Let My People Go! A Jewish & African American Celebration of Freedom
www.appleseedrec.comAppleseed Recordings APR CD 1084, 2004
Reviewed by Ari Davidow: http://www.klezmershack.com/bands/misc/people/

�Hodu,� in Hebrew, means both �India� and �Praise God!�–an appropriate double entendre for a community that thrived in the most benevolent of diasporas. This compilation of songs for Shabbat and holidays features a blend of ancient texts, authentic melodies and contemporary rhythms. Hebrew texts and English translations included.

The cost of the CD is $15 plus $4 shipping, available through Ms. Musleah’s website, www.rahelsjewishindia.com, or by calling 516-
829-2358.
.

Steve Newman sent in his CD labeled ‘Old Country’. He’s a British Jewish guy, but living in Manhattan and writing songs for pubs in the Big Apple. Hmm, A bit odd and quirky but some good tunes too. Available on CD Baby.

Including a Jazz and Blues Sabbath Service
[8.559436]
This new Milken Archive CD of music by Charles Davidson-one of the most
frequently commissioned composers by synagogues, cantors and Jewish
institutions, as well as by secular choruses across the
country-illustrates the influence and vitality of three enduring aspects
of the Jewish experience: the timeless Sabbath liturgy, the literary
legacy of the “Golden Age” of Spanish Jewry, and the vibrant folklore
tradition of Eastern European Yiddish culture.

Lazer Lloyd, who grew up in Connecticut, (not too far from here) playing blues guitar, now lives in Israel. Well, the distances he’s traveled in miles don’t compare to distances he’s traveled in life, but he hasn’t lost his interest in playing guitar, especially blues guitar,… except that now, he applies this music to Jewish themes. His band, The Folk Spirit Blues have released a new CD, Higher Ground. Lloyd writes and sings his own material. His music is basically in the American tradition folk/country/blues…with a twist of rock Yiddishkeit. For info, consult his website: http://www.lazerlloyd.com/index.html.

Chanukah Feast. This brand-new CD features 20 different traditional and original Chanukah songs performed by a variety of musical acts from the Washington/Baltimore area and around the nation. The Alexandria Kleztet contributed three brand-new tracks. In addition to Kleztet, this CD features contributions from George Winston, Chuck Brodsky, The Robyn Helzner Trio, Flory Jagoda, Jinny Marsh, Honky-Tonk Confidential, The Hip-Hop Hoodios, Lox and Vodka, Klezcentricity, and more! It’s all for a good cause! All proceeds from this album benefit Hungry for Music, a DC-based charity that promotes music and music education for disadvantaged youth. Can you think of a better gift this holiday season than that?
To order A Chanukah Feast go to www.hungryformusic.com or call their toll-free order line at 1-888-843-0933.…
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“Millie and the Mentshn” is a group that performs music along with stories of jewish immigration to the US. New CD released and available at:
http://holdthatthought.ws/
The group is based in Washington State.

The Cantors Assembly, the Conservative Movement’s cantorial professional organization, has recently released a 6-CD set of digitally
remastered recordings of Yossele Rosenblatt (including his Yiddish
recordings). The set comes with Hebrew and English texts, and indications
of original recording dates. In addition, the out-of-print Rosenblatt
biography by his son Samuel Rosenblatt has been reprinted. The six CDs are being sold for $89.95 or the set of CDs and Book for $109.95.
http://www.cantors.org/sys-tmpl/door

Rabbi Shefa Gold has just released a new CD:
“Shir Delight! A Journey Through the Song of Songs” which can be
ordered through her website: www.rabbishefagold.com

KABBALISTIC KIRTAN is a new Jewish musical experience, a fusion of East andWest inspired by chant from India (kirtan) and music of the Middle East.
Musicians on the recording include:
Yofiyah (vocals)
Lenny Seidman (tabla, frame drum)
Roger Mgrdichian (oud)
Joe Tayoun (doumbek, riq)
Amira Dvorah (bansuri flute)
Andrew Bleckner (harmonium)

Blending inspiring melodies, driving drum beats, and call and response
chanting of short Hebrew prayers and names of God, Kabbalistic kirtan
inspires a sense of Oneness and unity with all, marked by deep joy and even
ecstasy.

for information, contact:
Yofiyah at: 215-242-6677
cd@hebrewkirtan.com
www.hebrewkirtan.com

A new CD from Naxos, (Naxos ID 8.559434), has the music of Frederick Jacobi.
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra (1932)
Sabbath Evening Service (excerpts) (1931)
Hagiographa (1938)
Ahavat olam (1945)
Two Pieces in Sabbath Mood (1946)

