Since I mentioned it...
A number of years back, I got a call from a singer I had been doing some work with. He wanted to know if I would be willing to come up with him and two other well-known singers to perform for the Jewish prisoners at the Otisville Federal Penitentiary upstate on the night before Shavuot. Although I was not convinced that it fell into the category of a "mitzvah gig", I volunteered to do it so long as he would drive me there and back. I figured that if nothing else, I'd get a good story out of it. As expected, I did.
When he showed up to pick me up that night, the mandatory sidekick all these guys travel with was along for the ride. I got into the car and "Sidekick" asks if I'm hungry. I ask what he has, assuming he'll offer chips, cookies, and the like. Instead, he asks if I'd like shnitzel or stuffed cabbage.
Turns out there are quite a few trays of shnitzel, stuffed cabbage, deli, etc. in the back. The guys than tell me that the real reason the concert was scheduled is so that we could smuggle the food into the prison. It turns out that the brother of one of the prisoners owned a restaurant and they'd set this event up as a way of getting the food into the prison for Shavuos. This guy wanted to "give kiddush" for all his friends. Apparently, you couldn't legitimately bring in that amount of food in, so it had to be smuggled in. I felt uncomfortable with the situation, but there wasn't much I could do at that point, so I just kept quiet.
The other two singers were driving up in another car and every now and again, "Sidekick" would check in with them via cell phone. (This will be relevant on the way back.)
When we got to the low-security prison, a Chassidish man in prison uniform comes out and motions to us to park behind the building. We park and get out of the car. One of the guards comes over and asks the singer why he parked in the back, instead of parking in one of the clearly marked visitor parking spaces in front. The singer tells him that one of the prisoners directed us to park there. The guard asked which one it was, and the singer replied, "oh, they all look the same." The guard first asked us to move the car, but since we'd already gotten out and begun unloading, he relented and let us leave the car there, even though it was out of sight of the guard booth.
We entered the prison, leaving the car doors unlocked, and set up for the show. After first davening mincha, we began the concert. I'd say there were about twenty people at the show. (There were more at Mincha.) Some of the Jewish inmates refused to attend because they were embarrassed and a few skipped the show for "religious reasons." It was a very strange gig.
Incidentally, the prison has a vending machine with "Meal Mart" deli sandwiches in it. And a Daf Yomi shiur.
It was interesting to speak to the prisoners. Some were clearly embarrased by what they'd done, but others were just as clearly not remorsefull at all. One guy proudly informed me what he'd done to get there. (It involved fraud with Govt. programs.)
Before we left, some of the prisoners came and snuck the food out of the car.
One of the most surreal moments of my life has to have been sitting in jail playing the song the prisoners requested, "Just One Shabbos" with its chorus of "Just one Shabbos and we'll all be free" as they all sang along.
Finally, to cap the night off...
On the way back, "Sidekick" was on the phone repeatedly with the singers in the other car and was laughing hysterically. Eventually, he told us that the other guys were, um, er, getting high and it wasn't on Torah. In other words, these guys (who had a reputation for uh, indulging) were stupid enough to bring the stuff into a Federal prison, potentially getting us all into trouble. Nice.
It was quite a night.
Note: Names have been omitted to protect the guilty.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
10/31/07 Link Dump (Delayed edition) - UPDATED
Inadvertently saved this as a draft 'stead of posting. So, here it is with some mo' links.
Orthomom calls on Cardinal Eagen to use his influence in "Church Endorses Message of Hate?"
Dahlia Topolosky has released Kol Nearim, an album on which she sings her children's movement lyrics set to the melodies of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. (Via Teruah.) Update: after having "Waddle Like A Penguin" in our ears all weekend, there's a 50/50 chance we'll wind up singing those lyrics next time we play the song at a gig.
Over at Tzelem-Currents, JR writes about a program bringing music to adult cancer patients and to prisons. One of these days, we'll post about the concert we played at Otisville Federal Penitentiary.
There's a new blog on learning to play tsimbl called Learning Tsymbaly. (Via KlezmerShack.) Looks interesting.
Ben Jacobson finally got around to reviewing the 'matics "Wonder Wheel" last week. He also reviews Lanzbom and Solomon's "Chabad Sessions" and Karduner's "Breslever Melave Malka."
We reviewed "Wonder Wheel" here and the Karduner disc here.
Here's an album we'd like to hear. It's by Shuli Rand, who starred in Ushpizin. (Yes, that is a mikvah. Glas he resisted the urge to put some greasy kugel on a fishook. Oh, nevermind!)
Bangitout.com reports Mare Winningham Spotted @ Ramath Orath. We reviewed her album, "Refuge Rock Sublime", here.
Sameach Music has posted a video preview of the HASC DVD they're releasing soon. This is a DVD of a live concert held in NYC. Judging by the preview it gives a good overview of the current state of Chassidic pop music. (The state is Nevada, more specifically Vegas, circa 1979, in case you were wondering.)
Ever wonder what would happen if somone applied LendingTree.com's concept and slogan to the Jewish wedding band industry? One of JB's friend's has done so.
So, if you've been dying to send your event information to some anonymous musician with no contact info on his site, so that he can try to book your affair, that's the place to do it.
There was a website aimed at Jewish musicians a few years back called getagig.com, I believe. The concept was similar in that they also expected people to give them personal information despite the fact that they also didn't publish any contact info or ID on their site, (although it was clearly unzere, as they say in French). That didn't work out too well either.
Finally, here's John Tendy's secret Jewish identity. Shh! Don't tell.
UPDATE 11/7/07:
One of the SimchaTree folks writes: “We are not booking any affairs rather we put consumers in touch with the orchestras, dj's etc. who can potentially give them what they want.”
Orthomom calls on Cardinal Eagen to use his influence in "Church Endorses Message of Hate?"
Dahlia Topolosky has released Kol Nearim, an album on which she sings her children's movement lyrics set to the melodies of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. (Via Teruah.) Update: after having "Waddle Like A Penguin" in our ears all weekend, there's a 50/50 chance we'll wind up singing those lyrics next time we play the song at a gig.
Over at Tzelem-Currents, JR writes about a program bringing music to adult cancer patients and to prisons. One of these days, we'll post about the concert we played at Otisville Federal Penitentiary.
There's a new blog on learning to play tsimbl called Learning Tsymbaly. (Via KlezmerShack.) Looks interesting.
Ben Jacobson finally got around to reviewing the 'matics "Wonder Wheel" last week. He also reviews Lanzbom and Solomon's "Chabad Sessions" and Karduner's "Breslever Melave Malka."
We reviewed "Wonder Wheel" here and the Karduner disc here.
Here's an album we'd like to hear. It's by Shuli Rand, who starred in Ushpizin. (Yes, that is a mikvah. Glas he resisted the urge to put some greasy kugel on a fishook. Oh, nevermind!)
Bangitout.com reports Mare Winningham Spotted @ Ramath Orath. We reviewed her album, "Refuge Rock Sublime", here.
Sameach Music has posted a video preview of the HASC DVD they're releasing soon. This is a DVD of a live concert held in NYC. Judging by the preview it gives a good overview of the current state of Chassidic pop music. (The state is Nevada, more specifically Vegas, circa 1979, in case you were wondering.)
Ever wonder what would happen if somone applied LendingTree.com's concept and slogan to the Jewish wedding band industry? One of JB's friend's has done so.
So, if you've been dying to send your event information to some anonymous musician with no contact info on his site, so that he can try to book your affair, that's the place to do it.
There was a website aimed at Jewish musicians a few years back called getagig.com, I believe. The concept was similar in that they also expected people to give them personal information despite the fact that they also didn't publish any contact info or ID on their site, (although it was clearly unzere, as they say in French). That didn't work out too well either.
Finally, here's John Tendy's secret Jewish identity. Shh! Don't tell.
UPDATE 11/7/07:
One of the SimchaTree folks writes: “We are not booking any affairs rather we put consumers in touch with the orchestras, dj's etc. who can potentially give them what they want.”
Friday, November 02, 2007
Time Fo' Some Mo' Peeps
It's that time again...
Here are some peeps we met at recent gigs.
"168 BPM Girl"
This chick NEEDS her freilach at 168 BPM or faster. If you slow down to 167 BPM, she's back at the bandstand, demanding "fast music we can dance to." (Yes, we did test to determine her exact tolerance level.)
The Rabbinical School Dropout
As best we can tell, he's either a dropout, or one of those people who stay in school for years, but never finish. To make a few bucks, he accepts a gig officiating at a small wedding for unaffiliated but traditional-minded Jews in a restaurant. Don't know exactly how these folks chose him. At any rate, he officiates, forgetting about the Ketubah, among other things. Good thing Rabbi Dm was there to remind him.
The Yeshivishe Translator
This guy gives a Dvar Torah in full-on yeshivish "Yinglish". He does stop to considerately translate two terms for his mixed audience. Those terms: Beit Hamikdash and Har Sinai. Considerate, but so pointless. We feel confident that anyone who needed those translated could not have understood the rest of his Dvar.
Here are some peeps we met at recent gigs.
"168 BPM Girl"
This chick NEEDS her freilach at 168 BPM or faster. If you slow down to 167 BPM, she's back at the bandstand, demanding "fast music we can dance to." (Yes, we did test to determine her exact tolerance level.)
The Rabbinical School Dropout
As best we can tell, he's either a dropout, or one of those people who stay in school for years, but never finish. To make a few bucks, he accepts a gig officiating at a small wedding for unaffiliated but traditional-minded Jews in a restaurant. Don't know exactly how these folks chose him. At any rate, he officiates, forgetting about the Ketubah, among other things. Good thing Rabbi Dm was there to remind him.
The Yeshivishe Translator
This guy gives a Dvar Torah in full-on yeshivish "Yinglish". He does stop to considerately translate two terms for his mixed audience. Those terms: Beit Hamikdash and Har Sinai. Considerate, but so pointless. We feel confident that anyone who needed those translated could not have understood the rest of his Dvar.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Fom the mailbag...
Naftali comments on "Book 'em, Dano - Organizing Your Gig Book":
It's not the same thing. I had the chance to buy one for $200 and passed. I’ve researched those and it seems that there is a large unsatisfied customer base. They also require you to transfer all of the files into their own proprietary format. Basically, it lets you view documents and add edits. It’s also an MP3 player. The build quality/reliability factor is not good, I’m told. There's a newer version out that may have fixed some of these issues, but I'm not sold.
This system doesn’t allow for transposition on the fly, as I described, and having multiples for each band member would be redundant, from a cost perspective. I envision a system with one computer (the bandleader’s note pad) with linked screens for the musicians. I’m imagining a tablet Mac with linked screens running a software system that is a cross between Sibelius and Adobe Acrobat.
For the moment, it would be more effecient to buy a dedicated tablet computer if one wanted to go that route. I think the technology is almost there, but not quite, and the software hasn’t been written yet. At least, I’m not familiar with a solution.
One of the big hurdles would be navigating transposition issues when transposing an arrangement results in some lines being outside an instruments range. Also, managing the different screen outputs.
There’s also no internet subscription service for sheet music like that available yet. It’d have to be 100% reliable. And, the venues aren’t wired for net access either.
But, while we’re talking technology, I wonder what will happen if the von-man-band set discovers Ableton Live? Instead of keyboardists, we’ll have DJ’s with sophisticated song marker setups enabling them to play a dance medley and jump to any tune, or even part of tune on demand. It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely doable, I’d think.
Hadassah writes:
E. forwards a link to a Dudu Fisher profile.
This computer system already exists....I saw it at Guitar Center. It is a flat screen (surrounded by rubber...I guess to protect it from the rigors of the road) and you mount it on a mic stand.I assume he's talking about the Music Pad Pro.
It's not the same thing. I had the chance to buy one for $200 and passed. I’ve researched those and it seems that there is a large unsatisfied customer base. They also require you to transfer all of the files into their own proprietary format. Basically, it lets you view documents and add edits. It’s also an MP3 player. The build quality/reliability factor is not good, I’m told. There's a newer version out that may have fixed some of these issues, but I'm not sold.
This system doesn’t allow for transposition on the fly, as I described, and having multiples for each band member would be redundant, from a cost perspective. I envision a system with one computer (the bandleader’s note pad) with linked screens for the musicians. I’m imagining a tablet Mac with linked screens running a software system that is a cross between Sibelius and Adobe Acrobat.
For the moment, it would be more effecient to buy a dedicated tablet computer if one wanted to go that route. I think the technology is almost there, but not quite, and the software hasn’t been written yet. At least, I’m not familiar with a solution.
One of the big hurdles would be navigating transposition issues when transposing an arrangement results in some lines being outside an instruments range. Also, managing the different screen outputs.
There’s also no internet subscription service for sheet music like that available yet. It’d have to be 100% reliable. And, the venues aren’t wired for net access either.
But, while we’re talking technology, I wonder what will happen if the von-man-band set discovers Ableton Live? Instead of keyboardists, we’ll have DJ’s with sophisticated song marker setups enabling them to play a dance medley and jump to any tune, or even part of tune on demand. It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely doable, I’d think.
