11/28/06 Link Dump

Over at Jewschool, matthue gets all snarky 'bout Debbie Friedman.

Over at the Klezmer Shack, Ari's on a roll with lots of CD recommendations.

Is Mizrachi music in trouble?

The Jewish Week reviews a number of CD's including Shlomo Katz's latest.

Speaking of the JW, here's a Letter to the Editor by Harriet Goren:

I was saddened by your headline for the article “Fighting Sing-Along Services” (Page 3, Nov. 10) as well as by comments of participants in The Art of Synagogue Music conference.

I agree that a cantorial or choir solo can transport spirits to amazing heights. But so can “singing along,” joining together in strength with other voices and participating fully in prayer rather than waiting for an expert do all the work. Judaism, after all, is about action. Most synagogues in this country offer an experience of congregational prayer by proxy, as if the chazan alone was qualified to speak to God. No wonder attendance at services continues to decline and havurot, small lay-led groups, proliferate: everyone’s voice counts in a havurah.

Participatory music need not be “lowest common denominator,” as composer Jack Gottlieb asserts; witness the thousands who attend services each week at Manhattan’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and raise their non-trained, non-expert voices in melodies that are eminently singable as well as aesthetically sophisticated.

The answer to creating a more meaningful and challenging prayer experience is not to discourage participation for fear of making unpleasant sounds, but rather concentrate efforts on developing music that will, in its beauty and relevance, encourage us to raise our voices as one.

Dag comments on the new Chevra!

Nisht kein Godol comments on the Dei'ah VeDibbur article we recently blogged.

Hirhurim plugs "Gerstner cubed!"

Word!

Messianic Madness (not a Chabad post)

So a Messianic Christian joins the Yahoo Jewish music group and seeks MBD lyrics.

A member asks why his profile says Jesus lives.

His answer: Whoops! "Excuse, but was an error upon creating the phrase! the correct one would be: Am Yisrael chai, Od Avinu Chai! Yeah, right!

Speaking of messies, here's some delicious irony. Did you know that there's afour-piece Messianic band called, I kid you not, Arba Minim?!? You can't make this stuff up!

In Honor of the Agudah Convention...

Here's one from our archives.

Also, took a look at the Spring 2003 edition of the RJJ Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society. Rabbi Alfred Cohen's article on "Daat Torah" in that volume is interesting. In the article, he quotes the Meshech Chochma, who says that the true "sin" of Moshe Rabbenu at Mai Meriva was that he erred in not realizing how his policy would be misinterpreted by the Jewish people.

"Even a great and true Torah leader, whose vision of Judaism is clear and whose wisdom is profound, has to decide not only what is the right thing to do, but also - how the people will perceive it."

In a footnote, he refers to the takanos imposed on wedding expenditures by the Agudah and notes:

As an example, if people were to get the impression that certain individuals are exempt from following recently-issued guidelines for limiting ostentation and excessive spending at weddings, there would be little incentive for others to adhere to them.

Under the circumstances, lack of respect for Daat Torah abounds.

Rabbi Cohen is too kind here. I fail to see how people could not get that impression, given that the text of the takanos explicitly allows for exceptions to these rules.

He also notes in a later footnote:

During the past year, a proclamation was issued by Torah leaders, calling upon all members of the community to accept restrictions and guidelines for expenditures when making weddings. The proclamation aroused a great deal of discussion, as well as debate whether this area was indeed the one most in need of correction -- some suggested that it would have been far more important and worthwhile to place a limit on the costs of Yeshiva education, which places a tremendous burden on thousands upon thousands of families. Be that as it may, the true test of that proclamation's efficacy as Daat Torah will be evident in about five years, when its impact will or will not be noticeable. It is the view of this writer that the factor determining whether this move to influence public behavior succeeds is really dependent upon the behavior of the signators themselves: the first time a wealthy or important individual flouts the guidelines, but the Torah personalities who signed attend his child's wedding anyway -- that will be the end of the projects efficacy.

By this standard, the takanos are already a failure – as it was obvious that they would be. I should note that there are many people who have been abiding by the takanos despite the fact that, even within the “Agudah” community, they aren’t universally followed.

Next year's plenary topic: "Is the RJJ Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society bad for emunas chachomim?"

NB: One of the benefits of gigging only 10 minutes from home on Erev Thanksgiving is pre-gig blogging. Much better than sitting in traffic for a few hours.

The Wedding Present

There's a beautiful story that's told about the composition of the Breslover tune "Oz VeHadar". I thought I'd written about this previosly on the blog, but can't find it in the archives.

