This debut Pharaoh’s Daughter record revisits the early years of Jewish Orthodox refugee and world traveler, Basya Schechter of Pharaoh’s Daughter. There are echoes of Morocco, shtetl’s in Eastern Europe, and tabla and sitar from India. Also syncopated guitars, and sinuous flutes, penny whistles and crumhorns by Tracey Love Wright, whom Schechter met during college on the train platform at Columbus Circle. The album features a young and fresh approach to songwriting steeped in rhythm and melodies outside the usual Western chordal structures; full of yearning, melancholy and celebration. Guests include Adam Levy (Norah Jones’s guitarist) and Michael Viscelia (Suzanne Vega’s bassist). The album was produced by Richard Julian who has written a few songs on Norah’s most recent release. This innova release is a reissue of Pharaoh’s Daughter’s 1999 self-released album.
"With Pharaoh’s Daughter and their recording, Daddy’s Pockets, there’s certainly something magical and something synergistic happening. For a band that originates from New York City you could never tell, as their music is a hybrid of ancient Jewish and Mediterranean music mixed with an upbeat, city-like hustle-and-bustle aesthetic. The combination of all of these elements is certainly exciting. Daddy’s Pockets is quite possibly one of the finest and most unified band recordings, and the word band here is the key word, as this reviewer has come across very few ensembles who have the kind of togetherness that Pharaoh’s Daughter has. This is an excellent recording and certainly one that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fantastic."
Matt Borghi- All Music Guide
