The two big draws from abroad are veteran blues master John Mayall and New Orleans-born jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton. “Legend” is an epithet that is often thrown into marketing mixes just to draw the consumers’ eye and purse, however Mayall certainly warrants that description. Now in his seventies, the British-born, singer-guitarist-harpist, was among those responsible for reviving the flagging fortunes of the blues back in the ’60s, following in the able footsteps of other British pioneers such as Cyril Davies and the redoubtable Alexis Korner. The blues had been marginalized in its original homeland of the United States until the likes of Mayall, and later fellow Brits Peter Green and Eric Clapton, helped remind Americans of their own roots music.

Although he belongs to a different generation, it may be argued that the 37-year-old Payton is also a beneficiary of Mayall and his ilk’s sterling revivalist work. With his New Orleans background, one presumes the blues – the substructure of jazz – heavily informs Payton’s approach to music.

“I actually consider myself a blues musician,” says the trumpeter.

Although the average jazz fan readily identifies with the genre’s accepted title, many purveyors of the music frown on its use. “Actually, I’m not too sure what jazz is,” he says, adding a seemingly enigmatic line that is proffered by many of his professional counterparts. “I don’t look at it as styles, genres and categories. That is something the human mind does to make things more easily digestible. I’m a lover of great music.”

PAYTON COMES from a musical family and, from very early childhood, was enraptured by his father’s exploits on bass and once even on a gargantuan sousaphone. Despite the fact that New Orleans and its environs are generally considered the birthplace of blues and jazz, Payton says he did not specifically home in on the two styles. “I was drawn to music, period,” he states emphatically.

Caesarea Amphitheater in the site of the Jazz Festival by Flickr user heatkernel

Mentored by two New Orleans jazz masters (Clyde Kerr Jr. at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans), Payton starting playing music at the tender age of 4 and emerged on the New York scene in the early ’90s when he was still in his teens. He soon hooked up with fellow New Orleans native – and Jazz at Lincoln Center artistic director – Wynton Marsalis, and for some years was a regular fixture feature at the institution.

Payton embarked on a speedy learning curve, sharing bandstands with senior, established stars of the jazz firmament, including drummer Elvin Jones. That, says Payton, was a formative experience. He especially benefited from “the level of consistency that separates someone of Elvin’s masterful skill from everyone else. Getting to witness him play every night under different circumstances, every performance was at least masterful. And then, on some nights, it went beyond that. As much as a powerful force that he was, he was as sensitive as well, and a great listener and a great follower, which is a common attribute among great leaders.”

Over the years, Payton has alternated between purely acoustic settings and electrically embellished ones. The trumpeter says that this is not the result of any calculated approach – rather a matter of just going with the flow. “I don’t really consider it. It is the musician that creates the music. An instrument is just an instrument. It’s the person behind the instrument that creates the music. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

Payton is similarly laissez faire about what he will be offering us at his Caesarea show, although he did give some pointers. “I don’t know what we’ll be playing. I’ll see how I feel. That will be dictated by the energy in the space I will be playing. The people are guaranteed to hear some music from my [last] album Into The Blue and perhaps some previews from my upcoming release, Bitches.”

Mayall plays in Caesarea on June 3 at 10 p.m. Payton’s gig is on the following day at 10:30 p.m.

Elsewhere in the three-day festival lineup, local slots will be filled by celebrated vocalist Noa with jazz-world music pianist David Dorantes (June 5, 7:30 p.m.). At 10 p.m. they will be followed by French-Israeli singer-songwriter Keren Ann, pianist-vocalist Shlomi Shaban and jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen.

[via JPost]

Stunning views by Flickr user hoyasmeg

Towering over 15 miles of Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline between Hadera and Haifa, the Carmel range has always been a symbol of beauty. It might not be especially high, with a peak of just 550m above sea level, but you wouldnt know it from the change in scenery from atop this range. Ranging views across the flat coastal plain and onto the Mediterranean to the West, and the Alona and later Jezreel Valleys in the Galilee to the East are breathtaking.