I learned the story behind the song from the liner notes on a Breslover album I picked up a while back. The album is titled "Nigunei Neshama" and is a live recording of "beautiful old melodies that arouse one to the service of Hashem, which were sung from time to time in the house of Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender z"l, the head of chasidei Breslov in Eretz Yisrael."

The tune was composed by Reb Meir Leib Blekher z”l. Being extremely poor, and not having anything to give his daughter on her wedding day, he went out to meditate and pray in the fields. When he returned, he said to her: “A wedding dress I don’t have for you, however a nice melody I do have [for you]!” He then began to sing this song to the verse from Eshet Chayil – Oz VeHadar... [as if to say] the main thing is the garment for the Last Day. (Siach Sarfei Kodesh, 3-398)

A lot of people think this is a Carlebach tune. I blame Soulfarm!

From the mailbag...

Robert Miller writes:

1. If anyone wants wants to hear the nearest thing to the real Shlomo they can easily find the recorded Shlomo, or they can sing his tunes themselves. A good tune can have varied good interpretations.

2. We ought to realize that Jews created and sustained a wonderful tune-making enterprise, namely, the American musical theatre of the 20th century. How and when we decided to settle for gaudily arranged boring music that you know before you've even heard it is something to ponder. Hevel's sacrifice was accepted over Cain's because Hevel gave his best. If Torah people want to make Torah music, shouldn't this be our best?

Jordan writes:

From the back cover of Mikdash Melech:

"This is to my great friend Benedict: (The arranger of Mikdash Melech) Thank you for putting so much heart into my songs. Everyone who will hear this beautiful music will love you as much as I do and will miss you as the whole world will. Peace be with you. Shlomo"

In the story of Schvartze Wolf, Shlomo pointed out that a lamed vavnik was like a mirror. If you look at him and see an obnoxiuous person, than you are obnoxious. And if you look at him and see an ugly person, than it is you who are ugly. Well, Shlomo was the same way. If you look at him and see an illiterate out of tune singer with an unkempt beard and dirty shirt, than gevalt, it is your beard that is unkempt and your shirt that is dirty, and by God, it is time you took some guitar lessons and let someone else do the singing. But if you look at Shlomo, and see a sophisticated folk musician who used a variety of settings for his music, and whose songs are firmly rooted in the tradition of eclectic Jewish music, drawing from the Central European Classical music influenced Modzitz dynasty, Russian folk tunes, and German Synagogue Music traditions, as well as Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, and Woody Guthrie, than you're mamesh unbelievable.

Ben Zion Solomon, by the way, did graduate work in Ethnomusicology at UC Berkley.

Ron B. writes:

I just got back from a wedding, I won't mention where or who played but... suffice it to say that it was what you would call a high-class type affair with an 8 piece band and famous guest singer. Aside from the competency of the band and the "star signatures" of the singer, which were fine, some things struck me as off. The hall was large but not huge. The sound system was a full blown front-of-house system, with at least 10 or 12 compressor-expander-limiter sound processors in the rack and each player had earbuds or headphones with an individual mix. The sound engineer, who was situated behind a 24 track board which was also behind the stage and the speakers, was wearing headphones. The sound system had about six 1600 watt amps, which could drive a medium to large size theater, with 4 huge flown speakers and 2 huge subwoofers. Even though everyone had earbuds or headphones, each musician also had a floor monitor including the drummer who sat behind a lexan shield where all the drums were miked.

Why is this important? Well, first off, the position of the engineer and his headphones gave him no clue as to what the sound in the place was like for the audience. Secondly, limiting-compressing and expanding every player completely kills the dynamics of the band and makes everything a constant leveled wall of sound. Thirdly, giving everyone a set of phones or buds where they can adjust their own levels in their own in-the-ear-mix does not give them any idea about what the band really sounds like in terms of dynamics and balance.

To my ears, the entire mix in the hall was dull, muddy and bland, with no nuance or dynamics. It was a shame. Throwing so much technology at live music to squash it when it's loud, lift it when it's low and otherwise homogenize it into and electronic facsimile of a live performance. This in itself is not so bad if it's applied judiciously in what we call a Front of House system. That's where the engineer is situated in the audience position, without headphones and adjusts things according to the way it sounds, using technology as tools to enhance the live show as it happens, adjust the balance for clarity and nuance of expression - not to set some presets to flatten it all while behind a set of headphones.

