Jewish World Review August 15, 2000 /14 Menachem-Av, 5760
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Matthew S. Robinson
http://www.jewishworldreview.com --
HOW DOES a girl go from the lowest point on earth to the
stratosphere in less that 20 years?
Ask Michal Tarbow.
Born on a kibbutz in Israel where her father inoculated turkeys, Michal moved
to New York, where she has hopefully found a way to avoid turkeys altogether.
Instead of pushing her music heavily in one giant effort, Michal has chosen
the path of patience, developing her career over time in the hopes of adding
longevity instead of quick-passing legacy.
“I’d rather grow my career and have it last than have flash-in-the-pan
success,” says the savvy 19-year-old.
Though Michal was raised in New York, her heritage plays a role in her life
and career.
“I was named for some wife of King David,” Michal recalls. “It was a popular
name in Israel when I was born.”
Though she was often nominally confused for boys named Michael, Michal has
grown into her name as well as she has grown into her musical talent.
“I looked at it as a curse,” she says, “but now I value individuality more,
so it’s a cool name.” Michal’s parents came to Israel during a globe-trotting voyage of
self-discovery, a path Michal admits to being in the midst of now.
Spirituality is an important element of Michal’s life and that of her
family.
“Music has been everything for me so far,” Michal maintains. “Having grown up
surrounded by the arts, it never occurred to me that I’d be doing anything
else than what I’m doing.”
And what she’s doing is pretty significant. Her new album, Sky with Stars,
was recently released on RPM Records, a Columbia imprint whose catalog also
includes the legendary Tony Bennett.
“It’s wonderful company to be in,” Michal says. “It’s totally humbling. I
only hope that I can achieve such greatness and such a long career.”
Michal’s own career began when she took up classical piano at age six. In
high school, Michal could not get into a choral group, so she keyed her way
into a position as accompanist. Michal also drummed up a position in the
school band. It was not until she picked up a guitar, however, that her
musical muse truly began to speak to her.
“I was able to find a new outlet in the rock scene,” Michal explains. “When I
discovered the downtown music scene, I finally found a place where I fit in.”
Michal has since graduated from the New York club scene to touring the
country with other major artists.
“We’re really doing an under the radar thing so it will be a process,” she
explains. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and playing and that’s
what I enjoy doing
From the Dead Sea to the Stars:
Israeli-born musician begins her climb to the top
“Judaism has always been in the back of my head,” she explains. “It’s always
there if I want to turn to it but I am still trying to find my way.”
RPM/Red Ink/Columbia
JWR contributor Matthew S. Robinson is a staff writer with Boston's
Jewish Advocate. Send your comments to him by clicking here.
