Alila Band: Israeli ethno fusion combines oud, violin and traditions of East and West

Alila comes from Israel, a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures. This young but already experienced band plays music in an ethno-fusion style.

The core of the group's sound is oud, the so-called Arab lute, violin, bass guitar and drums. Alila draw on a wide spectrum of sounds and styles. The result is music both ambitious and accessible, dynamically combining Eastern and Western traditions, Arab and Jewish music, and the Mediterranean.

The band formed in 2006 and recorded their debut, “At Isak’s”, four years later. Released in 2010 by 8th Note, it reflects the individual Alila musicians’ explorations and travels. They have also worked with local ethnic-music stars, including Moroccan-born Shlomo Bar and renowned lutenist Yair Dalal. From melodic Yemeni harmonies to enchanting Indian bass parts, from Balkan-Romani party music to an explosion of African rhythms: this is how local critics describe this promising ensemble’s sound.