Artists include Alban Gerhardt, cello; Barcelona Symphony/National
Orchestra of Catalonia, Karl Anton Rickenbacher, conductor; Patrick
Mason, baritone; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus, Joseph
Cullen, conductor; Brian Krinke and Perrin Yang, violins; George Taylor,
viola; Stefan Reuss, cello; Joseph Werner, piano; Cantor Robert Bloch;
New York Cantorial Choir; Aaron Miller, organ; Slovak Radio Symphony
Orchestra, Samuel Adler, conductor

more…

Homesick Songs. New album features songs about old-world cities, towns and countries. It features gypsy songs sung by Annette Ezekiel…. but this is music for the younger generation, being edgy, sexy and very vibrant. The Washington Post said “GOLEM produces the sort of music you’d expect if the shtetl were filled with punks instead of peasants.”… That gives the idea pretty well… it’s Jewish, it’s cool, but even though it’s about Europe, probably not for your bubbe. A look at the website will tell more info about music stores where the CDs are being carried. http://www.golemrocks.com

We just received notice of a new CD, “An Evening With Dave Cash.” This is the only CD ever released featuring the great Yiddish singer known for his humorous songs. Though he was world famous on the Yiddish theater circuit, he was a huge star in France. The selections on this CD are more representative of Yiddish
Cabaret than 2nd Avenue. Selections include a hilarious “Der Shere Fun Seville” – based on the “Barber of Seville”, “S’fallen Die Bletter” (“Autumn Leaves”), “La Mama (by Charles Aznavour), “Tzures Mit Hula Hoop” (Trouble with Hula Hoop), “Arain, Arous” (In and Out) and 15 other selections. Available through online record stores, such as Hatikvah music in LA.

“Golem’s new CD, Homesick Songs, is a party in a box. A snapshot of shtetl
life through the filter of a much younger generation.

CD RELEASE PARTY:
OCTOBER 24th at the Knitting Factory, Tribeca, NY, 8pm
Golem presents its new album, with an exciting bill of all new-generation
Jewish music: Juez, the Sarah Aroeste Band, and special guest Frank London
sitting in with Golem!

Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom, cantor for 29 years of Temple Israel of Hollywood, CA (www.tioh.org) just released a new CD. It is a collection of songs written and adapted by Aviva, and available through SoundsWrite. Cantor Rosenbloom writes: “The songs are uplifting and empowering, especially for Jewish women.” :
Contact: cantor@tioh.org or write to:
Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom
Temple Israel of Hollywood
7300 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

A new interview with Kenneth Kiesler is featured on the homepage of the Milken Archive Web site. Also, the CDs page now features the Paul Schoenfield CD and the The First S’lichot – Midnight Service Naxos CD. For more information about the CDs, please click on the following link: http://www.milkenarchive.org/cds/cds.taf

A new CD by Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Manhattan called TekiYah: Echoes of the High Holy Days at BJ. For those of you familiar with the experimental and spiritual nature of B’nai Jeshurun services, this will provide a wonderful way to get into the mood of the High Holidays. There are some traditional melodies as well as some experimental sounds. And shofar sounds you may have never heard before. You can hear clips of the music at www.bj.org/music_bj.html.

Seeds of Sun from Israel has a special promotion. You can click to see the
pdf .

A new CD of unknown music of beauty and wide appeal, early 19th century to the present! Original Music from Finland, Malta, Israel and points in between
clarinetists Eva Wasserman-Margolis (Israel) and Luigi Magistrelli (Italy)
with Claudia Bracco, piano

Craig Taubman announced the seventh release in the award winning “Celebrate” Series. The CD features 14 songs that celebrate hope and healing. Comes with a companion book of 50 essays. Essays from writers including, Theodore Bikel, Sherri Mandell, Leonard Fein, Jacob Pressman, Harold Schulweiss, Kirk Douglas, William Cutter, Rachel Remen, Rodger Kamenetz, Naomi Levy, Amy Eilberg, Joel Ben Izzy, Wendy Mogel, Amichai Lau-Lavie, Balfour Brickner, Shira Milgrom, David Wolpe, and Jack Reimer. For a limited time, both the book and CD The World is a Narrow Bridge will be
available at the special pre-release price of $30 (plus shipping). To place
your order send an e-mail including your name, address, credit card number
and expiration date to Debbie@craignco.com . This special offer ends August 1, 2004.

The Jerusalem Post, May 19, 2004 reported that the Chief Rabbinate Released an Ethiopian Music CD: “A Collection of Songs for our Brethren, the Immigrants from Ethiopia”, contains 14 tracks. This is an effort to reach out to the Ethiopian immigrant community in Israel, and is being distributed by the Rabbinate to Ethiopian immigrants there.