Its higher altitude makes it receive greater levels of rainfall, giving birth to abundant pine forests, including the Carmel National Park. In Spring, over 650 species of plant blossom. And perhaps this water, combined with its strategic location, can explain the settlement which has taken place here for millenia. Today, a few pretty towns and villages adjourn the slopes of the Carmel, whilst the slopes of the far north are home to the city of Haifa.

View across Haifa from Mount Carmel by Flickr user exothermic

Haifa

Israel’s third city sits on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel, giving breathtaking views out across the Bay of Haifa. On the lower slopes in the city are the Bahai Gardens, which open up into the city’s recently restored German Colony… Read on about Haifa

Zichron Yaakov

View from Zichron Ya'akov across the Coastal Plain

One of the first modern settlements established in the Land of Israel, Zichron Yaakov developed as a result of wine, with the rich fertile soils of the Carmel making it a feasible place to grow vines. Today, the town has a pretty center through which you can walk, as well as wineries to visit, in Zichron itself, and neighboring Binyamina… Read on about Zichron Yaakov

Carmel Mountain Nature Reserve

Over 80 dunams of the Carmel Mountain are a nature reserve with paths and trails offering scenic routes for hiking and biking as well as breathtaking lookouts with views spreading as far as the Upper Galilee. Elsewhere in the reserve is “Hai-Bar” – a wildlife reserve where animals and birds which have previously become extinct from the area have been reintroduced into the area.

The Carmel by flickr user vad_levin

Bat Shlomo

About 10 minutes drive inland from Zichron Yaakov is the little settlement of Bat Shlomo. A traditional agricultural settlement which hasnt developed or commercialised, the village has some small art galleries, and old synagogue, and a great farm where they make cheese and have a small cafe.

Ein Hod

A famous artists colony on the slopes of the Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean. Ein Hod’s little streets are home to a large number of artists, many of whom open their homes to the public.

Druze Hospitality in Isfiya and Daliyat el Karmel

The Druze are a minority group who live peacefully in Israel and are renowned for their hospitality. Their villages in the Carmel and Golan regions, offer not only an insight into their interesting religion, but great food as well! Click here to read more about Druze Hospitality

Isfiya and Daliyat El Carmel are two such villages, located in the Carmel region, just north of Zichron Yaakov and south of Haifa, and just over a one hour drive from Tel Aviv.

The Druze village of Isfiya is located on the top of the Carmel Mountain commanding a panoramic view of the surrounding green hills. The village has a rich tradition of openness, hospitality, and warmth that is characteristic of the Druze community. Its special location and rich ethnic tradition and culture have proved especially attractive for travelers and tourists.

Isfiya was first established during the 17th and 18th century by Druze from the mountains of Lebanon. They were later joined by several Egyptian families, and in 2003 the village was merged with the neighboring Druze village of Daliat El Carmel. The two unified villages are known today as Ir Carmel.

The village has opened itself to tourists, while at the same time preserving its traditional Druze life style. The Druze are well-known for their warm hospitality and receive guests with smiling enthusiasm. The Isfiya residents are no exception, and welcome visitors into their homes, where they can get a close glimpse of Druze religious customs and traditions.

Visitors can walk through the narrow streets of the village and wander through the picturesque alleyways on their own, but it is recommended to go with a guide, who will add to your visit by showing you around and telling you interesting stories about the community. In the center of the village are several old buildings built in the style characteristic of northern Israel and southern Lebanon. There is also an olive press in the impressive ancient quarter where visitors can learn about the process of making olive oil and make oil candles.

The main street of the village has a lively bazaar filled with a variety of colorful shops. Nearby restaurants serve guests spicy ethnic foods. The colorful market is filled with visitors on Shabbat and is a noisy, festive place filled with exotic aromas and colors.

Visitors who wish to learn about the Druze culture from close up can lodge in an authentic Druze home or in guesthouses run by the local residents. Guests can enjoy traditional foods, listen to stories, and watch special performances of traditional music, song and dance. Those who would like to have a religious experience can visit the Druze house of prayer, the mosque, or in the Catholic-Maronite Church.

The western entrance to Isfiya has a beautiful promenade overlooking the view. Isfiya is a good departure point for nature walks in the Carmel Mountains nearby.

