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Noa's self-titled first international release was superb, a blend of contemporary jazz, Israeli folk styles, and some pop that worked beautifully. The presence of Pat Metheny's production, with Lyle Mays' signature keyboard sounds and Steve Rodby on bass was just perfect.

Undoubtedly, she did not want to be seen as just a Metheny protege, hence the change to all new personel, but it is jarring. You wonder if this is even the same person, and not in a good way. There are maybe two songs on "Calling" that I can listen to repeatedly. Actually, I can't, because I sold my copy.

Fortunately, she rebounded somewhat with her next international release, "Blue touches blue", though I still prefer her first CD.

If you've never heard Noa before, please don't start with this recording. Buy her superb self-titled recording on Geffen instead.


Noa Finds Her Calling on this Gem   March 14, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I don't know what prompted me to pick up a CD, basically on a whim, from an artist I had never heard of. It could be that I noticed somewhere that Rupert Hine was the producer, a man who has always inspired me with his signature sound and arrangements on the keyboards and has always had the golden touch with the artists he produced. It could have been that I heard that Noa was an Israeli pop artist, which might promise a combination of influences that could be a refreshing change among the many mediocre albums I had recently listened to. The bottom line is that I am thankful for whatever divined me to become connected with this CD. Listening to "Calling" was like an epiphany of feelings and images that Noa, Rupert and guitarist Gil Dor so deftly painted on this canvas. Beginning with the first track "U.N.I." one immediately is impressed with the craft of Noa's lyric writing. Noa's catchy wordplay on this track points out that the "universe begins with you and I (U.N.I.). It reminded me of the craftiness of the Motels when they took the "l" out of lover and found it was over. The most heart-wrenching and thought-provoking track on the CD is "Mark of Cain" which could be the companion piece to Tori Amos' "Me and A Gun," if misery indeed loved company. The tragic drama Noa unfolds proved quite cathartic to me. It is indeed the substance we crave for in our music and movies... something to bring compassion back into our desensitized lives. Although there is not a weak track on this CD, which is a rarity these days, the standout piece is the finale. "Savior" is a lush and beautiful ballad, replete with strings, that highlights the full emotions of Noa's enchanting voice. It most certainly should have been a worldwide hit. I recommend "Calling" wholeheartedly to anyone with a head for intelligent songwriting and a heart for passionate, melodic music. I am thankful that vinyl is history, because this album would have been severely covered with scratches by now.


One of the 1998 albums I enjoy most   January 25, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Saw her at the Israeli 50th anniversary concert in Philadelphia. Never heard of her before. She blew me away, and I got "Calling" the next day. It's among a very short list of albums from 1998 that I listen to over and over again. I'm purchasing the other two right now.


Greetings to Israel   October 13, 2000
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

A very talented woman! I saw her live at the jazz festival in Montreux, and I was hypnotized. The percussion on this album is searching for equals...


Outstanding; Stunning; A Beautiful CD   March 28, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I couldn't agree more with the reviewer of March 13, 2001. This insightful pop-leaning but lushly produced CD is an interesting departure from the norm of stale balladry. I just happened to pick up this CD in Paris, France on a trip. Was in a Virgin store listening to some sample CDs and became enchanted. The CD has some middle east influences in tonality and subject matter -- but that only adds to the enchantment. Highly recommended if you like singer/song writers of the Joni Mitchell bent.