Hadassah writes:
why the hell did matis leave chabad????? chabad was HIM ! he did soooo great......Psachya writes:
Regarding Weber's Flute Sonata - if you haven't already, try Patelson's. They're at 160 West 56 Street, about a block from Carnegie Hall.They've always been my go-to place for classical sheet music. They also have a website at Patelson.com . Good luck!They didn't have it.
E. forwards a link to a Dudu Fisher profile.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
But Is It Really Stealing?
THE LIFE-OF-RUBIN BLOG posts about a dispute ongoing on the Yahoo Jewish music board. In short, a musician posted a list of albums he's owned that were lost or damaged and asked for people to send him mp3's. Another music industry member responded that this would be stealing. LoR agrees citing dina d'malchusa.
I don't agree and I also believe L-o-R's assertion of Dina D'malchusa is incorrect. I'm not aware of an actual case, but I'm certain that if the RIAA filed suit against someone for illegaly downloading songs, and the downloader was able to provide proof that he'd purchased all of those songs legally (i.e. he produced a crate of his old cassettes of all of those albums), then the case would be dismissed.
Assuming the original poster has in fact purchased the albums, I think he should be allowed to make copies. Intellectual property is just that, and once it's been paid for, the producers have no right to demand further payment from the same consumer, unless they go to further expense. The fact that the buyer lost it is irrelevant.
Here's a thought experiment. I buy a CD. Can I import it into iTunes w/o paying the producer an additional fee? Ok, now I take the disc out of its case and drop it. It still plays though. Can I still import it into iTunes w/o paying? How about if I step on it and it cracks slightly, but still plays? What if it's broken, but I'd burned a backup copy for my car? (Which, contrary to many JM producer's assertions is clearly legally protected Fair Use.) At what point does the producer "earn" the right to be paid again?
I do think that if a remastered or otherwise (arguably) upgraded version is released, then one should not be allowed to download those files on the premise that he'd paid for an earlier version of the album. (I use the word "arguably" because, IMO, many of the"remastered" JM releases are a step down from the originals.)
L-o-R also presents a false analogy:
I've posted many times about illegal downloading and why it's wrong. I don't beleive this falls into that category.
I don't agree and I also believe L-o-R's assertion of Dina D'malchusa is incorrect. I'm not aware of an actual case, but I'm certain that if the RIAA filed suit against someone for illegaly downloading songs, and the downloader was able to provide proof that he'd purchased all of those songs legally (i.e. he produced a crate of his old cassettes of all of those albums), then the case would be dismissed.
Assuming the original poster has in fact purchased the albums, I think he should be allowed to make copies. Intellectual property is just that, and once it's been paid for, the producers have no right to demand further payment from the same consumer, unless they go to further expense. The fact that the buyer lost it is irrelevant.
Here's a thought experiment. I buy a CD. Can I import it into iTunes w/o paying the producer an additional fee? Ok, now I take the disc out of its case and drop it. It still plays though. Can I still import it into iTunes w/o paying? How about if I step on it and it cracks slightly, but still plays? What if it's broken, but I'd burned a backup copy for my car? (Which, contrary to many JM producer's assertions is clearly legally protected Fair Use.) At what point does the producer "earn" the right to be paid again?
I do think that if a remastered or otherwise (arguably) upgraded version is released, then one should not be allowed to download those files on the premise that he'd paid for an earlier version of the album. (I use the word "arguably" because, IMO, many of the"remastered" JM releases are a step down from the originals.)
L-o-R also presents a false analogy:
If I buy a car and it gets stolen, can I go into the dealership and just take a new one?This analogy is false because there are costs to the seller in taking another car. In this case though, the artist does not incur any additional costs.
I've posted many times about illegal downloading and why it's wrong. I don't beleive this falls into that category.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
10/23/07 Link Dump
The Klezmershack links to two podcasts about the Strom-a-thon. We'd linked the Forward's coverage, but hadn't seen Nextbook's. Listening to the Nextbook podcast, it sounds like Strom has little respect for the musicians participating. I'm sure he didn't mean to sound that way, but that's how it comes across. At any rate, this event is getting way too much coverage considering what it was, or rather, wasn't.
Speaking of the KlezmerShack, Ari has posted a nice review of the Lituanian Empire's debut disc. We met some of the musicians last year. Sound like it's worth checking this one out!
Still more at KlezmerShack... "Tango controversy !" It's nice that Ari's begun posting more frequently.
Cole Krawitz writes movingly about the cantor from his childhood in "Memory in Song."
Here's a blog for women who perform for women only audiences to share information.
Finally, check out this drummer's strong backbeat!
Speaking of the KlezmerShack, Ari has posted a nice review of the Lituanian Empire's debut disc. We met some of the musicians last year. Sound like it's worth checking this one out!
Still more at KlezmerShack... "Tango controversy !" It's nice that Ari's begun posting more frequently.
Cole Krawitz writes movingly about the cantor from his childhood in "Memory in Song."
Here's a blog for women who perform for women only audiences to share information.
Finally, check out this drummer's strong backbeat!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Book 'em, Dano - Organizing Your Gig Book
I've been meaning to raise this topic for a while.
Years ago, I conceived a system for managing sheet music at gigs. It involved a linked tablet computer system with individual screens for each musician. It would allow the bandleader to call up songs, have the music immediately displayed on each musician's screen in their instruments key, with their parts (if any), and would allow for transposing entire arragements on the fly to accompany guest vocalists. An internet connection and a full libarary/joint partnership with Hal Leonard and other major music publishers would allow bandleaders to fulfill virtually any request.
Due to cost, current technology limitations, and many other reasons (including laziness), I'm not going to develop/use such a system anytime soon.
In the meantime, I've been trying to figure out the best way to organize music books for the band for gigs. I'm interested in hearing how other musicians create their books AND how they manage/update them from season to season. If there is interest, I'll describe my current binder system, but I'm not totally satisfied with it and am interested in hearing other approaches.
For purposes of this discussion, I'd like to mainly focus on Jewish music repertoire, although secular repertoire is also of interest. Beuller?
Years ago, I conceived a system for managing sheet music at gigs. It involved a linked tablet computer system with individual screens for each musician. It would allow the bandleader to call up songs, have the music immediately displayed on each musician's screen in their instruments key, with their parts (if any), and would allow for transposing entire arragements on the fly to accompany guest vocalists. An internet connection and a full libarary/joint partnership with Hal Leonard and other major music publishers would allow bandleaders to fulfill virtually any request.
Due to cost, current technology limitations, and many other reasons (including laziness), I'm not going to develop/use such a system anytime soon.
In the meantime, I've been trying to figure out the best way to organize music books for the band for gigs. I'm interested in hearing how other musicians create their books AND how they manage/update them from season to season. If there is interest, I'll describe my current binder system, but I'm not totally satisfied with it and am interested in hearing other approaches.
For purposes of this discussion, I'd like to mainly focus on Jewish music repertoire, although secular repertoire is also of interest. Beuller?
Sheet Music Needed
Does anyone know where I can get the sheet music for Weber’s Flute Sonata No. 1? I can't seem to find a retailer that carries it. Thanks.
What Your J-Media Advertising Dollar Gets You - UPDATED
Ever wonder what your J-media advertising dollar gets you?
One ad we ran in a local advertising publication netted us the following. (They misspelled our name and address in their database, allowing us to track which mailings were coming from them.)
Since its unclear at this time if they sold the mailing list or only did the mailing on behalf of those listed below, and whether the below listed companies knew how the names on the list were obtained, I'm witholding the names of the private companies whose mailings we received. They may be blameless here and if so, do not deserve bad press.
I am listing the tzedakas because given the state of ethics in the fundraising community, they do not deserve the benefit of the doubt. In addition, some of their fundraising literature is offensive (I wrote about this in "Tzedakah Tatzil M'Advertising Expenses."
Here's a partial listing:
Tzidkas Yosef Naftali - Financial Assistance for Needy Families in Eretz Yisroel. Mainly for the Yomim Tovim. (4 letters from two different local residents)
Diskin Orphan Home of Israel
Gates of Chesed - A Public Service Publication by the Center for Community Resources (Magazine)
Nechomas Yisroel (Newspaper and "Super Raffle" mailing)
Yom Tov Relief Fund - Rabbi matisyahu Solomon (1 letter)
Matanos L'evyonim Gomlei Chesed - Rabbi Matisyahu solomon (1 letter)
A wig maker (2 postcards)
An insurance brokerage (1 postcard)
A Judaica store (1 postcard)
Subscription offer for a Heimish newspaper (1 postcard)
Passover ad for a confectionary store (1 postcard)
Kupat Ha'ir (numerous full-color brochures)
Kupat Aniyei Eretz Yisrael (numerous full-color brochures)
Care to guess if we renewed the ad buy?
UPDATE: Found a few we'd missed!
A flyer from a Kosher supermarket
Another two postcards from a wigmaker.
A fundraising letter from Rav Shmuel Birenbaum for Reavim Gam Tzemaim Argentina
A fundraising letter from an Israeli business man with a very ill wife.
Another Tzidkas Yoseph Naftali letter.
One ad we ran in a local advertising publication netted us the following. (They misspelled our name and address in their database, allowing us to track which mailings were coming from them.)
Since its unclear at this time if they sold the mailing list or only did the mailing on behalf of those listed below, and whether the below listed companies knew how the names on the list were obtained, I'm witholding the names of the private companies whose mailings we received. They may be blameless here and if so, do not deserve bad press.
I am listing the tzedakas because given the state of ethics in the fundraising community, they do not deserve the benefit of the doubt. In addition, some of their fundraising literature is offensive (I wrote about this in "Tzedakah Tatzil M'Advertising Expenses."
Here's a partial listing:
Tzidkas Yosef Naftali - Financial Assistance for Needy Families in Eretz Yisroel. Mainly for the Yomim Tovim. (4 letters from two different local residents)
Diskin Orphan Home of Israel
Gates of Chesed - A Public Service Publication by the Center for Community Resources (Magazine)
Nechomas Yisroel (Newspaper and "Super Raffle" mailing)
Yom Tov Relief Fund - Rabbi matisyahu Solomon (1 letter)
Matanos L'evyonim Gomlei Chesed - Rabbi Matisyahu solomon (1 letter)
A wig maker (2 postcards)
An insurance brokerage (1 postcard)
A Judaica store (1 postcard)
Subscription offer for a Heimish newspaper (1 postcard)
Passover ad for a confectionary store (1 postcard)
Kupat Ha'ir (numerous full-color brochures)
Kupat Aniyei Eretz Yisrael (numerous full-color brochures)
Care to guess if we renewed the ad buy?
UPDATE: Found a few we'd missed!
A flyer from a Kosher supermarket
Another two postcards from a wigmaker.
A fundraising letter from Rav Shmuel Birenbaum for Reavim Gam Tzemaim Argentina
A fundraising letter from an Israeli business man with a very ill wife.
Another Tzidkas Yoseph Naftali letter.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Sisfsosaf Dovevos Bakever
Mo C forwards a link to his new CD release, K'shoshana. The CD features previously unrecorded songs by the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach as performerd by Aaron Razel, Chaim Dovid, and Shlomo Katz.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
J-Music News Roundup
So once again, a survey of J-arts coverage in the Jewish media discovers that only the Forward has any worthy music coverage this week.
Alexander Gelfand writes about "The Anti-Fiddler."
Jon Kalish podcasts from the Strom-a-thon on Eldridge Street. Mark Rubin shares some thoughts on the event here.
Also in the Forward: "Battle Forming Over Jewel of Yiddish Stage."
Alexander Gelfand writes about "The Anti-Fiddler."
Jon Kalish podcasts from the Strom-a-thon on Eldridge Street. Mark Rubin shares some thoughts on the event here.
Also in the Forward: "Battle Forming Over Jewel of Yiddish Stage."
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
From the mailbag...
D. writes:
Craig writes:
I’m quite happy with Sibelius at this point, so I’m not staying on top of Finale’s updates anymore. They lost me as a user because of bad customer support, and Sibelius’ support is superb.
If you’re teaching about music technology, you might find some of the music tech blogs helpful.
Here are two of my current faves:
Create Digital Music
ProTooler
Aryeh writes:
Shalom writes about my konsonans retro: a podolian affair review.
“You know you are playing at a yeshivish wedding when you have more fanfares than songs at the chupa”E. forwards a link to Life of Rubin's Yossi Zweig interview.
Chupa- Pney Lelbon, Bilvovi, Ani Maamin
Fanfares- Crazy Train, Rock you Like a Hurricans, Baker Steet, YEAH By Usher…..