Daliyat el-Carmel is a colorful village that offers wonderful hospitality with a smile and is also very interesting. Daliyat el-Carmel was founded in the 17th century by Druze from Mt. Lebanon.

Daliyat el-Carmel’s colorful market, open on Saturdays, is only an excuse to come to this special place. On the main street dozens of stores offer their varied wares and one can get lost in the abundance and variety. Between the stores are many restaurants serving genuine Druze ethnic foods, bakeries that fill the air with the sweet smell of baklava pastries. Other food stands sell high quality olive oil, olives, pita bread and locally produced labaneh cheese. The flurry of activity, the colors, the new beside the old, and the village bustling with people are a multi-sensational experience not to be missed. The market also has a few galleries where cultural evenings can be held, alongside the Druze hospitality.

Apart from Daliyat el-Carmel’s main street, with its tourist center, on 22nd Street there is the house of Sir Laurence Oliphant, an Englishman who loved the Holy Land and moved here in 1880 to help the Jews during the period of the First Aliya wave of immigration. Today his house serves as a military memorial to village residents who served in the Israel Defense Forces and gave their lives for their country. The front courtyard of the house is a plaza that overlooks the slopes of the Carmel hills.

The Druze heritage house is on 8th Street and houses an exhibit about the Druze lifestyle. One can also just wander around the village to no specific place; walk through the narrow passageways that wind their way between old houses, prayer halls and holy sites, beside olive oil presses, textile workshops and art galleries.

In recent years the villagers have begun hosting groups in their homes, and such a visit offers a glimpse of their houses, culture and tradition. The local residents offer tourists and genuine ethnic foods, wear their traditional clothes, tell stories about the Druze heritage and there are even guest houses designed with an authentic Druze décor.

If you get the chance, the Druze villages of Israel are a fascinating place to stop off and visit. Here we’ve focussed on two villages, although other examples include Majdal Shams, Buq’ata and Ein Qinya.

Maps: Isfiya & Daliyat el Karmel,  Majdal Shams, Buq’ata, Ein Qinya

Quotes: Haaretz

Although Zichron Yaakov isn’t strictly on the coastal plain, this town in the Carmel Hills was one of the first to be established by the Baron Rothschild. With wineries, and a restored main street lined with cafes and restaurants, Zichron Ya’akov is a cool place for a walk and meal. At the end of the street, the First Aliya Museum gives a fascinating overview of the pioneers from Europe who established this town over a hundred years ago.

Wineries

Zichron Yaakov is home to the Carmel Winery, one of Israel’s oldest wineries who have a  visitors center.

Also near the town are the famous wineries of Tishbi and Binyamina who also have visitor centers. Click here to find out more about visiting wineries in Israel

Nearby

Mount Carmel is full of  other places to visit including:

• The traditional village of Bat Shlomo
• The artists colony of Ein Hod
• The Carmel Forest Nature Reserve
• The Druze villages of Isfiya and Daliyat el Karmel

]]> http://www.touristisrael.com/zichron-yaakov/431/feed/ 0 http://www.touristisrael.com/caesarea/429/ http://www.touristisrael.com/caesarea/429/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:18:35 +0000 admin http://touristisrael.com/wordpress/?p=429 Ancient ruins sit next to some of Israel’s most impressive residences.

The Caesarea Aquaduct by Flickr user Novecentino

The ancient Herodian port city of Caesarea has been restored recently to create one of Israel’s most attractive and fascinating archaeological sites. The restored amphitheater in Caesarea hosts concerts of all varieties, whilst the restored Old City has a few seafood restaurants. The new town of Caesarea is a luxurious neighborhood of villas, whose beach, the Aquaduct Beach is one of Israel’s most impressive.

Caesarea National Park

Caesarea National Park is one of, if not Israel’s, most impressive archaeological site. The beautifully restored built by King Herod is a cool place to explore and see an interesting multimedia display. Within the park, the Amphitheater, also restored, regularly hosts concerts of both local, and international acts. The site has an interactive museum detailing the history of the site which is really worth visiting whether or not you are an archaelogy buff!

Flags fly at Caesarea National Park by Flickr user xdmag

The Park is also home to a unique museum, the world’s only underwater museum where you are able to dive through the underwater ruins of this ancient city. Wow! For more call the Caesarea Dive Club (04-6265898).