I don't get why the band needs floor monitors if they all have phones and/or buds. No one really hears the music as it should be heard, including the audience. Maybe the musicians don't care because it's a job and the engineer brought new toys for them, so why make a tzimmes - take the money and run. The famous singer sees all the blinking lights and expensive gear and feels like he's in Town Hall, OK. And the audience, they don't know the difference except they can't figure out why they are getting a headache because it doesn't really sound that loud. It's just and ersatz version harmonically re-processed and re-engineered in real-time to sound good to one guy in headphones, who has to be listening at high db levels to counter the room sound and probably needs an audiologist. But to the audience, it's a fatiguing psycho-acoustical torture on the ears.

What ever happened to the sound of live music? What ever happened to the art of sound engineering? The whole dynamics and nuance of the drum set, violin, horns, vocals were flattened into a stream of fog and mud. The guitar, bass and keyboard sounded electro-mechanical. What the musicians were playing was sounded like it was translated into the sound of AM radio
commercials on the beach with the bass boost and volume turned up.

How is it possible that we managed to perform live music in the past without an overkill of techno razzle-dazzle and sizzle-sazzle processing?

Did we lose our trust in that most remarkable technology which Hashem endowed us with: our ears?

From the mailbag... (Carlebach criticism edition)

Jordan's got my back:

I remember davening for the amud in Rinat Yisrael, my shul in Teaneck, and using the Shlomo nusach as I learned it off the record. A good friend who happened to be in town and was a close associate of Shlomo's came up to me afterward and said, Jordan, that was beautiful, but it wasn't the way Shlomo did it. I responded that that was the way Shlomo recorded it, and while I respect the need to be true to a composers wishes, I was within my rights to use the recorded version, and he should not get tied up in a knot about it. I am one of the most insistent musicians in NYC about playing Shlomo's tunes correctly, but having said that, I also acknowledge that Shlomo, whose formal training was spotty, often sang his songs differently. And I am a little tired of Shlomo neo chasidim try to tell me, who performed with Shlomo on a number of occasion, in a wide variety of settings, "How Shlomo tunes should be done." I think we are talking about a pretty amazing, prolific, heartfelt, generous, funny, learned folk song composer. We are not talking about the secret recipe for Coca Cola.

I agree wholeheartedly with Blog in Dm that the criticisms of Dachs and Williger are small minded, petty, nasty, and one reason of my own, a violation of the spirit of Shlomo's music.

Hear, hear!

"Sonoomee" comments:

I don't think Carlebach took vocal lessons either.

Yitz emails:

With regard to the recent discussion about the various versions, by today’s artists, of Reb Shlomo Carlebach’s music – his niggunim – I’d like to add my 2 cents, or should I say, 2 agorot. We live in a world today where everything can be processed, packaged, and redone artificially, and music is no exception. We can now digitalize everything, to make voices sound like guitars; our modern-day electronic keyboards have drums, bass, brass, flutes, guitar and just about any other sounds coming out of them, besides the usual piano and/or organ sound.

There are many people that feel that things have gone a bit too far. I basically agree with your premise that “if you don’t like it, don’t buy it [or attend the concert, etc.].” But I also feel the pain of where FWQ [Frum with Questions] is coming from. There is a feeling that even Reb Shlomo Carlebach, who was so down-to-earth, “amcha” – a Rabbi, yes, but very much “with the people,” who reached out and communicated with them “ba’asher hu sham” – wherever they may have been, has been co-opted. FWQ is upset that even the Carlebach Shul has decided to use “commercialized,” if you will, versions of Reb Shlomo’s music, rather than those performers who actually knew him, played with him, and have a strong feeling of his music, which they can convey when they perform it. His feelings are legitimate and deserve better treatment than your critique here. Again, I agree with you that the response should be “don’t attend the concert,” but one cannot help but feel that somehow people have been betrayed, “sold out” as it were, for a bowl of lentil soup [see this week’s parsha].

Both you and Psachya cite Reb Shlomo’s recording of Mikdash Melech, or “In the Palace of the King,” as an example of how he used musical arrangers. Although I didn’t know Reb Shlomo when he made that recording, I’ve been told by those who knew him, that he was extremely dissatisfied with it. Not with his songs, however, but with the ‘muzak’-style arrangements. [Personally, at the outset and still today, I cringe at some of the ‘muzak’-sounding backdrops on this album, which remind me of either department store music, or Xmas songs. I bought this record in the early 70s.] Evidence that this was so is the fact that most of those songs were redone on later recordings. Another problematic recording, which wasn’t mentioned, was “Days Are Coming.” This came out when groups like “The Supremes” were very popular, and for some reason, his producer decided to use some ‘supreme-like’ background vocals on some of the songs, notably ‘Yachad.’ Again, I heard from those who knew him that Reb Shlomo was not happy with the results of this recording. Thank G-d that Neshama reissued this recording by removing these vocals, adding much better vocals and instrumentation, although at times the saxophone player got a bit carried away [methinks] in some of the interludes.