2-CD set & book. The 80 pages of informative liner notes are “a valuable resource on the sociology and musical practices of contemporary Israeli Hasidim and, by
extension, those worldwide.”

Voices For Israel: Chazak Amenu double CD/video has been released. Proceeds go to relieve the victims of terror in Israel. The CD contains the Solidarity Anthem, “CHAZAK AMENU: WE STAND AS ONE” and “SHIR LISMOACH (MALKI’S SONG),” written by Malki Roth, an Israeli teenager
who was killed in the Jerusalem Sbarro suicide bombing. OVER 50 JEWISH MUSIC ARTISTS are on the album singing on behalf of Israel. In the video you will recognize the faces of Jews from the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox branches of Judaism. The album contains more than 30 SONGS on the themes of Israel, Jewish unity, and the enduring hope for peace with arrangements by “Yehuda!” This is truly a solidarity effort. To get information to order the recordings,
http://www.voicesforisrael.org/. This recording, and its charitable effort, is endorsed by JMWC.…
CONTINUE READING >

Yehudi Wyner, a beloved teacher here at Brandeis University, has a new CD released as part of the Milken Archive project on the Naxos label.
Naxos ID 8.559423

THE MIRROR SUITE, from music for the play by Isaac Bashevis Singer (1972-3)
PASSOVER OFFERING (1959)
TANTS UN MAYSELE (1981)

Featuring: Richard Stoltzman, clarinet; Carol Wincenc, flute; Daniel Stepner, violin; Jennifer Langham and Ronald Thomas, cello; James Guttman, double bass; Bruce Creditor, clarinet; David Taylor, bass trombone; Robert Shulz, percussion; Carol Meyer, soprano; Judi Brown Kirchner, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Kirchner, tenor; Richard Lalli, baritone; Yehudi Wyner, speaker and piano.

This release features world-premiere recordings of three evocative works by leading contemporary composer Yehudi Wyner. The Mirror, a play by Isaac Bashevis Singer, explores the interior life of a Jewish woman living in a small eastern European town.…
CONTINUE READING >

Milken Archive Releases
CANTOR BENZION MILLER SINGS CANTORIAL CONCERT MASTERPIECES
Naxos ID 8.559416

Featuring: Cantor Benzion Miller, Barcelona Symphony Orchestra/National Orchestra of Catalonia, conductor Elli Jaffe, Vienna Boys Choir, Chorus Viennensis

This recording of cantorial concert masterpieces celebrates a unique genre of Jewish sacred music that embodies the virtuoso cantorial tradition. With a blend of brilliant vocal technique and deep spirituality that is a prerequisite for performance of this demanding repertoire, tenor Benzion Miller, a renowned fourth-generation cantor dedicated to perpetuating this legacy, brings to life treasures from the “Golden Age” of cantor-composers in America (1920s-1940s), in completely new recordings with full symphony orchestra. Such legendary figures as David Roitman, David Kusevitsky, Moshe Ganchoff, Leib Glantz and Israel Schorr, among others, are represented by these sophisticated settings of liturgical texts that were intended for concert performance rather than rendition of prayer in the synagogue.…
CONTINUE READING >

2 CDs set of Rare Cantorials on sale through the month of May for $17.98 .
through Hatikvah music http://www.hatikvahmusic.com
This 2 CD set features some of the greatest cantors from the Golden Age of
Chazunot. Most of these cantors have been available on CD only on compilations, and many have NEVER been available on an any CD until now.
This 2 CD set consisting of approximately an hour and a half features the
following Cantors:
Kapov-Kagan, Alter Yehiel Karniol, David Roitman, Shlomo Rothstein, Moshe
Surkis, Zvee Aroni, Herman Borenstein, Shlomo Pinkasovitz, Leon Cortilli,
Alexander Sirota, Leib Glantz, Berele Chagy, and Shlomo Kupfer.

