by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T19:05:00Z 6 Like A Life Giving Sun by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T18:58:05Z 7 Act Great by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T18:56:37Z 8 Forgive The Dream by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T18:54:50Z 9 Every Child by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T18:52:59Z 10 Troubled by My Friend Hafiz published on 2015-07-20T18:51:02Z
