The raspy strains of the ney, a Persian flute, give way to the swelling percussive rhythm of 35-piece Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon—and suddenly Israeli singer David Broza’s voice emerges with his beloved hit “Shir Ahava Bedoui,” fused with a popular Arabic melody. The collaboration between Broza and the orchestra that began five years ago with new arrangements by director and conductor Tom Cohen has resulted in a fabulous reworking of Broza’s boy-with-guitar sound.

The full, captivating renderings of favorites—including “Banahar shel Sevilla,” “Ha’isha She’iti,” “Mitahat Lashamaim,” “Hakol Oh Klum” and the more recent “B’Libi” (with Israeli Arab singer Mira Awad)—are infused with exuberant North African, Spanish and Middle Eastern flavors. Improvisations on violin, oud, flamenco guitar, banjo, qanoun and kamanche (Middle Eastern and Persian stringed instruments) wind in between the familiar selections in this album of 17 songs.