Craig writes:
I just read your 2005 Review of Finale vs. Sibelius and found it very informative. Have you had a chance to look at the latest versions of each? I teach a course in music technology and, for the moment, I am showing my students both programs. But it's expensive to keep them both updated. Any words of wisdom you can offer are much appreciated.I have not upgraded Sibelius as yet. The new version adds VST support, which is nice, but I’d prefer if they fixed the issues with slurs, as that’s more important to me. I’ve been monitoring the Sibelius chat page, and it looks like there are some bugs in this version, so I’m waiting until they issue an update or two before deciding to upgrade.
I’m quite happy with Sibelius at this point, so I’m not staying on top of Finale’s updates anymore. They lost me as a user because of bad customer support, and Sibelius’ support is superb.
If you’re teaching about music technology, you might find some of the music tech blogs helpful.
Here are two of my current faves:
Create Digital Music
ProTooler
Aryeh writes:
hi, my name is Aryeh. I'm really a piano player, but the yamaha digital piano i use also plays rhythms and that sort of thing. sometimes I like to fool around using them, but the keyboard doesn't come with any rhythms that can really be used for freilachs or good horahs, and that sort of thing. You can't create rhythms on the keyboard, and I wouldn't be able to anyway. Do you know where I would be able to get a hold of some that I could play with? By the way, I think it would be a really good idea if you would put up some keyboard playing tips in your blog, cuz i don't think there are any on the net. All I know is that you play chords very low using your left hand, and the melody in the right hand. And there are usually 4 different variations within the rhythm. Is there anything else to it other than that? Thanks.Any von-man-bands want to shoot this guy some pointers?
Shalom writes about my konsonans retro: a podolian affair review.
In your blog you wrote:MoC forwards a link to an article about the Beit Shemesh music festival.
> Amazon has it here:
They say so, but I looked there, and it seems they don't actually have any to sell. You can, however, get it from http://cdbaby.com/cd/konsonansretro , where they also have some samples to download (sounds like good stuff). Price is $20.
Monday, October 08, 2007
In Review - konsonans retro: a podolian affair
Berlin-based klezmer uber-clarinetist (or should that be Klarinettist?) Christian Dawid recently gave me his latest disc, konosans retro: a podolian affair. The disc features Dawid's collaboration with the Baranovskys, a family of musicians from Zagnitkiv, a Podolian village near the Moldavian border. Here's the band's website.
Writing a review for this disc has been an irritating experience! Reason is, I keep being distracted by the music, and have to stop working to pay attention. It's my own fault, really, for even trying to get something else done at the same time. (It doesn't help that I've developed the habit of playing along with klezmer recordings lately. Or at least, this recording.)
This is a very nice set! The musicianship is wonderful and the unique repertoire the Baranovskys play -- a blend of Moldovan, Ukranian and Hassidic influences -- is a lot of fun.
Podolia is the birthplace of Hasidism, and those with a Hasidic bent will find deep meaning in the Ukrainian folk song "Oy u hayu pri Dunayu."
In a forest near the Danube, a nightingale is singing. I'm sick with my lonliness and want to fly where my lovely one is nowNaturally, given its origins, the band's repertoire includes Ukranian and Hasidic melodies like "Shabes Nign" as well as tunes with Moldovan, Gypsy, and Russian influences.
The album opening to "Moldovskaya Polka" -- a clarinet doina with warm brass chords behind it -- is sweet! And the set stays up throughout. The horn section is tight, and the musicians who play with the Baranovskys complement them nicely. In addition to Dawid, that would include drummer Guy Schalom and guest clarinetist Gennadiy Fomin.
Favorite tracks include: "Moldovskaya Polka", "Khasitsky Freylekhs", "Podilska" (which features nice interplay between Dawid and guest clarinetist Gennadiy Fomin), "Doina and Sher No 13"(with a gorgeous sax doina), and "Trombon Hora", which features Vitaly Baranovsky on the trombone, but it's hard to pick just a few.
Summing up, "a podolian affair" is a well-played disc of interesting klez repertoire. Great tunes and great musicianship. What else needs to be said?
Amazon has it here:
Monday, October 01, 2007
Choir Wars!
It appears that we have a winner in the ongoing YBC/MBC competition. Technical problems indeed.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
9/25/07 Link Dump
Krum as a Bagel writes "Confusing Our Jewish Youth (In Song!)" (Hat tip, E.)
Shira Salamone doesn't like the musical choices the cantor at her shul has been making. Here is her take on his Rosh Hashana selections.
Here's a taste:
Yitz blogs about "Shlomo Katz's Alt-Neu Niggun."
THE LIFE-OF-RUBIN BLOG has had many of his YouTube videos deleted. A while back, he posted a clip of a guitarist for one of the big wedding bands massacring Niggun Neshoma at an affair. In an unusual coincidence, here's Eric Clapton playing that very solo note for note.
Shira Salamone doesn't like the musical choices the cantor at her shul has been making. Here is her take on his Rosh Hashana selections.
Here's a taste:
First, there were the usual Broadway tunes. But the "high point" of Kedushah was the cantor's apparent tribute to the recently-deceased Luciano Pavarotti: "Hu Kelokeinu, Hu avinu, Hu malkeinu, hu moshieinu (He is our G-d, He is our father, He is our king, He is our savior)" . . . to the tune of, would you believe, "La Donna é Mobile (Woman is Fickle, " from the Giuseppe Verdi opera "Rigoletto")?!!!Here's her take on his Yom Kippur selections.
Yitz blogs about "Shlomo Katz's Alt-Neu Niggun."
THE LIFE-OF-RUBIN BLOG has had many of his YouTube videos deleted. A while back, he posted a clip of a guitarist for one of the big wedding bands massacring Niggun Neshoma at an affair. In an unusual coincidence, here's Eric Clapton playing that very solo note for note.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Zinger Not Included
Ever wondered what it would sound like if a "von-man-band" got a film scoring gig?
9/20/07 Link dump
Mordechai Shinefield rounds up Jewsapalooza for those who were gigging and couldn't make the show.
Alexander Gelfand reviews Alex Kontorovich's "Deep Minor" in "Whither Klezmer?"
Ben Jacobson lists his top 10 discs of the year in the Jerusalem Post. Ta Shma's promised review disc never arrived, but Hamaokor's "The Source" is on the review stack.
Hirhurim posts 'Why Rabbis Do Not Like Cantors."
Rabbi Avi Shafran: Yiddish Song Translator.
For those who haven't heard it, here's an audio sample of the banned Yiddish rap album.
Over at Jewschool, Rav Shmuel writes "Ortho-punk High Holy Days!"
Yoshie Fruchter was interviewed about his Beyond the Book project on The Book of Life.
Alexander Gelfand reviews Alex Kontorovich's "Deep Minor" in "Whither Klezmer?"
Ben Jacobson lists his top 10 discs of the year in the Jerusalem Post. Ta Shma's promised review disc never arrived, but Hamaokor's "The Source" is on the review stack.
Hirhurim posts 'Why Rabbis Do Not Like Cantors."
Rabbi Avi Shafran: Yiddish Song Translator.
For those who haven't heard it, here's an audio sample of the banned Yiddish rap album.
Over at Jewschool, Rav Shmuel writes "Ortho-punk High Holy Days!"
Yoshie Fruchter was interviewed about his Beyond the Book project on The Book of Life.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
From the mailbag...
Naftali writes:
He also forwards a link to Gershon Veroba's blog, American Jewish Music.
Speaking of JE...
D. wants to know why we haven't fisked a recent deceitful JE cover story containing a host of blatant lies, misleading statements, disingenuities, deceptions, misprepresentations, falsehoods and fabrications, inventions, prevarications, and whoppers. Chaim Rubin will be interviewing the editor after Yom Tov and has invited readers to submit questions. Why not use the opportunity to ask him?
You always suspected this... Click here.Psachya writes:
Selections from the "request list" at a recent gig:E. emails a link to JE's Pruzansky/Bald interview and notes that the album features "custom made arrangements."
Ma Ma Ma
Ya Ma Mai
Yo Ya
Ai Didi Dai
Sha La La
Bag Bag
Numa Numa
Some recent verbal requests:
- During a Sephardic set: "Could you please play some Sephardic music?"
- During a "Yeshivish disco" set: "Could you please play some Jewish music?"
- During a yeshivish freilach set (requested by a Sephardic lady): "Would you please stop playing that JUMPING-UP-AND-DOWN music?"
- Before the beginning of a gig (asked by a teenager): "Will you guys play anything good tonight?" (Only possible response: "Nope. We only play bad music.")
Like you often say - you can't make this stuff up.
He also forwards a link to Gershon Veroba's blog, American Jewish Music.
Speaking of JE...
D. wants to know why we haven't fisked a recent deceitful JE cover story containing a host of blatant lies, misleading statements, disingenuities, deceptions, misprepresentations, falsehoods and fabrications, inventions, prevarications, and whoppers. Chaim Rubin will be interviewing the editor after Yom Tov and has invited readers to submit questions. Why not use the opportunity to ask him?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
High Holiday Musi(ci)ngs
On the plus side... no trifecta. Only Ein Aroch.
I believe I suffered through the worst setting of a Rosh Hashana piyut ever. That would be "Atah Hu Elokeinu...Dagul Mervavah etc." set to Shwekey's "Shomati." Four words per section. Ouch!
Passed the Conservative shul the next morning. They were singing "Ohr Chadash" to Carlebach's "Oseh Shalom". With live music. Me? I was on my way to hear the Shomati reprise. Shoulda bailed. Hashem woulda understood, right?
The Torah portion we read mentions the big party Avraham made when Yitzchok was weaned. We should bring those back! And have live music at them. It'd be a new niche. Talk about growing the market.
I believe I suffered through the worst setting of a Rosh Hashana piyut ever. That would be "Atah Hu Elokeinu...Dagul Mervavah etc." set to Shwekey's "Shomati." Four words per section. Ouch!
Passed the Conservative shul the next morning. They were singing "Ohr Chadash" to Carlebach's "Oseh Shalom". With live music. Me? I was on my way to hear the Shomati reprise. Shoulda bailed. Hashem woulda understood, right?
The Torah portion we read mentions the big party Avraham made when Yitzchok was weaned. We should bring those back! And have live music at them. It'd be a new niche. Talk about growing the market.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Synthetic Shofar
Given the interest in exotic instruments, I suppose this was inevitable. Note: According to Jewish tradition, a synthetic shofar is not acceptable for religious use.
The Old Man and the Peeps
"Too Much Personal Information Guy"
"Too Much Personal Information Guy" gets a Mazal Tov. His daughter had her first child this past December after nine years of trying to conceive. It's nice to meet you too! Oif simchas!
"The Pregnant Bride"
'nuff said!
"Take Your Religion and Shove It Gal"
This non-observant peep is having a traditional ceremony to honor her very Orthodox parents. Dinner will be mixed dancing with an American band. So, naturally, to walk down the aisle to the chupa, (for which Daddy has hired a klezmer duo), she wants the band to... DJ a recording of a breathy female singing "Time After Time." The Chassidic relatives are sure to love this one.
"The Salesman"
"The Salesman" is an ad rep for a local Jewish paper. He tries to sell the band an ad during the wedding. Did we mention that he's also the groom?
"Too Much Personal Information Guy" gets a Mazal Tov. His daughter had her first child this past December after nine years of trying to conceive. It's nice to meet you too! Oif simchas!
"The Pregnant Bride"
'nuff said!
"Take Your Religion and Shove It Gal"
This non-observant peep is having a traditional ceremony to honor her very Orthodox parents. Dinner will be mixed dancing with an American band. So, naturally, to walk down the aisle to the chupa, (for which Daddy has hired a klezmer duo), she wants the band to... DJ a recording of a breathy female singing "Time After Time." The Chassidic relatives are sure to love this one.
"The Salesman"
"The Salesman" is an ad rep for a local Jewish paper. He tries to sell the band an ad during the wedding. Did we mention that he's also the groom?
Cognitive Dissonance
Played a few heavy chassidic gigs recently...
At one affair, we had the volume significantly louder than we prefer; this was necessary to fill the room and accomodate the size of the crowd. At the event, we had several people come over at various points to say how annoying it is that the music at simchos these days is so painfully loud... and what a pleasure it is to hear low-volume music that allows them to talk and isn't headache-inducing.
At another, we had two people come over and compliment the music, especially the classical music. Interesting praise, considering we hadn't played any classical music all night; just chassidic nigunim, some klezmer, and one ballad each by Shalsheles and Lev Tahor.
These vignettes demonstrate that the affair you play may not have been the event the guests attended. Go figure!
At one affair, we had the volume significantly louder than we prefer; this was necessary to fill the room and accomodate the size of the crowd. At the event, we had several people come over at various points to say how annoying it is that the music at simchos these days is so painfully loud... and what a pleasure it is to hear low-volume music that allows them to talk and isn't headache-inducing.
At another, we had two people come over and compliment the music, especially the classical music. Interesting praise, considering we hadn't played any classical music all night; just chassidic nigunim, some klezmer, and one ballad each by Shalsheles and Lev Tahor.
These vignettes demonstrate that the affair you play may not have been the event the guests attended. Go figure!
