Shmulik Kraus and Ilan Wirtzberg - Seeing Far Seeing Clear

In many ways, you can say that the late Shmulik Kraus was one of the ultimate bad boys of Israeli culture - he was hard to work with, unpredictable, and I don't even want to get into his personal life with Josie Katz. And yet he left such a strong mark on Israeli music that it would be a crime not to recognize and remember his important contribution. I was first introduced to him through "The High Windows", a collaboration with Arik Einstein and Josie Katz. They released one perfect and timeless album with beautiful songs like this one that appeal to all generations. Kraus was responsible for the guitar and melody, which really made the songs into gems. Another classic is his very powerful duet with Josie, "Again".
I chose this song because it really captures his strong personality and the fire within him, and how he quieted that fire with such lovely and gentle melodies.
Ben Shalev wrote this wonderful piece that gives more insight into Kraus' complexity and superb talent.

It was so narrow
I had to then
Spread my wings and fly
To a place where
Maybe like Nevo mountain
You see far you see clear.

A person like a tree planted on water
The root asks
A person like a bush in front of the skies
In him burns fire.

So my way was lost
My life was a mystery
Thirsty like a walker in the desert
For the word of truth
That has the power to give
To face tomorrow

A person...

Fire burned inside me
I went out to ask
For days I raged like a storm
I returned to my home
To find that you are with me
Until the way to the end arrives.

A person...