The stage production “Vechutz Mizeh Hakol Beseder” (And Besides That, Everything is Fine) premiered in November 1975. Approximately six months later, in April 1976, the official album was released, produced by Bezalel Aloni under the Hed Arzi label. Guided by the musical direction of Igal Hered, the project maintained the Workshop’s signature social protest themes while spotlighting Ofra Haza as a magnetic lead soloist alongside Michael Sinwani. The album delivered several hits, including “Chiyuchim BaBoker” (Morning Smiles) and “Neshikot BaYam” (Kisses at Sea), showcasing the Workshop’s unique integration of authentic neighborhood storytelling and professional musicality.
“In the latest record by ‘The Workshop’… one can clearly see the attempt to revive folklore with a completely authentic Yemenite pronunciation. On the other hand, in several songs, you feel a natural distance from the source and a quite successful attempt to merge cultures, thanks to the group of singers—including Ofra Haza, Michael Sinwani, and Moshe Arusi—who truly breathe the Yemenite musical culture. I particularly liked the originality of the collaboration between Bezalel Aloni and Yair Avimeir, as well as the authenticity of the classic material, which represents the folklore of an ethnic community.”
— Yossi Hersonski, Ma’ariv (April 11, 1976)