Friday, September 07, 2007
Ban First, Censor Afterwards UPDATED
Emes V'emunah tells the truth!
The Rabbi Teitelbaum article we linked to earlier has been edited. Here's the expunged bit:
Now, Yeshivah World has removed the post entirely.
The Rabbi Teitelbaum article we linked to earlier has been edited. Here's the expunged bit:
Things haven’t changed much since ancient times. Today, too, we have self proclaimed agitators and charlatans who have nothing to do with their time but to go around to our leading Torah sages and try to convince them that separate-seating concerts are a threat to our Yiddishkeit and to ban them. They falsely claim that there is pritzus in the hallways plus other fabrications. Exaggeration is a blood relative to falsehood, and almost as bad. A gossip is one who can give you all the details without knowing all the facts. Unfortunately, they often succeed in their mission. All it took was one Korach to convince the 250 heads of Sanhedrin of the holiness and purity of his mission.UPDATE:
Now, Yeshivah World has removed the post entirely.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Things We've Heard About Our Music
One divorced woman told an acquaintance of ours: "The only nice memory I have of my entire first wedding experience was the music played by the band my ex-husband hired." A nice reference we'll never be able to use.
Another bride told a relative of ours that she loved the music on our demo (which she'd gotten from a friend) so much that she was planning to walk down to one of the songs at her wedding. Ironically, she never contacted us to inquire about having our band play the affair. Talk about missing the point of a demo CD.
Another client hired us to be the simcha music specialists for the one Jewish dance set at his wedding because he "loves our music and wants to have some updated repertoire instead of the same old hokey songs". After hiring us, he informs us that he wants to respect the American band's hora set. Instead of having us call the tunes, he wanted us to simply enhance the other band's Hava Nagilah set. So, we wind up sitting in with the American band for their set.
Here's their set list:
Hava Nagila
Tzena
David Melech Yisrael (yes, the one you learned in kindergarten)
Bashana Haba'a
Mayim
Am Yisrael Chai
Hava Nagilah reprise.
Musn't forget the reprise!!!
Another bride told a relative of ours that she loved the music on our demo (which she'd gotten from a friend) so much that she was planning to walk down to one of the songs at her wedding. Ironically, she never contacted us to inquire about having our band play the affair. Talk about missing the point of a demo CD.
Another client hired us to be the simcha music specialists for the one Jewish dance set at his wedding because he "loves our music and wants to have some updated repertoire instead of the same old hokey songs". After hiring us, he informs us that he wants to respect the American band's hora set. Instead of having us call the tunes, he wanted us to simply enhance the other band's Hava Nagilah set. So, we wind up sitting in with the American band for their set.
Here's their set list:
Hava Nagila
Tzena
David Melech Yisrael (yes, the one you learned in kindergarten)
Bashana Haba'a
Mayim
Am Yisrael Chai
Hava Nagilah reprise.
Musn't forget the reprise!!!
While You Were Out...
So, the KlezmerShack calls Blog in Dm a daily read, and we turn out to be on hiatus. Talk about timing. Thanks for the kind words, Ari.
Meanwhile, the other J-music blog he recommends, Teruah - Jewish Music, has been on a roll. Go check it out. Lots of great links. I'm digging Israeli band Boom Pam. Two electric guitars, drums, and tuba. SCHWEEEEEET!
Meanwhile, the other J-music blog he recommends, Teruah - Jewish Music, has been on a roll. Go check it out. Lots of great links. I'm digging Israeli band Boom Pam. Two electric guitars, drums, and tuba. SCHWEEEEEET!
9/5/07 Link Dump (fixed BlogThis! edition)
Cleaning out accumulated links...
Now they're banning Yiddish rap! Emes Ve-Emunah comments.
Catch the fat man in Bass Player! Nice piece!
It's Elul, and Pete Singer is doing teshuvah.
The Right Coast has more .
Amy Winehouse's shver: "Boycott Winehouse Albums!" Ah, tough love!
Gruntig posts "MBD Talks About The Song Yidden."
Yitz is "Respecting our Sages and Their Teachings."
Dixie Yid - Thoughts on life and Chassidus: R' Lazer Brody with Yosef Karduner at Yad Binyamin
Greatest line about Sen. Craig: "Guilty Feet Have Got No Rhythm"
Here's a nice tribute to Max Roach. Comes complete with sound clips.
Ben J.' is giving the ladies some attention.
You can't make this stuff up.
Turnabout is fair play!
PT on GV.
Keith Richards feelings are hurt!
Finally, here's a little Humoresque for y'all.
Now they're banning Yiddish rap! Emes Ve-Emunah comments.
Catch the fat man in Bass Player! Nice piece!
It's Elul, and Pete Singer is doing teshuvah.
The Right Coast has more .
Amy Winehouse's shver: "Boycott Winehouse Albums!" Ah, tough love!
Gruntig posts "MBD Talks About The Song Yidden."
Yitz is "Respecting our Sages and Their Teachings."
Dixie Yid - Thoughts on life and Chassidus: R' Lazer Brody with Yosef Karduner at Yad Binyamin
Greatest line about Sen. Craig: "Guilty Feet Have Got No Rhythm"
Here's a nice tribute to Max Roach. Comes complete with sound clips.
Ben J.' is giving the ladies some attention.
You can't make this stuff up.
Turnabout is fair play!
PT on GV.
Keith Richards feelings are hurt!
Finally, here's a little Humoresque for y'all.
From the mailbag...
E. forwards a link to the new Pruzbomb release.
A Simple Jew forwards An Elul Message From SRV.
Psachya and PT forward "A Kosher Alternative", an article by Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum.
The bit about "Jewish Rock" at the end is weak, but in general, more people need to speak out on this.
Following up on "The Song Remains The Same?"...
An anonymous source close to Chanale emails that she never heard the original song, only knew the lyrics, and did not know where they came from. She'd seen the lyrics as a poem somewhere. She has updated her website and has contacted the original composers in order to pay any royalties and offer credit in future printings of the booklet. The Stone brothers have given permission and say that the original original source of the lyrics are from a poem written by Mrs. Kahn of Camp Hasc.
A Simple Jew forwards An Elul Message From SRV.
Psachya and PT forward "A Kosher Alternative", an article by Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum.
The bit about "Jewish Rock" at the end is weak, but in general, more people need to speak out on this.
Following up on "The Song Remains The Same?"...
An anonymous source close to Chanale emails that she never heard the original song, only knew the lyrics, and did not know where they came from. She'd seen the lyrics as a poem somewhere. She has updated her website and has contacted the original composers in order to pay any royalties and offer credit in future printings of the booklet. The Stone brothers have given permission and say that the original original source of the lyrics are from a poem written by Mrs. Kahn of Camp Hasc.
A-Musings
Some miscellaneous thoughts...
Blogger's "Blog This!" tool is fixed, so more links soon. It hasn't been working for me lately and made link posting a nuisance.
Is it just me, or is there something incredibly ironic about an office telling me to play standards because the client has unique musical needs?
Been having some fun with the whole Kutz brouhaha. Sunday night, I did the simcha specialist thing with a clarinetist on an American gig. They opened the ballroom for dinner with some smooth jazz. I told the clarinetist it made me feel like rushing to the bathroom and starting a maariv minyan.
Been discussing the smooth jazz maariv concept with some musician friends. The consensus appears to be coalescing around a punk maariv service as a better choice.
In the no good deed goes unpunished category...
Picked some beer with a hechsher up at a recent gig. Only thing in town with a hechsher. Turns out the hechsher is good, but the beer is a fundraiser for missionizing.
Blogger's "Blog This!" tool is fixed, so more links soon. It hasn't been working for me lately and made link posting a nuisance.
Is it just me, or is there something incredibly ironic about an office telling me to play standards because the client has unique musical needs?
Been having some fun with the whole Kutz brouhaha. Sunday night, I did the simcha specialist thing with a clarinetist on an American gig. They opened the ballroom for dinner with some smooth jazz. I told the clarinetist it made me feel like rushing to the bathroom and starting a maariv minyan.
Been discussing the smooth jazz maariv concept with some musician friends. The consensus appears to be coalescing around a punk maariv service as a better choice.
In the no good deed goes unpunished category...
Picked some beer with a hechsher up at a recent gig. Only thing in town with a hechsher. Turns out the hechsher is good, but the beer is a fundraiser for missionizing.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Klezmer Shack Goes Political - Gets Results
Over at the Klezmer Shack, Ari Davidow goes political and gets results. I'd been planning to link to his post in support, but before I'd managed to, the J-Post reports on ADL head Foxman's change of heart.
They must be kvelling at KlezKanada.
Who appointed Foxman anyway?
They must be kvelling at KlezKanada.
Who appointed Foxman anyway?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Watts Up!
Alexander Gelfand writes about drummer Elaine Hoffman-Watts in "She's Still Got the Beat."
This Post Is Banned!
ADDeRabbi satirizes the Jerusalem concert ban envisioning Uncle Moishy's last recording session.
The underlying point of how bans affect performers and musicians who have not done anything wrong, and are finding their parnassah opportunities taken away, is one that the Rabbis sigining these bans need to publicly address.
It's not just about concerts. The Agudah did the same thing with its takanos on wedding band sizes. The notion that someone can take away a person's legitimate parnassah, let alone an entire industry, without addressing said loss of income and their responsibilities to those affected is bizarre, and creates a huge chilul Hashem.
What did these people expect would happen when they suddenly banned a show (that followed their previously established guidelines) just days before. Who is supposed to assume the financial loss that would have resulted had the ban worked? Simply put, it's rishus, and I don't say this lightly. The people who instigate or support these bans have an obligation to those financially affected by them.
The underlying point of how bans affect performers and musicians who have not done anything wrong, and are finding their parnassah opportunities taken away, is one that the Rabbis sigining these bans need to publicly address.
It's not just about concerts. The Agudah did the same thing with its takanos on wedding band sizes. The notion that someone can take away a person's legitimate parnassah, let alone an entire industry, without addressing said loss of income and their responsibilities to those affected is bizarre, and creates a huge chilul Hashem.
What did these people expect would happen when they suddenly banned a show (that followed their previously established guidelines) just days before. Who is supposed to assume the financial loss that would have resulted had the ban worked? Simply put, it's rishus, and I don't say this lightly. The people who instigate or support these bans have an obligation to those financially affected by them.
The Bandleader Makes All The Difference
I recently had the experience of playing two gigs with the same band. Only thing was, the sign on the bandstand (and the drummer) was different. It was one freelance gig apiece for two different offices.
It was interesting to see how the musicians responded to the featured vocalists who were leading each gig. The affairs were similiar MO weddings with similar repertoire. One affair was unpleasant to play (from when the singer arrived after the cocktail hour) while the other was a lot of fun the whole time. The other musicians kept contrasting the two gigs. I think the difference comes down to respect. On the first gig, many of the musicians felt the singer didn't respect them. On the second gig, they felt respected and appreciated and it came across in their playing.
Personally, I didn't have issues with with either singer, but I felt the other musicians sentiments were affecting their playing. Obviouly, it's more fun to play a gig here everyone is into it, rather than one where some people are feling disrespected.
Thing is, I'm pretty sure the first vocalist is pleased with how the gig came off and has no idea of how many of the musicians perceive him and his behavior towards them.
It was interesting to see how the musicians responded to the featured vocalists who were leading each gig. The affairs were similiar MO weddings with similar repertoire. One affair was unpleasant to play (from when the singer arrived after the cocktail hour) while the other was a lot of fun the whole time. The other musicians kept contrasting the two gigs. I think the difference comes down to respect. On the first gig, many of the musicians felt the singer didn't respect them. On the second gig, they felt respected and appreciated and it came across in their playing.
Personally, I didn't have issues with with either singer, but I felt the other musicians sentiments were affecting their playing. Obviouly, it's more fun to play a gig here everyone is into it, rather than one where some people are feling disrespected.
Thing is, I'm pretty sure the first vocalist is pleased with how the gig came off and has no idea of how many of the musicians perceive him and his behavior towards them.
Surprise! Its A Machlokes!
In a recent post, we presented Rav Ovadyah Yosef's approach to the issue of using romantic melodies for davening.
Now, the rest of the story...
The Tzitz Eliezer (Vol. 13:12) rules that it's forbidden to sing kaddish/kedusha to shirei agavim. He says its a toevah to put divrei kedusha in begadim tzo'im. He says it's a ma'aseh Satan to get people to sing tunes which bring a loss in the purity of one's kavana both knowingly and unknowingly.
He argues that the melody is the essence of the song (re'ach hashir) and many times conveys the meaning independently of the lyrics. He dismisses the argument some make that it won't affect them as "just words". And, he writes, it certainly causes the hamon am to have improper thoughts.
He explains his ruling: The Rif writes that a shat"z who is meranen b'shirei arev (it doesn't have to be during tefilah) is given a warning. If he doesn't stop, he is removed from his position.
he cites the Rema who rules like the Rif. There is a question as to whether the text of the Rema reads "Shirei Agavim" (romantic songs) or "Shirei Nochrim" (secular songs). The Magen Avraham reads "shirei nochrim." The MA quotes the Sefer Chassidim (238) re:teaching a priest and says the Rema is referring to tunes that are used for Avodah Zara.