World Music Network in London will release the first CD by SUKKE, a European
klezmer band, on June 28, 2004, worldwide. SUKKE is:
Merlin Shepherd (England) clarinet, mandola and backing-vocals
Sanne Moericke (Netherlands) accordion and backing-vocals
Heiko Lehmann (Germany) upright bass, guitar and vocals

The CD contains traditional and new original instrumental repertoire as well
as new original songs with Yiddish and English lyrics by Toronto-based
avantgardist Michael Wex. For more details please visit www.sukke.de

Khupe’s first CD, a live recording from 1999, is available in the US. It’s called ‘Mit der kale tantsn’. Available through CD Baby.
http://www.cdbaby.com/khupe2

TV Matters has a new production recorded live in Amsterdam’s historic, 17th Century, Portuguese Synagogue. The concert features three of the world’s greatest cantors in a program of inspiring Jewish secular and religious song. Performing with a 46 piece orchestra and 16 voice choir are Alberto Mizrahi of the renowned Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago, Naftali Herstik of Great Synagogue Jerusalem and Benzion Miller of Young Israel Beth-El of Borough Park, New York. To purchase the CD or DVD of CANTORS: A FAITH IN SONG on CD or DVD or to find out more about up-coming tours, please visit the cantors at http://www.thecantors.com

Nikitov – “Amulet” (Chamsa Records)
The Dutch/American band’s first CD release. Beautifully sung
Yiddish classics interpreted by Nikitov with pronounced Eastern
Euorpean, Gypsy jazz and Turkish flavorings. This acoustic
quartet delivers spot on rhythm with energetic improvisations to
create a sound that is completely their own. Featuring: “Sha
Shtil”, “Mayn Rue Plats”, “Di Krenetse”, “Reyzele” and more…
Niki Jacobs (voice)
Adam Good (acoustic guitar)
Jelle van Tongeren (violin)
Jason Sypher (upright bass)

$15 + $3 shipping/handling
for ordering information:
http://www.nikitov.com

credit card orders taken at:
http://www.cdbaby.com/nikitov

NEW CD RELEASES from the MILKEN ARCHIVE OF AMERICAN JEWISH MUSIC
and NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS: DAVID DIAMOND and OFER BEN-AMOTS
For details about Diamond CD, go to
http://www.milkenarchive.org/cds/cds.taf?cdid=17
To read an article about David Diamond’s AHAVA-Brotherhood, go to http://www.milkenarchive.org/articles/articles.taf?function=detail&ID=48
To read an interview with narrator Theodore Bikel, go to http://www.milkenarchive.org/articles/articles.taf?function=detail&ID=46
For details about Amots CD, go to http://www.milkenarchive.org/cds/cds.taf?cdid=18

A new CD is out, called “Straight Outta Squirrel
Hill.” (named after the Jewish area of Pittsburgh). It’s about half swing tunes and half Jewish, with one video game theme thrown in there as
well. It’s all Yakov, all the time, on piano and vocals.
You can download a few MP3s at http://www.yakv.com .
Yakov recommends to “Start with ‘Eatin’ Kosher Chicken.’ ”
For only $7, which includes postage.

The CD, officially released today, April 21st, by the group of the same name, with Cookie
Segelstein (violin, scordatura violin and viola), Joshua Horowitz
(chromatic accordion, tsimble) and Stuart Brotman (bass, basy, baraban)
is NOW AVAILABLE at Golden Horn Records, www.goldenhorn.com.

This link takes you right to the page about the CD:
http://www.goldenhorn.com/display.php4?content=records&page=ghp020.html

MILKEN ARCHIVE OF AMERICAN JEWISH MUSIC
and
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS
announce the release of two more CDs.
The music of SAMUEL ADLER and ERNST TOCH.
For more information, go to http://www.milkenarchive.org/cds/cds.taf?cdid=15

“Israel’s 2nd Exodus” is recorded with the B.B.C. London Orchestra, a 40 piece orchestra & chorus. Music composed & conducted by Bill Berle. Recorded in England. Available on C.D. or audio cassette. The recording features such titles as “Tel Aviv Horah” and “Holiday Cha-Cha.” Those interested in the CD may send e-mail to: billberle@hotmail.com

The CD consists of old Yiddish songs, with new arrangements. It’s recorded and arranged by composer, arranger and pianist, well known in Russia and Europe, Vitaly Barishnikov; vocalist Marina Rinkovska and Regina Fridbourg, Konstantin Miclashevsky and Alex Spektor. The group plans another cd of Yiddish popular songs performed by internationally acclaimed singer-super star Svetlana Portnyanskay, who is based in Los Angeles. She has had a singing role on the sound -track of producer Steven Spielberg’s made for documentary on survivors of the Holocaust. for more information, contact:
Email:alex@ammusic.com.au Web: http://www.ammusic.com.au

The Ron Shulamit Conservatory has released two CDs of instrumental collections.

