The Jews of Spain were given a stark choice in the year 1492: convert to Catholicism or go into exile. Those that left Spain (“Sephardic” comes from the Hebrew word for Spain) scattered to various Mediterranean countries, where the Ladino they spoke incorporated elements of the local languages. Gloria Levy’s parents, from Alexandria, Egypt, and Izmir, Turkey—both Ladino speakers—moved to New York City, where Gloria was born. Gloria learned the songs on this recording from her mother, who also provides the mandolin and tambourine accompaniments, while Gloria sings and artfully plays the guitar. Most of the songs are love songs sung in Ladino. Liner notes provide background information plus the song lyrics and their translation.

Track Listing

1. Quando Veyo Hija Hermoza (When I See a Pretty Girl)
2. Durme Hermoza Donzeya (Sleep Lovely Maiden)
3. Yo Se un Mansevo del Dor (I Am a Very Modern Young Man)
4. Dame La Mano (Give Me Your Hand)
5. La Vida Do Por el Raki (I’d Give My Life for Raki)
6. En Este Mundo (In This World)
7. Fel Sharah Canet Betet Masha (Walking Down the Street)
8. A Tan Alta Va La Luna (The Moon Climbs High)
9. Morenica (Dark Beauty)
10. A La Una (At One O’clock)
11. Barmeenan! (Heaven Forbid)
12. Minush
13. Ven Hermoza (Come, Pretty Girl)
14. Diz Y Ocho Años Tengo (I Am 18 Years)
15. Tres De La Noche (Three O’Clock In the Morning)
16. La Pastora (The Shepherdess)
17. Arvolicos D’Almendra (Almond Trees)
18. Esta Montana (This Mountain)
19. Fidanico de Yasimin (Little Jasmine)
20. Arvoles Yoran Por Luvias (Trees Cry For Rain)
21. Galanica (Pretty One)

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