The Tzitz Eliezer takes issue with this and says that this is not the Rema's reason. Rather, the Rema holds like the Rif that shirei agavim are always assur and the Sefer Chassidim is adding that shirei avodah zara are assur. He then quotes the Sefer Chassidim (768) re: one who has a good voice, and points out that it doesn't say anything about avodah zara there because 9he claims) it refers to shirei agavim.
He brings the Radvaz says that the Rif (when he writes shirei arev) means shirei agavim and since the Rema is based on the Rif... (this works better if you're gores "shirei agavim" in the Rema.)
He argues that even the Bach and Magen Avraham, who interpret the Rema as referring to shirei avodah zara, would agree that shirei agavim are assur. It's a kal vachomer. (This is Rav Waldenberg's interpretation of the Bach. The pashtus is otherwise.)
He brings the Ma'aseh Rokeach says it's assur and may also be a violation of u'vechukoseyhem lo seyleychu.
Ra Waldenberg then points out that although the Chida critiqued the Ma'aseh Rokeach (re: Maharam Lunzano) he didn't take issue with his psak.
He argues that the chachamim who sang nigunei nochrim didn't know the source so it didn't affect them. (I find this assertion hard to believe. Also, it seems to conflict with his idea of the melody being the "re'ach of the song.) He writes that those who know where the melodies come from are affected by them.
He cites Krach Shel Romi and vehemently disagrees.
He brings the Divrei Chayim, who writes about those who use shirei agavim for tefilah: "oy lahem lepsaim halalu areyley lev, eyn tevunah bahem."
The Tzitz Eliezer quotes Shu'T Ziknei Yehuda (R' Yehuda Aryeh of Modena) who praises professional quality singing by chazzanim and say repeating words during tefilah is permissible. He says to ignore him because he was a kofer and a gambler.
This concludes the summary of the Tzitz Eliezer's responsa.
In a related note, the Yosef Ometz (quoted in Minhag Yisroel Torah) says it's forbidden to use secular tunes for davening, and says we shouldn't try to be smart and say that they stole the tunes from us in the times of the Beis Hamikdash. That's an approach I've seen some in the J-blogosphere take and it strains credulity. At any rate, here's a Chassidic source that doesn't accept that approach.
Now, the rest of the story...
The Tzitz Eliezer (Vol. 13:12) rules that it's forbidden to sing kaddish/kedusha to shirei agavim. He says its a toevah to put divrei kedusha in begadim tzo'im. He says it's a ma'aseh Satan to get people to sing tunes which bring a loss in the purity of one's kavana both knowingly and unknowingly.
He argues that the melody is the essence of the song (re'ach hashir) and many times conveys the meaning independently of the lyrics. He dismisses the argument some make that it won't affect them as "just words". And, he writes, it certainly causes the hamon am to have improper thoughts.
He explains his ruling: The Rif writes that a shat"z who is meranen b'shirei arev (it doesn't have to be during tefilah) is given a warning. If he doesn't stop, he is removed from his position.
he cites the Rema who rules like the Rif. There is a question as to whether the text of the Rema reads "Shirei Agavim" (romantic songs) or "Shirei Nochrim" (secular songs). The Magen Avraham reads "shirei nochrim." The MA quotes the Sefer Chassidim (238) re:teaching a priest and says the Rema is referring to tunes that are used for Avodah Zara.
The Tzitz Eliezer takes issue with this and says that this is not the Rema's reason. Rather, the Rema holds like the Rif that shirei agavim are always assur and the Sefer Chassidim is adding that shirei avodah zara are assur. He then quotes the Sefer Chassidim (768) re: one who has a good voice, and points out that it doesn't say anything about avodah zara there because 9he claims) it refers to shirei agavim.
He brings the Radvaz says that the Rif (when he writes shirei arev) means shirei agavim and since the Rema is based on the Rif... (this works better if you're gores "shirei agavim" in the Rema.)
He argues that even the Bach and Magen Avraham, who interpret the Rema as referring to shirei avodah zara, would agree that shirei agavim are assur. It's a kal vachomer. (This is Rav Waldenberg's interpretation of the Bach. The pashtus is otherwise.)
He brings the Ma'aseh Rokeach says it's assur and may also be a violation of u'vechukoseyhem lo seyleychu.
Ra Waldenberg then points out that although the Chida critiqued the Ma'aseh Rokeach (re: Maharam Lunzano) he didn't take issue with his psak.
He argues that the chachamim who sang nigunei nochrim didn't know the source so it didn't affect them. (I find this assertion hard to believe. Also, it seems to conflict with his idea of the melody being the "re'ach of the song.) He writes that those who know where the melodies come from are affected by them.
He cites Krach Shel Romi and vehemently disagrees.
He brings the Divrei Chayim, who writes about those who use shirei agavim for tefilah: "oy lahem lepsaim halalu areyley lev, eyn tevunah bahem."
The Tzitz Eliezer quotes Shu'T Ziknei Yehuda (R' Yehuda Aryeh of Modena) who praises professional quality singing by chazzanim and say repeating words during tefilah is permissible. He says to ignore him because he was a kofer and a gambler.
This concludes the summary of the Tzitz Eliezer's responsa.
In a related note, the Yosef Ometz (quoted in Minhag Yisroel Torah) says it's forbidden to use secular tunes for davening, and says we shouldn't try to be smart and say that they stole the tunes from us in the times of the Beis Hamikdash. That's an approach I've seen some in the J-blogosphere take and it strains credulity. At any rate, here's a Chassidic source that doesn't accept that approach.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
You Can't Make This Stuff Up!!!
Today's Hamodia had an article about a convention of "Kiruv activists". Here's a photo of one of the roshei yeshiva addressing the attendees.
Note the text on the banner. Its a pasuk from Yeshaya made popular by Avraham Fried's hit song, "Chazak." The literal translation: Every man would help his friend and tell his brother "be strong". Although this is the literal translation of the text, in context, it clearly refers to Jews helping their fellows worship idols; an odd choice of lyric for a Hassidic dance song. The Artscroll translation includes "worship idols" in brackets, since that's the clear implication.
An ironic choice of banner for a kiruv gathering, dontcha think? Unless missionaries to other faiths were also participating.
Note the text on the banner. Its a pasuk from Yeshaya made popular by Avraham Fried's hit song, "Chazak." The literal translation: Every man would help his friend and tell his brother "be strong". Although this is the literal translation of the text, in context, it clearly refers to Jews helping their fellows worship idols; an odd choice of lyric for a Hassidic dance song. The Artscroll translation includes "worship idols" in brackets, since that's the clear implication.
An ironic choice of banner for a kiruv gathering, dontcha think? Unless missionaries to other faiths were also participating.
This Link Dump Is Also Banned!!!
Mah Rabu goes sleuthing and discovers who the soft jazz musician at Kutz was. I knew it was Bloom. It was either him or else Kenny G, which isn't likely. We'd mentioned Bloom's Shabbat Jazz service back in 2003. Listen to the Barchu clip. I'd never have tried to make that work with teens. Again, what was the Kutz administration thinking?
I learned one of Bloom's tunes, "Standing On The Shoulders" from another musician I took over for on an outreach program. I later found his Tikkun Olam cassette, which has the song on it, in a cutout bin in Chinatown for 25 cents. They had two Jewish cassettes, Bloom's and the HASC musical at Radio City Music Hall. The rest were all heavy metal albums by bands with names like Rigor Mortis.
Sameach Music is looking for composers to submit songs for consideration.
Life of Rubin posts a video of someone, apparently in a church, covering Matisyahu's "King Without A Crown."
He also has more on the recent concert ban in Jerusalem.
Here's a Ha'aretz article on the subject.
The Jewish Worker posts a Hebrew article about the ban. Also some English articles from Chareidi media.
R' Harry Maryles comments.
Greg zings!
Larry Gordon weighs in. The implications for the singers and their families is troubling. This has been a massive chilul Hashem. And, the attempt by some to interfere with the singers family lives --i.e. getting their children expelled from school because their father "doesn't listen to Gedolei Yisroel" is outrageous and should be vigorously condemned by rabbinic leaders. The public silence is troubling!
Cross Currents posts a bizarre guest post attempting to explain the ban. We're not buying it.
R' Harry is also criticizing a Jewish children's educational CD. The state of Jewish children's entertainment...
Go to Hebrew School and learn about Jewish Blues: Out of the Woods.
Over at Orthodox Anarchist, there's a discussion of DJ Handler's Y-Love mixtape and the ethichs, or lack therof, of sampling without permission.
You know, Sweet Home Alabama really needed balalaika.
So now there's another way for some JM entertainers to ride the tzedakah gravy train. Nice!
The Klezmer Shack posts about konosans retro. Christian Dawid recently gave me a copy and a review is forthcoming. The short version. Buy it.
Amazon has it here:
Ari also posts a link to photos from Yiddish Summer Weimar.
Here's some good music news out of Pakistan.
Here's a ample track off of MoC's latest project, featuring previously unrecorded Carlebach tunes.
Khevre reunite for a good cause. If you're in or near Boston, check them out. Tell Garf we sent you!
Here's a great 404 page. Via Music Thing.
No one sets out to be a smooth jazz musician. Except at Kutz.
George Robinson reviews disc by Frank London, Basya Schecther, and more.
Powerline writes about Idan Raichel.
Finally, Soundbrush records is offering a free download of a track from Frank London's "A Night in the Old Marketplace."
Amazon has that album here:
I learned one of Bloom's tunes, "Standing On The Shoulders" from another musician I took over for on an outreach program. I later found his Tikkun Olam cassette, which has the song on it, in a cutout bin in Chinatown for 25 cents. They had two Jewish cassettes, Bloom's and the HASC musical at Radio City Music Hall. The rest were all heavy metal albums by bands with names like Rigor Mortis.
Sameach Music is looking for composers to submit songs for consideration.
Life of Rubin posts a video of someone, apparently in a church, covering Matisyahu's "King Without A Crown."
He also has more on the recent concert ban in Jerusalem.
Here's a Ha'aretz article on the subject.
The Jewish Worker posts a Hebrew article about the ban. Also some English articles from Chareidi media.
R' Harry Maryles comments.
Greg zings!
Larry Gordon weighs in. The implications for the singers and their families is troubling. This has been a massive chilul Hashem. And, the attempt by some to interfere with the singers family lives --i.e. getting their children expelled from school because their father "doesn't listen to Gedolei Yisroel" is outrageous and should be vigorously condemned by rabbinic leaders. The public silence is troubling!
Cross Currents posts a bizarre guest post attempting to explain the ban. We're not buying it.
R' Harry is also criticizing a Jewish children's educational CD. The state of Jewish children's entertainment...
Go to Hebrew School and learn about Jewish Blues: Out of the Woods.
Over at Orthodox Anarchist, there's a discussion of DJ Handler's Y-Love mixtape and the ethichs, or lack therof, of sampling without permission.
You know, Sweet Home Alabama really needed balalaika.
So now there's another way for some JM entertainers to ride the tzedakah gravy train. Nice!
The Klezmer Shack posts about konosans retro. Christian Dawid recently gave me a copy and a review is forthcoming. The short version. Buy it.
Amazon has it here:
Ari also posts a link to photos from Yiddish Summer Weimar.
Here's some good music news out of Pakistan.
Here's a ample track off of MoC's latest project, featuring previously unrecorded Carlebach tunes.
Khevre reunite for a good cause. If you're in or near Boston, check them out. Tell Garf we sent you!
Here's a great 404 page. Via Music Thing.
No one sets out to be a smooth jazz musician. Except at Kutz.
George Robinson reviews disc by Frank London, Basya Schecther, and more.
Powerline writes about Idan Raichel.
Finally, Soundbrush records is offering a free download of a track from Frank London's "A Night in the Old Marketplace."
Amazon has that album here:
From the mailbag...
Where did George Robinson Crusoe go with Friday on Saturday night? Who knows! But, it was definitely not the smooth-jazz Maariv service.
Jewish Week music critic George Robinson writes:
A Simple Jew forwards links to some music posts here, here, here, here,and here.
Adam Davis forwards a KFAR update.
Jordan Hirsch writes:
Finally, Craig Taubman emails that the Jewels of Elul postings have begun today. You can find them at JewelsofElul.com.
Jewish Week music critic George Robinson writes:
First of all, I thoroughly enjoy your blog, which is refreshing in its frankness and very well-written.Thanks for the kind words about the blog. Now, about that front page Blue Fringe spread...