“Shulamit Rythyms” – Accordian Orchestra, Instrumental collection of classical music ranging from Bisset to Strauss, with several pieces arranged by Israel Edelson, performed by Ron-Shulamit’s accordion orchestra. The orchestra’s repertoire includes Jewish melodies in the Klezmer, Hassidic, and Mizrachi styles, as well as classical and ethnic music from many nations.
“One thing have I asked” – Flute Quartet, Instrumental collection of traditional songs from Psalms, holiday prayers, and Jewish liturgy.
Mail Address:
P.O.Box 43179 Jerusalem 91431
Har Nof Office: 30 Iben Danan St.
Tel:02-652-8531

Aderet has just released a CD by Zeesha Schmeltzer, produced by Lipa
Schmeltzer, called “the Songs of R’ Yom Tov Erlich”.

You’re Invited! Come! Shmooze! Eat! Dance!
Get your klezmer freak on!

Elaine Hoffman Watts and Susan Watts
the dysfunctional mother-daughter duo
proudly announce the birth of their CD
I Remember Klezmer-The Art of Klezmer Drumming
Please be our guest on Sunday, March 14, 2004, at 5pm at
The Point, 880 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-527-0988
www.atthepoint.com
and help celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Musicians: Please bring your instrument as we will be rocking the hell out of Bryn Mawr
the Philly Klezmer Way!
Questions? E-mail OyveyKlez@aol.com

Renowned Cantor and oud player, Aaron Bensoussan, has a new CD “East & West”, a lively mix of Sephardic and Ashkenazic musical styles. One can order this recording at, www.sefaradrecords.com.

CD with Songs by Alexander Zemlinsky (1871-1942), PAN CLASSICs PC 10162 (February 2004)

Songs by ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942)
Hermine Haselb�ck, Mezzosopran/Mezzosoprano
Florian Henschel, Klavier/Piano
PAN CLASSICS (PC 10162)
www.panclassics.com

Samples on website www.hermine-haselboeck.com

DAVE BRUBECK: Jazz icon, pianist and composer Dave Brubeck wrote this cantata in an attempt to heal the rift between the Jewish people and American blacks that emerged in the late 1960s, especially after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968…DAVE BRUBECK, BRUCE ADOLPHE, and more…

Khupe’s first CD, a live recording from 1999, is
finally available in the US. http://www.cdbaby.com/khupe2

Reviewing some CD releases of the last couple of years… and there are a few that might be mentioned. Here are some people might enjoy perusing…

At the recent Jewish Studies conference in Boston, December, 2003, Francesco Spagnolo gave more insights into Italian Jewish music. The CD will allow you to follow this new important area of research. Selections and commentaries by Francesco Spagnolo (Yuval Italia, yuval@powerlink.it). 42 tracks.

This is an extraordinary album with tremendous creativity at all levels. The poetry and music of Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman is a modern miracle. To have such splendid NEW YIDDISH SONGS in 2003, –in and of itself– makes this album quite worthwhile….

Debbie Friedman’s first all Chanukah CD

We heard much of this material at the conference in Yale last Fall. Now Brave Old World’s recording “Bless the Fire” is out on CD…

Lori Cahan-Simon has new CD is called, Vessel of Song: The Music of Mikhl Gelbart, which is being extremely well received…

Beged Kefet’s new CD….

Jon Madof CD out on the Tzaddik label….

Aaron Bensoussan, Gerard Edery and Alberto Mizrahi sing Sephardic standards.

New CD of Lenka Lichtenberg, original “Jewish world beat” songs, in English and French….

A simple, enjoyable way to learn the Bensching from the Jewish community in South Africa…

Daniel ben Shalom has a new CD, “Contempory original musical artist from Israel combining jazz, blues, rock and more with the essence of spirituality and soul.”

David Glukh Klezmer Ensemble released their first CD, which was recorded live, in New York, in February 2003.

The Dutch Jewish Community and the Amsterdam Synagogue Choir present two new CD Albums.

Sarah Aroeste wrote: “I have a Ladino fusion band–you can check it out atwww.saraharoeste.com
I began this project because there are so few young people working in Ladino. I grew up on the traditional music….

Bruce Chalmer is releasing a CD of Berakhot A Midrash Cantata

Hester Street Troupe’s third CD is, consisting of Yiddish Vaudeville and the Lower East Side songs….

Beth A. Schafer announces Love Your Neighbor, a new CD. She also has a new blog about music. www.bethschafer.com

Eduardo Paniagua focuses on poems from the Golden Age of the Sepharad in Al-Andalus, with Sephardic melodies and contrafactum pieces from the Andalusian-Maghrebian music of the Sufi brotherhoods and from the Moroccan and Garnati nawbat.

AMJ produced their first CD by AMJ recorded live at a concert given at the Geneva Conservatory, Place Neuve….