Vocal artist Yael Badash is the seventh generation to live in a Spanish-Jewish family and was born in Israel. She is the founder and main vocalist of the electro-acoustic folk band “Baladino”. Thanks to her activities, she has become a refreshing and internationally recognized voice in the Ladino tradition. Through numerous performances in Europe, Asia and North America, she gives old melodies a modern sound nuance.

The Chicago Tribune has praised her as an “unforgettable, expressive voice and virtuoso of her rare art.” Her improvised singing style is deeply rooted in her own multicultural heritage, which combines Western, Turkish and North African influences. With her training in contemporary theatre, she goes beyond the rare Ladino language, which dates back to the 15th century, revealing the rich oral history of timeless songs.

Yael has won several prizes and awards, including first prize at the international “Festiladino”. She also performed as a soloist for the Yugoslav composer Goran Bregovic in his project “My Heart Has Become Tolerant”, commissioned by the Festival of Sacred Music in St. Denis. In 2016, she released in Israel the album “Koferi”, which he arranged, consisting of Hebrew Bregovic songs.

Band
Yael Badash – vocals
Thomas Moked Blum – guitar

Photo: Bothor