I feel obliged to offer a couple of comments in regard to the tempest in a glaizele tea at Kutz. (If you should choose to quote any of this, please make it clear that a lot of it is meant to be tongue-in-cheek; I can't write or think any other way, I'm afraid.) As the music critic for Jewish Week, I had nothing to do with the story in question, but I have to say -- and I'm speaking as a Reform Jew, albeit one who has shifted towards more observance, like many of my brothers and sisters in the Reform world -- if someone had played a 'smooth-jazz service" in presence, walking out is the least offensive thing I would do. As anyone who reads my record reviews will tell you, I hate, Hate, HATE smooth jazz and am merciless towards its purveyors in the Jewish music community. (If I had a child, better s/he should eat clams Alentejano, a Portuguese traditional dish that has the best of both treif worlds by combining the aforementioned shellfish with bacon.)
All joking aside, if these kids' parents are anything like the ones in my two congregations -- for that matter, anything like my parents way back in the Jurassic era -- they are probably proud of what the kids did, or should be. I was always encouraged to speak my mind fearlessly but politely and that seems to be exactly what happened in this incident. Was it worth the amount of coverage we gave it? I'm not privy to decisions regarding the front page of Jewish Week, but I have to say that our track record as a reliable and enterprising news-gathering organ is pretty good. I'm a very small cog in the machinery of the newspaper, but quite proud to be a part of it.
Please keep up the great work. I will definitely keep reading.
A Simple Jew forwards links to some music posts here, here, here, here,and here.
Adam Davis forwards a KFAR update.
Jordan Hirsch writes:
I will once again be playing with The Kleztraphobix at Barbes on Monday, August 20th at 10 PM. Barbes is at 9th Street and 6th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.Brandon Seabrook is sitting in on banjo for this set.
Finally, Craig Taubman emails that the Jewels of Elul postings have begun today. You can find them at JewelsofElul.com.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I Love You, Period. Question Mark?
Hirhurim posts about the use of the melody Erev Shel Shoshanim for kedusha. He's uncomfortable with it because it's a love song. He cites a responsa from R. Yehudah Henkin (Bnei Banim 3:35:10:
In Yechave Da'as II:5, Rav Ovadya Yosef responds to the question of whether its permissible to set kaddish/kedusha to the melodies of shirei agavim (romantic songs). He quotes the Sefer Chassidim (768) "Viyizaher mi sheyesh lo kol na'im shelo yizamer nigunim nochrim ki aveirah hi, velakach nivra kolo, leshabeach bor'o, velo l'aveira." Rav Yosef quotes Shu'T Rif, Rema, Radvaz, Kol Bo, and Orchos Chayim that this is only referring to the words, and not to the melody.
He points out that although the Ma'aseh Rokeach holds that it's assur and quotes Maharam Di Lunzano as supporting his position, the Chida has noted that Maharam Di Lunzano himself wrote words and set them to Arab melodies.
Rav Yosef rules that it is mutar to do this, and mentions many "Geonei Yisrael" who wrote such songs. They include the author of Shu"T Beit Dino Shel Shlomo, R' Avraham Antebi - the Yosheiv Ohalim, The Nochach Hashulchan, and others.
Rav Yosef then quotes the Sefer Chassidim (148) that when you're davening, you should choose "nigun hana'im vehamatok sheb'aynecha." He connects this to the Rambam in Hilchos Lulav who writes: "kol hamoneya atzmo misimchas mitzvah zos, ra'uy lipara mimenu, tachas asher lo avadita es Hashem Elokecha besimcha u'vetuv levav merov kol.
He also cites the Krach Shel Romi that in Eretz Yisrael the practice was to use Arab tunes, and in Turkey, the practice was to use Turkish melodies. the Kaf Hachaim didn't approve of the use of secular tunes, but those cited above disagree.
Rav Yosef then quotes R Eliyahu Chazzan (Shu"T Ta'alumos Halev): "kol halacha shehi rofefes biyadecha, tzey ur'ey ma hatzibur nohagim unehog ken."
In a footnote to this teshuvah, Rav Yosef adds that all things being equal, ideally it's preferable to use shirei kodesh. He mentions that the Arugos Habosem supports the Kaf Hachaim's position because while the chazzan is singing foreign nigunnim, the hamon am will be thinking of the words to the song instead of the tefilah. So, even though he doesn't hold its prohibited due to this "din", the Arugas Habosem would still be opposed becauses it interferes with kavanah.
Incidentally, the song Erev Shel Shoshanim has become known as Yarus in Arub countries where it is sung with Armenian lyrics. It has been immensely popular among belly dancers for many years as a beautiful song to use for doing veil work.
Suggestion to R' Gil. Buy this disc:
It has different lyrics for the melody, in Arabic, to associate with the tune when the chazzan sings it. And, since I presume R' Gil doesn't speak Arabic, it'll solve the problem of singing kedusha to a romantic song.
You can hear a clip of the Arabic version at the Amazon page linked above. It's the third audio sample titled "Every Morning." Piamenta fans should check out the fourth track, "My Love", as well.
It is forbidden to use Non-Jewish songs -- even if they are not love songs or Hebrew folk songs -- as tunes for prayer if the congregation recognizes the songs and will think about the secular words during prayer time.His conclusion:
Since in my circles I'm probably the only one who knows the words to Israeli love songs, I guess the current practice is permissible according to R. Henkin and I'm out of luck.Be sure to read the comments to the post as well.
In Yechave Da'as II:5, Rav Ovadya Yosef responds to the question of whether its permissible to set kaddish/kedusha to the melodies of shirei agavim (romantic songs). He quotes the Sefer Chassidim (768) "Viyizaher mi sheyesh lo kol na'im shelo yizamer nigunim nochrim ki aveirah hi, velakach nivra kolo, leshabeach bor'o, velo l'aveira." Rav Yosef quotes Shu'T Rif, Rema, Radvaz, Kol Bo, and Orchos Chayim that this is only referring to the words, and not to the melody.
He points out that although the Ma'aseh Rokeach holds that it's assur and quotes Maharam Di Lunzano as supporting his position, the Chida has noted that Maharam Di Lunzano himself wrote words and set them to Arab melodies.
Rav Yosef rules that it is mutar to do this, and mentions many "Geonei Yisrael" who wrote such songs. They include the author of Shu"T Beit Dino Shel Shlomo, R' Avraham Antebi - the Yosheiv Ohalim, The Nochach Hashulchan, and others.
Rav Yosef then quotes the Sefer Chassidim (148) that when you're davening, you should choose "nigun hana'im vehamatok sheb'aynecha." He connects this to the Rambam in Hilchos Lulav who writes: "kol hamoneya atzmo misimchas mitzvah zos, ra'uy lipara mimenu, tachas asher lo avadita es Hashem Elokecha besimcha u'vetuv levav merov kol.
He also cites the Krach Shel Romi that in Eretz Yisrael the practice was to use Arab tunes, and in Turkey, the practice was to use Turkish melodies. the Kaf Hachaim didn't approve of the use of secular tunes, but those cited above disagree.
Rav Yosef then quotes R Eliyahu Chazzan (Shu"T Ta'alumos Halev): "kol halacha shehi rofefes biyadecha, tzey ur'ey ma hatzibur nohagim unehog ken."
In a footnote to this teshuvah, Rav Yosef adds that all things being equal, ideally it's preferable to use shirei kodesh. He mentions that the Arugos Habosem supports the Kaf Hachaim's position because while the chazzan is singing foreign nigunnim, the hamon am will be thinking of the words to the song instead of the tefilah. So, even though he doesn't hold its prohibited due to this "din", the Arugas Habosem would still be opposed becauses it interferes with kavanah.
Incidentally, the song Erev Shel Shoshanim has become known as Yarus in Arub countries where it is sung with Armenian lyrics. It has been immensely popular among belly dancers for many years as a beautiful song to use for doing veil work.
Suggestion to R' Gil. Buy this disc:
It has different lyrics for the melody, in Arabic, to associate with the tune when the chazzan sings it. And, since I presume R' Gil doesn't speak Arabic, it'll solve the problem of singing kedusha to a romantic song.
You can hear a clip of the Arabic version at the Amazon page linked above. It's the third audio sample titled "Every Morning." Piamenta fans should check out the fourth track, "My Love", as well.
First A Revolt, Now Heads Are A Splode!
Following up on my previous post, "Juveniles Revolt in Reform Camp".....
Over at Jewschool, BZ posts a critique of the Jewish Week and the camp administration. He makes the same point we made about the music chosen. Read the whole thing. It's a well-written, passionate piece, from a Reform perspective. The Kutz camp leadership has not been inspiring, to say the least. And, to the extent that their actions appears to reflect the perspective of many in the Reform movement's leadership, its disturbing.
Here he responds to the article's characterization of Carlebach.
Over at Jewschool, BZ posts a critique of the Jewish Week and the camp administration. He makes the same point we made about the music chosen. Read the whole thing. It's a well-written, passionate piece, from a Reform perspective. The Kutz camp leadership has not been inspiring, to say the least. And, to the extent that their actions appears to reflect the perspective of many in the Reform movement's leadership, its disturbing.
Here he responds to the article's characterization of Carlebach.
For the first time, song leaders taught the chasidic songs of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach alongside more modern Reform tunes.
“More modern”??? Carlebach was writing his now-classic tunes in the ’70s, at the exact same time that Friedman and Klepper were writing theirs. And they were all doing basically the same thing — setting Jewish prayers to simple melodies influenced by an American folk idiom to enable people to join together in spirited musical prayer. Just because Carlebach had a bigger beard than Klepper and sang with an Ashkenazi accent doesn’t mean that his music is any more “traditional” or less “modern”.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Juveniles Revolt in Reform Camp
So, the Jewish Week has a cover story on "Reform youth flexing their ritual muscle." Here's the lede:
To recap, forty teenagers walked out of an easy-listening jazz service because they didn't connect to the service. This is news? It's impressive that any of them stayed. Who is doing the programming for this camp? Easy-listening jazz? For teens? What where they thinking?
Warwick, N.Y. — The sun was setting at the Reform movement’s teen leadership camp in this picturesque upstate town, and in the dying light of a sweet summer day it was time for the evening prayer service.Naturally, there's a lot of angst over this. Frankly, aside from outing the camp rabbi as intolerant towards those who are seeking some more meaningful rituals, the article makes much ado out of nothing.
In the lakeside pavilion that serves as Kutz Camp’s synagogue, the visiting musician who led the evening service on the Fourth of July, a Wednesday, set the prayers to an easy-listening jazz sound.
It was a musical style, played on an electric keyboard, that almost none of the campers connected with, many said later. But some took their displeasure a step further, doing something unprecedented that night at Kutz that speaks volumes about a generation of Reform teens that is staking a new claim to Jewish ritual and tradition and posing a challenge for movement leaders.
As the musician played a jazzy version of the Barchu, a couple of campers got up and walked out. Over the next several minutes, other pairs of high school-age campers, one after another, got up and quietly left. It took awhile for the adults in the room to realize what was happening, but some 40 campers in all, about a quarter of those in attendance, spontaneously got up and left the service. The service was too untraditional, they later said, offensively so.
To recap, forty teenagers walked out of an easy-listening jazz service because they didn't connect to the service. This is news? It's impressive that any of them stayed. Who is doing the programming for this camp? Easy-listening jazz? For teens? What where they thinking?
Monday, August 06, 2007
From the mailbag...
Yitz writes:
KFAR's Adam Davis writes:
I know this topic interests many of you. I just purchased a booklet entitled, "Ki Dvar Hashem Baza" ["For they have denigrated the word of G-d"]. It's subtitled: an explanation of the sources & influences of secular music on the "chareidi" pop music idols. Published by "HaVaad LeNegina Yehudit" [committee for Jewish music], its author is one Efraim Luft from Bnei Brak.I haven't seen Luft's book yet, but I've addressed some of his published articles in the past. See here for some links.
He has approbations [haskamos] from a Rav in Tifrach and a Rav in Bnei Brak, quotations from various Chareidi Rabbanim, including a "Kriya Kodesh" from the Beis Din of Rav Wasner [Vosner] in Bnei Brak.
I will try reporting back to you of any interesting items I find here, either via e-mail or my blog. He also mentions that copies IN ENGLISH can be ordered from him at
6 Rechov HaRav Toledano
Bnei Brak
Tel. 03-619-1973; 054-846-0068
[from outside Israel, drop the zero and add the country code, 972].
KFAR's Adam Davis writes:
Rabbinical School Dropouts @ Empty Bottle Aug 19 http://kfarcenter.com/blog/2007/06/01/rabbinical-school-dropouts-empty-bottle-aug-19/Heshy writes:
Also, planning a fall (debut) tour for Aharit Hayamim. Interesting act and I think has a lot of potential here.
We already are nailing down dates, but interested parties can visit http://myspace.com/aharithayamim and contact me at info@j-arts.org
KFAR got a bunch of press for hosting the recent final show at Chicago's Hothouse, featuring Zohar.
http://kfarcenter.com/blog/category/press/
My cousin- by coincidence named Avi Fried has this Jewish rock group that is trying to gain puhblicity any way, you may be able to a piece on them? http://www.levitikusmusic.com/about_us.htmlKorrine Fitz writes:
Shalom,I suggest looking at the J-Walking albums to see if they'll work.