The Harbor Beach is located within the Park although you can enter seperately, and is totally unique in its setting, with superb facilities.

Aquaduct

The Caesarea Aquaduct Beach might not be the best for bathing, but is magnificent with an ancient aquaduct marking the edge of the beach. There is no life guard here, and it does get busy, but it is worlds away from the beaches further south with a more rural surround.

Caesarea Amphitheater where concerts are held in the summer by Flickr user heatkernel

Ralli Museum

Also in Caesarea is the Ralli Museum, one of four museums around the world funded by philanthropist Harry Recanti. The two galleries at Caesarea focus on Latin American and Sephardic Jewish artwork. The museum is free to enter and has some fantastic pieces so if you’re in the area, and cant resist the urge to see some art, this is the place to go.

And also…

In the neighboring city of Hadera is a great park called Orange Path. It is a 2 acre park with oranges. There are activities for kids and adults, or just a great place to relax.

Where to eat

All this is likely to get your appetite going, and the restaurants at the Caesarea Harbor (the local name for the archaeological site) may be the way to fix this! They are fairly expensive seafood restaurants. Having said this, they are pretty good, with an awesome location overlooking the Mediterranean.

Regarded by some as a suburb to the north of Tel Aviv, Herzliya is a city in its own right. Herzliya Pituach, the coastal neighborhood of this city, is one of Israel’s most exclusive, with ambassadors and industrialists among its residents. Fine restaurants as well as the nice beach and upscale atmosphere make this a great place to relax, near Tel Aviv.

What can I do?

The main attraction of Herzliya for most people is the beach. Whilst it isn’t Israel’s best beach, Herzliya’s beach is clean and attractive, and has a life guard. It does get busy at week-ends but is a great place to spend an afternoon out of the bustle of Tel Aviv (only 20 minutes away)

The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art art is often overlooked but is a great collection of modern pieces.

And you can stay fit…

The lack of hustle and bustle in comparison to Tel Aviv makes Herzliya a great place to get active. Jogging and cycling could be easier and

Just north of Herzliya, in Gaash is one of Israel’s two golf courses – a nine hole course.

And eat well!

Herzliya has a large number of trendy restaurants, largely in the Industrial Zone. Whilst this sounds very unattractive, Herzliya Industrial Zone consists of glass office buildings in which are offices of international hi-tech and venture capital firms. Some of the best

The Herzliya Marina complex also has a great selection of restaurants.

Sleep…

Herzliya has a few resort-style hotels along its coastline. None of these are anything special unless you wish to be based here instead of the bustle of Tel Aviv. This is set to change in a couple of years, however, when Nobu, the Robert De-Niro owned leisure chain will open its first hotel,

Shop…

Herzliya Marina has a shopping mall although it contains the same stores as most of Israel’s malls.

Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline stretches from the border with Gaza in the south, north-wards, incorporating the major cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, before ending at Israel’s northern border. The Coastal plain, as the coastal area and that just inland, is known as, includes a high proportion of Israel’s population, as well as some of the country’s coolest sites and activities. Just inland between the cities of Hadera and Haifa lies Mount Carmel, with quaint towns and villages, wineries, and a nature reserve.

There are three really cool places to visit on the coastal plain, all between Tel Aviv and Haifa. As well as these, the coast is packed with cool outdoor activities.

Herzliya

Just north of Tel Aviv lies Herzliya. Home to some of Israel’s rich and famous, and the world’s diplomats, it is a coastal town with a beautiful marina, and beach. It also has a great art museum.

Caesarea

Half way between Tel Aviv and Haifa lies the ancient port of Caesarea. Now restored, it is a national park and archaelogical site. Interractive displays make it fascinating for everyone, whilst the site has some restaurants and art galleries. There is also the world’s only underwater museum which you dive through, and five minutes away, an ancient roman acquaduct and stunning beach.

Zichron Yaakov & The Carmel

Zichron Yaakov on the Carmel Range, was established in the late 19th century by the Baron Rothschild who established a winery here. Its main street is a living memorial of the early settlements of what emerged as modern Israel. Nearby are wineries, a nature reserve, and artists colonies.