Concert Review: Yonatan Razel

Yonatan Razel made a welcome return to Tel Aviv after a five year break from the White City when he performed at the Zappa club in Ramat Hahayal on Sunday night.

An interesting mix of young and old religious couples as well as trendy secular Tel Avivians packed the intimate venue, reflecting the kollel student and internationally-acclaimed musician's widespread appeal.

Razel's long-awaited return to the Tel Aviv stage was in honor of his new album "Between the Sounds."

The instantly loveable singer appeared on stage after his four-piece band assumed their places. In his own calm and collected style, Razel sat down in front of his keyboard and effortlessly entertained the crowd for well over an hour and a half.

Razel takes his performances seriously and his passion and love of what he does was evident throughout. The fact that he has spent years studying Torah was apparent during his performance as on a number of occasions he leaned over his keyboard as if he was inspecting an important passage from the scriptures.

His passion manifested itself into strange facial expressions that could have been interpreted as him being in pain, if it weren't for the huge smile on his face as he belted out some of his signature songs.

It was only when he was joined on stage by fellow religious singer Eviatar Banai that Razel really upped his game and treated the crowd to some of his most famous numbers, such as "She that Stood," "Katonti," and "Until Tomorrow."

It's no wonder that Razel has achieved critical acclaim and been accepted into the mainstream, with his infectious smile and spiritual presence on stage. Judging by the cheers at the end of the night, Razel will be around to stay, well after the release of his latest album "Between the Sounds."