Do you have any ideas of how I can obtain music for a Jewish aerobics class for teens?!
Any help would be appreciated.
PSA: Hold That Thought
One of the things I come across frequently is people who can't "hold that thought." They start off saying something appropriate, but then continue on turning their seemingly nice comment into one of the sort that's makes everyone within earshot cringe.
In the interest of helping people avoid these faux pas, here is a list of actual comments we've heard at events. We've italicized the inappropriate parts, so that the reader can discern what is, and what is not, appropriate.
Scene 1 (At the seudah following a bris. The baby's father has just completed hamotzi.)
Amen! Snip the tip!
Scene 2 (At the end of a wedding.)
Mazal Tov! May you have many, many children! Get started tonight!
Scene 3 (Brother of the Groom speaking at a wedding.)
Bro, you've married a wonderful woman. she's beautiful, sweet and kind. And, you better watch out, because I'm going to be over at your place all the time while you're on call at the hospital, and ...
Scene 4 (Guys talking at a wedding.)
She's quite attractive... for a fat girl.
See how this works people? You're supposed to stop BEFORE you turn your appropriate comment into something cringe-worthy. Got that?
In the interest of helping people avoid these faux pas, here is a list of actual comments we've heard at events. We've italicized the inappropriate parts, so that the reader can discern what is, and what is not, appropriate.
Scene 1 (At the seudah following a bris. The baby's father has just completed hamotzi.)
Amen! Snip the tip!
Scene 2 (At the end of a wedding.)
Mazal Tov! May you have many, many children! Get started tonight!
Scene 3 (Brother of the Groom speaking at a wedding.)
Bro, you've married a wonderful woman. she's beautiful, sweet and kind. And, you better watch out, because I'm going to be over at your place all the time while you're on call at the hospital, and ...
Scene 4 (Guys talking at a wedding.)
She's quite attractive... for a fat girl.
See how this works people? You're supposed to stop BEFORE you turn your appropriate comment into something cringe-worthy. Got that?
Friday, August 03, 2007
This Link Dump is Banned!!!
So another concert was banned in Israel. naturally, the show sold out.
MoC comments.
Chaim shares his thoughts.
Here's Hirhurim.
On this general topic, Charediation writes "Halacha v'ein morin kein!"
Here's Am Kshe Oref.
R' Harry Maryles addresses the subject.
Dovbear chimes in. A DovBear commentor apologizes.
Mishmar has a question.
Frum Satire opines.
Meanwhile, MBD cancels a concert!
In other news...
Mordechai Shinefield profiles the Sarah Aroeste band.
Ben Jacobson reviews Seeds of Sun's album.
Teruah posts about a punk rock rant.
MoC comments.
Chaim shares his thoughts.
Here's Hirhurim.
On this general topic, Charediation writes "Halacha v'ein morin kein!"
Here's Am Kshe Oref.
R' Harry Maryles addresses the subject.
Dovbear chimes in. A DovBear commentor apologizes.
Mishmar has a question.
Frum Satire opines.
Meanwhile, MBD cancels a concert!
In other news...
Mordechai Shinefield profiles the Sarah Aroeste band.
Ben Jacobson reviews Seeds of Sun's album.
Teruah posts about a punk rock rant.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
From the mailbag... UPDATED
Michael Crowley writes:
I’m writing to you about a very unique High Holidays project from Jewish music/production company Craig 'n Co.Miryam Levy writes:
For the past two years, Craig Taubman, my boss and a top Jewish musician, has produced 'Jewels of Elul', a collection of stories, anecdotes and inspirations for the High Holidays.
Released in concurrence with the 29 days in the Jewish month of Elul, a time set aside for thought and introspection, 'Jewels of Elul III' will feature contributions from an amazingly eclectic group of 29 individuals; from Elie Wiesel to the Dalai Lama, from the Mayor of Sderot to Deborah Lipstadt, from Matisyahu to Kirk Douglas (a full list is below). The collection will be available both in booklet form and online.
This year's Jewels collection is being supported by the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem as a way to reach out to the community during this special time of the year.
It is my hope that you will agree to put a link on your blog to www.jewelsofelul.com. Thanks to support from our online partners last year, we generated over 250,000 visits to the site, making the project a huge success.
I am looking for a source for the CD The "Precise Melodies" of the Chabad Rebbes. When I googled it your blog came up and I haven't managed to find anything so I thought you might know. I would appreciate it.Yossi writes:
I'm a chazzan with classical vocal training and I'd like to explore the idea of bringing old cantorial pieces current, kind of like chazzanut meets east village opera co.Yaakov Elchanan emails us to check out Aryeh Kunstler's upcoming album. Previews at his MySpace page.
Saw your blog, and figured it couldn't hurt to ask if you know any musicians here in new york who'd like to explore this idea..Maybe a guitarist or something. Give me a shout if you think you can help.
Mordechai Shinefield fowards a link to his latest Forward article on Yidcore.
UPDATE:
Mark Skier writes:
Hi! I posted a pair of videos here.
And there’s links to the youtube archive (which also has some old home videos up, but you can ignore them…or watch for some giggles) and the main video page at Moshe Skier dot com.
If you want to sort through the other videos and pick one of two that you like, that would be cool. I did a really good cover (imho, anyway) of Razel’s Siman Tov. Also, there’s a new version of Ashrei, which is the first song I wrote and carried through all my bands going back to Tohu Vavohu.
7/25/07 Link Dump
Nachas from blog-grandchildren!
Ben Chorin has the best response to the Noah Feldman NYT article. Shkoyach!
Uncle Sy shares some JM thoughts.
The Sudanese Thinker uses our post about Treppenwitz's concert for Darfur to demonstrate that Jews are eeeevil!
We called this one!
Jewish Fringe posts some J-musician craigslistings.
The Jewish Week writes about Debbie Friedman's new position.
Here's the latest JE Magazine. Cover story is on BaRock Orchestra. According to the article, they've "never lost a customer because of money." The entire issue is good for a laugh. Note the marketing on upcoming albums, with a nice split between those with a new "never, heard before" focus and those with a "current JM is awful, returning to roots" focus.
The J-Post reviews MoC's album
Here's coverage of the Krakow music fest from
The Forward
The New York Times
Jewschool
Uh-oh!
Unrelated double!
8th Day sings Ayeh!
So, you had a bad Shabbos!
Disco magic! It was inevitable, I suppose. Might as well dress authentic for the disco set!
Here's a klez-metal mashup!
Paula Abdul's a nice Jewish girl!
Lazer Beams posts video f a Chumash Seudah in Jerusalem.
Ben Chorin has the best response to the Noah Feldman NYT article. Shkoyach!
Uncle Sy shares some JM thoughts.
The Sudanese Thinker uses our post about Treppenwitz's concert for Darfur to demonstrate that Jews are eeeevil!
We called this one!
Jewish Fringe posts some J-musician craigslistings.
The Jewish Week writes about Debbie Friedman's new position.
Here's the latest JE Magazine. Cover story is on BaRock Orchestra. According to the article, they've "never lost a customer because of money." The entire issue is good for a laugh. Note the marketing on upcoming albums, with a nice split between those with a new "never, heard before" focus and those with a "current JM is awful, returning to roots" focus.
The J-Post reviews MoC's album
Here's coverage of the Krakow music fest from
The Forward
The New York Times
Jewschool
Uh-oh!
Unrelated double!
8th Day sings Ayeh!
So, you had a bad Shabbos!
Disco magic! It was inevitable, I suppose. Might as well dress authentic for the disco set!
Here's a klez-metal mashup!
Paula Abdul's a nice Jewish girl!
Lazer Beams posts video f a Chumash Seudah in Jerusalem.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
From the mailbag...
Psachya forwards an email from Lee Finkelstein about drummer Matt Miller's situation and writes:
Here's Lee's email:
Jordan writes:
Aside from being one of the finest drummers I've ever worked with, Matt is one of the finest, funniest, most decent people I know. My heart aches whenever I think of what happened to him & his family. Anything you can do to spread the word would be great.I'd already received the email and am posting it below. I've removed the PayPal information as a spamguard. If you'd like to send some money that way, email me and I'll forward the address.
Here's Lee's email:
FEEL FREE TO FORWARD (BCC PLEASE) THIS TO ANYONE THAT YOU THINK KNOWS MATT OR ANYONE THAT IS GENEROUS CARING SOUL.It'd be really nice if the JM community pulled together on this; especially Neginah, Matt's primary employer in this end of the business.
[FYI: Matt's real last name is Milmerstadt, Francesca is his wife.]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hello friends, family and colleagues,
Most of us are fortunate enough to have immediate family that can
help us when we need a little help. In addition to them, we all like
to think of ourselves as a big family, an extended family. Some of us
have friendships that go back more than 20 years. We see each other
more often and spent more "quality time" with each other than with our
own extended family.
Now one of our family members needs help. Someone who's not so
fortunate and does not have immediate family to help at a time of
crisis.
It's time to put our money where our hearts are. It's time to adopt
the Milmerstadts. (aka Miller)
As you may or may not know, our friend and colleague, drummer Matt
Miller, has Lymphoma which has kept him from working for the last year
and a half. He and his family are in financial crisis and need our immediate help.
Sadly, they are in the process of selling the house they love. We are
trying to raise money for them to help pay their current mortgage until
they sell and move into a new smaller more manageable space. Cessi is
changing her teaching job to part time so she can take care of Matt and
their son Ben. They also need money to cover additional health costs
like hotels in the city so they don't have to drive back and forth to
Sloane-Kettering for Matt's treatments everyday. It's been tough for
Matt and Cessi. ANYTHING we can do to relieve some of the stress at a
time like this gives them more time and focus to spend as a family
with their son and to focus on getting better.
Some of Matt's closest friends had a meeting last Wednesday
night to figure out how to help Matt and Cessi physically, spiritually
and financially. Happily, it was a great success. Our immediate
goal of paying their mortgage for the month was reached. We raised
$2100 on the spot. Teddy Kumpel went to their house at midnight and dropped the
money off. They were overwhelmed with gratitude and tears of joy. It
felt so great individually and collectively putting $200 each on the
table knowing that if any one of us was in trouble the same thing could
happen. It reinforced our feeling of being part of a great community of
musicians and friends.
We set up our own "Adopt A Family" program where anyone can donate
money to them to help with bills IMMEDIATELY. At $20 a month (in
advance up front NOW) for a year = $240.00 We rounded it off to a $200
donation. If we can get 100 people that's $20,000.00!!!! AMAZING...
That would really help the Milmerstadts.
Hurray for you for being part of this !!!
First step... help immediately
Checks, money orders, gift certificates,
PAID TO THE ORDER OF FRANCESCA MILMERSTADT (Matt's wife)
can be sent to:
P O BOX 800
Sea Cliff NY
11579
OR
Use PayPal (they take 3% off the top)
http://paypal.com
just click on send money
TO [Ed: Email info removed for privacy concerns. Email me if you'd like to donate this way and I'll send you the address.]
Easy!
Second step:
A fundraiser event featuring Funk Filharmonik and other well known
bands and artists at Il Piatto in Oyster Bay, Long Island Drum Center
and other drum and gear companies, restaurants, retailers with raffles,
auctions, contests, etc... this needs major planning and is in the
works ...
Thanks and spread the word to anyone you think might know Matt and
his family or is just a generous caring person.
Peace & Love,
Lee
Jordan writes:
The comments about the volume bring to mind another peep:He also writes:
The future deaf kid.
That's the kid whose parents leave him or her right in front of the bandstand while we play a dance set, and who look at us uncomprehendingly when we tell them to take them to a more safe place. This one isn't funny, though. It's tragic. And it's not just about the hearing loss. It's about spoiled young kids who get married and have kids before they are ready to assume the responsibilities those choices entail.
Avner Levy did not start NYC gigs until well into the eighties. Lenny Schwartz was around, but not in the Jewish field in the seventies. (He was the main Steven Scott Trumpet player.) Shlomo Haviv also did not start in this field until the eighties. I am not sure about Ari Pollack.Alyssa Neil writes:
Marty Laskin, Joel Chernet, Pete Sokolow, and Mark Infield are all still around. I am not sure when Paul Gurevitch started doing this end of the business. Lenny Friedman and Mike Cohen were just getting started as the seventies ended.
I thought you and your readers might be interested in the following Jewish music podcast and video from the Nextbook “Acting Jewish” festival http://nextbook.org/festivals/la.html held at UCLA in April.Here's a fake album cover from a reader with too much free time.
>> TWISTING TRADITION: MUSIC, HISTORY AND CULTURAL CHANGE
Musicians Jewlia Eisenberg and Frank London chat with writer Josh Kun about Jewish music, and perform live.
WATCH: http://nextbook.org/festivals/video.twistingtradition.html
LISTEN: http://audio.nextbook.org/2007lafestivalaudio/Twisting%20Tradition.mp3
Please feel free to link to these, or pass them along.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Abi M'leibt Lyrics??? Updated: Fill in the blanks!
Does anyone have the lyrics to Lipa's version of Abi M'leibt? It's a request for an upcoming gig.
Thanks for the help!
UPDATE:
"MusicMaaaker" writes:
E. writes:
Here's what I have so far:
A coffee vil ich, nisht du kein milich
Gefinen kom a trop
____ ____ _____ ich _____ siz zour
Ich varf avek dem cup.
Abi m’leibt…
Roite lechter _____ ______ reflector
In shpiegel zei a Police
Er haist ____ bleiben, a ticket shreiben
Ich machst noch shmaichlin zeese
Abi..
____ _____ _____ den shvitzt men
In traffic zitzt men
M’foort a langen veg
The highway’s busy, ich vert shoin dizzy
Geb mer zich a rek
Abi M’leibt
Loift tzum _______
Es is shoin ______
Baim _____ in bank ich vart
Di supervisor shreit upvisen
“It’s late”, siz tzigeshpart.
Abi…
In Penn Station there is frustration
I missed my train tonight
I keep on beeping and I should be sleeping
Like the lion sleeps tonight!
Abi M’leibt…
Any help filling in the blanks is appreciated.
ANOTHER UPDATE:
J. fills in some blanks,
Missing lyrics filled in by Mindy! Thanks much!
Thanks for the help!
UPDATE:
"MusicMaaaker" writes:
I don't know all the lyrics but I can help with the chorus:Wiseguy!
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
Abi M'leibt Abi M'leibt
E. writes:
Dude, Make them up. you think they would know the difference?Um, yeah.
Here's what I have so far:
A coffee vil ich, nisht du kein milich
Gefinen kom a trop
____ ____ _____ ich _____ siz zour
Ich varf avek dem cup.
Abi m’leibt…
Roite lechter _____ ______ reflector
In shpiegel zei a Police
Er haist ____ bleiben, a ticket shreiben
Ich machst noch shmaichlin zeese
Abi..
____ _____ _____ den shvitzt men
In traffic zitzt men
M’foort a langen veg
The highway’s busy, ich vert shoin dizzy
Geb mer zich a rek
Abi M’leibt
Loift tzum _______
Es is shoin ______
Baim _____ in bank ich vart
Di supervisor shreit upvisen
“It’s late”, siz tzigeshpart.
Abi…
In Penn Station there is frustration
I missed my train tonight
I keep on beeping and I should be sleeping
Like the lion sleeps tonight!
Abi M’leibt…
Any help filling in the blanks is appreciated.
ANOTHER UPDATE:
J. fills in some blanks,
A coffee vil ich, nisht du kein milichYET ANOTHER UPDATE:
Gefinen kom a trop
____ ____ _____ ich _Shpir____ siz zour
Ich varf avek dem cup.
Abi m’leibt…
Roite lechter ___Es shant __ _____(d)_ reflector?
In shpiegel (iych) zei a Police
Er haist _shtayn___ bleiben, a ticket shreiben
Er machst zich noch shmaichlin zeese
Abi..
____ _____ _____ den shvitzt men
In traffic zitzt men
M’foort a langen veg
The highway’s busy, ich ver(t) shoin dizzy
Gebben mer zich a rek
Abi M’leibt
Loift tzum __Rayer_____
Es is shoin __Drayer____
Baim Tiyer_____ in bank ich vart
Di supervisor, shreit Ah Bayser?
“It’s late”, siz tzigeshpart.
Missing lyrics filled in by Mindy! Thanks much!
A coffee vil ich, nisht du kein milichThat'll do it. Thanks.
Gefinen kom a trop
DAN ICH BADO'ER, ICH SPHPEER siz zour
Ich varf avek dem cup.
Abi m'leibt…
Roite lechter,ES SHAINT reflector
In shpiegel zei a Police
Er haist SHTAIN bleiben, a ticket shreiben
Ich machst noch shmaichlin zeese
Abi..
NUCHDEM shvitzt men
In traffic zitzt men
M'foort a langen veg
The highway's busy, ich ver shoin dizzy
GEBT MEN zich a reG
Abi M'leibt
Loift TZIM RAYA
Es is shoin DRAYA
Baim TEER FIN bank ich vart
Di supervisor shreit A BAIZER
"It's late", siz tzigeshpart.
א קאפי וויל איך - נישטא קיין מילך - געפונען קוים א טראפ
דאן איך באדויער - איך שפיר ס'איז זויער - איך ווארף אוועק די קאפ
רויטע לעקטער, עס שיינט רעפלעקטאר, אין שפיגל איך זעה א פאליס
ער הייסט שטיין בלייבן, א טיקעט שרייבן, ער מאכט זיך נאך שמייכלען זיס
נאכדעם שוויצט מען, אין טרעפיק זיצט מען, מען פארט א לאנגע וועג
די הייוועי איז ביזי, איך ווער שוין דיזי, גיט מען זיך א רעג
לויפט צום רייע, עס איז שוין דרייע, ביים טיר פון באנק איך ווארט
דער סופערווייזער, שרייט א בייזער, ס'איז לעיט! ס'איז צוגעשפארט
Friday, July 06, 2007
What's the opposite of S.L.O.W.
Check out this excellent letter to the editor in the Five Towns Jewish Times.
Dear Editor,
This past Sunday, the Jewish communities of the South Shore were blessed to welcome Yossi Piamenta and his band, who honored us with a rousing free concert by the ocean in Long Beach. Piamenta’s reputation as “the Jewish Hendrix” was reinforced, his guitar-playing prowess amply displayed in an astonishing array of solos. The combination of great weather and great music was fantastic; we are appreciative to the Young Israel of Long Beach for its part in organizing this enjoyable evening.
Two things, however, disturbed us greatly. First, three performers were smoking as they played. Despite an appeal to stop, they continued to smoke. The dangers of smoking need not be repeated here. The issue in this instance is much more profound. For better or worse, youths look to show-business professionals as role models. Even in our own relatively insular communities, performers are accorded elevated status. The higher one’s profile, the greater his responsibility to the public. We are deeply concerned that teens and even preteens will absorb the impression that smoking is cool; if Piamenta can do it on stage, why shouldn’t they also smoke?
Yossi Piamenta’s young son, Avi, displayed inspiring talent on the drums; but how long until he joins his father and brother for a cigarette? This show was advertised as entertainment for the entire family, and the band’s comportment should cohere with the atmosphere.
As a corollary, we were distressed by the smoking among the concertgoers. Even though the show took place outdoors, the proximity of smokers to non-smokers imposed discomfort upon the latter. If one wishes to smoke at a concert, he or she should move away from non-smokers.
Our second issue involves the noise level. The fact is that Piamenta plays loudly; this is part of his show. Parents must therefore be aware of the potential danger to one’s hearing. Yet we saw children sitting right in front of the stage, where the sound was appreciably higher than it was toward the back of the concert area. We must all be aware that exposure to the high decibel level of a hard-rock concert (and that is precisely what a Piamenta show is) can lead to loss of hearing. Someone sitting in a high-noise section should wear earplugs.
Avi and Dawn Goldstein,
Far Rockaway
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Arkady writes:
Hey guys,Psachya writes:
This week I came across what turned out to be A HORRIBLE RUMOR about a
passing of our colleague, drummer, MATT MILLER...
•• MATT IS NOT DEAD, MATT IS ALIVE and KICKING HIS LYMPHOMA'S BUTT... ••
But, Matt definitely could use your help and prayers!
In support of the collective effort of Matt's friends, I've contributed this
webpage:
http://www.arkady.com/mattmiller.html
Please stay tuned, and do what you can to help Matt. And, if nothing else,
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD, AND PUT THE END TO THIS HORRIBLE RUMOR!
Be WELL....
ARKADY
website: http://www.arkady.com
In response to Warren Cohen -PT writes about the "Iron Butterly" album:
There are some '70's club-daters still in the game. Here's a by-no-means complete list of '70's guys I've gigged with (or seen at simchas) relatively recently. Some are semi-retired; some, like the first name on the list, are still full steam ahead:
Yisroel Lamm
Mordy Bass
Michael Septimus
Yehuda Spinner
Lenny Schwartz
Vladimir Grinberg
Avram Pengas
Jerry Markovitz
Lenny Friedman (after a long hiatus)
Yossi Rosenberg
Jerry King
Shelly Lang
Shmuel Klaver
Avner Levy
Shlomo Haviv
Ken Gross
Gadi Bodinger
Harold Fruchter
Aaron Goldring
Arie Pollak
Yitzy Braun
Rami Levit
Eli Zomick
Yossi Piamenta
I realize that some of the names are borderline late-'70's/early '80's, but you get the idea. And if this is the Warren Cohen I know, I would also add to the list his brother Michael, who still plays a fine trumpet.
What ever happened to those guys?I believe they released a Hebrew album about a year or so back, but I haven't heard it. In between, they became the Torah Tots. Oh, and some chick singer stole their song
I did a show with Kabbalah at the Javits Center many years ago and they were one of the acts. I still have that cassette somewhere.
6/27/07 Link Dump
So Blogger's "BlogThis!" is acting up again. Here's a long delayed link dump.
PT's getting ready for a big show, and he's brought in a legendary producer to help. Sounds good, but ich meyn az s'darf mehr cowbell!
MoC is ranting about YaMaMai and royalties. One of the commentors there is misrepresenting the parody exception. Changing the key or some notes or syncopations does NOT qualify.
Is Chaim picking on MBD?
The RIAA is getting sued again.
PHP's Doni Joszef writes about Jewish Musicism.
Not by Aerosmith! Dude sings like a lady!
Oy!
Jack doesn't like Beth Shafer's latest. Her fans seem quite upset at this. (He doesn't like Rick Recht, either.)
Here's Avi Adrian's bluesy singing bird.
Here's Asian Fiddler.
Me wants one!
Here's the best graduation performance this season.
Sibelius 5 is out!
Check out these these Epstein Bros. clips.
( Via Teruah.)
Here's Mo C on Avi Singolda.
The Jewish Week reviews Mare Winningham's disc.
Na, Nach, Nacha, Nachas Fun Kinder!
Sameach has posted Aaron Razel's "Krembo Song" video.
PT's getting ready for a big show, and he's brought in a legendary producer to help. Sounds good, but ich meyn az s'darf mehr cowbell!
MoC is ranting about YaMaMai and royalties. One of the commentors there is misrepresenting the parody exception. Changing the key or some notes or syncopations does NOT qualify.
Is Chaim picking on MBD?
The RIAA is getting sued again.
PHP's Doni Joszef writes about Jewish Musicism.
Not by Aerosmith! Dude sings like a lady!
Oy!
Jack doesn't like Beth Shafer's latest. Her fans seem quite upset at this. (He doesn't like Rick Recht, either.)
Here's Avi Adrian's bluesy singing bird.
Here's Asian Fiddler.
Me wants one!
Here's the best graduation performance this season.
Sibelius 5 is out!
Check out these these Epstein Bros. clips.
( Via Teruah.)
Here's Mo C on Avi Singolda.
The Jewish Week reviews Mare Winningham's disc.
Na, Nach, Nacha, Nachas Fun Kinder!
Sameach has posted Aaron Razel's "Krembo Song" video.
Friday, June 22, 2007
From the mailbag...
Warren Cohen writes:
Are there any Jewish club daters from the 1970's still playing?"Argood" writes:
Hello there, do you by any chance have any Freilech Hora Keyboard Styles you can email me?PT writes:
Kabbalah was one of the best Jewish Rock Bands to come out of the ‘80s.Dovid Kerner writes:
Let’s face it.
Kabbalah was one of the ONLY Jewish Rock Bands to come out of the ‘80s.
Kabbalah was one of the first bands to fuse Jewish Music and lyrics with real rock music, and released two albums, Kabbalah, and Kabbalah: Classic, in 1986 and 1987. The Moshe Skier Band plays many songs from these albums. They were originally released as cassettes, and have been out of print for 20 years.
BUT NOW
Thanks to the MAGIC of the INTERNETS, and MP3 download technology, the seminal Jewish Rock albums Kabbalah and Kabbalah: Classic can be yours for download!
Act now and the first 20 orders will get a free Ginsu Knife*
Visit here for more details:
http://www.myspace.com/kabbalahband
or
http://www.mosheskier.com/purchase.htm (scroll down for Kabbalah)
Moshe Skier (founding member of Kabbalah)
*subject to availability**
**we don’t have any Ginsu knives
Blog,Moshe Axelrod writes:
Wish I had a happier song for you - Sderot Town at www.kernersongs.com.
Hey Eden Fans,
Just posted is a never before heard version of Min Hameztar! It is not the Album or the EP version it was completed sometime after the record was released and has its own flare and sound to it. For more info on the song and what it is read our Newest Blog Post http://www.myspace.com/officialedenmusic . The New version is the Fourth Song on our list and can be heard here http://www.myspace.com/officialedenmusic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)