If you look at things, besides his very early recordings, with which he was launching his music, Reb Shlomo very often recorded live performances, or, as he did later, brought a live audience of his ‘chevra’ into the studio, to give it a live effect. His “Sweetest Friends” recording is a good example of this.

So to be fair to FWQ, let’s agree that Williger and his ilk are not as authentic as Ben Zion Solomon and Sons. Similarly, the Duo Reim’s recording of Modzitz niggunim is not as authentic as those of Ben Zion Shenker. And I’m sure there are many more examples of this. [There are Lubavitchers that hold that Avraham Fried’s version of Chabad niggunim are not as authentic as Nichoach’s]. But, as you correctly mention, you are free to buy or not buy the recording, to listen or not listen to them [when they come on the radio, for example], or attend or not attend the concert.

My challenge to Yitz, "FWQ" and the others. Produce your list of "authorized" Carlebach performers who "actually knew him, played with him, and have a strong feeling of his music, which they can convey when they perform it." Make sure it's all inclusive, as anyone not on the list will never be allowed to perform any Carlebach songs publically. As well, I'd like a specific list detailing the requirements for each of those categories. Specifically, the following:

1) How well did they have to have known R' Shlomo? Do they need to have known his favorite color? Favorite food?
2) How often did they have to have played with him? Is once enough? What about if they came and played on their own, but weren't invited to by R' Shlomo? What if they can't play well? What if someone never played with him, but has performed extensively with the Carlebach talmidim?
3) What qualifies as having a strong feeling of his music?
4) Similarly, what constitutes "conveying" it? Wishing everyone a "good Shabbos" on Tuesday? Parameters please!

Than we'll discuss the specifics.

Also, it's nice to assert that R' Shlomo allegedly was unhappy with the musical arrangements on "In The Palace of the King" and "Days Are Coming". However, he did record those albums, and he did choose/ work with the arrangers for those albums. Those were decisions that are impossible to reconcile with the perspective of his music some, like yourself, appear to be espousing. Even if he later decided he didn't like the results of those sessions.

Finally, I don't agree with your statement "let’s agree that Williger and his ilk are not as authentic as Ben Zion Solomon and Sons." (For the record, I tend to prefer Ben Zion's Carlebach to Williger's.) It's not comparable to an outsiders recording of music of any specific Chassidic group they are not a part of. Williger and his peers grew up with Carlebach music. It is sung in their shuls, yeshivos, at community events, and they bought, listened to, and sang his music for many years. You might not like the musical direction they've gone with it. But to represent it as "outsider music" is unfair. It has been the soundtrack to much of their lives.

Elsewhere, you've approved of Israeli jazz pianist Avi Adrian's treatment of Modzitzer nigunim. (A great album, BTW.) Adrian is not a Modzitzer and jazz is not exactly traditional to Modzitz. Why the double standard about Carlebach?

In sum, it's perfectly ok for "Carlebachheads" to critique Williger's Carlebach ouvre from a musical standpoint. If you don't like the commercial "Brooklyn" Jewish music style, that's legitimate. I don't muuch care for it myself. But these high-horsed comments are disrespectful, as Jordan noted, to the spirit of R' Shlomo.

Finally, I wrote previously:

The notion that only acoustic guitar players and J-rockers are "authentically" Carlebach is silly. That said, there is a "scene" of musicians who play events throughout the year for the Carlebach shul, often for little or no remuneration, and its a little sad that the Carlebach shul feels it has to go to "name" Brooklyn performers for their big events, rather than showcasing their own.

I think it appropriate for the Carlebach shul to use musicians from within their own community for their events. But that's not because I beleive Williger has no right to sing Carlebach. I'll explain more about my reasoning in the next of my "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? series.

Requests

Pair o' requests for an upcoming gig: "Ya Ma Mai" and "Um Didee Oh"! It just sounds so unintelligent.

Incidentally, one of these days, I think I'm going to run a series of "Name That Gig" posts, wherein I present a list of actual song requests and ask readers to describe the type of gig played.

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IX

Continuing the series...

Here are a few scenarios.

"A long time ago in a shul far, far away..."

Years ago, I was very involved in a community shul. I helped run the beginners service, I taught NJOP's Hebrew crash course, gave a series of shiurim, organized and ran events for the shul, etc. I also played at some of the shul's events. Occasionally for free, and always at a reduced rate. I frequently turned down work for those slots, as well as for the slots I was teaching classes. Yet, there was one event I never played; the shul dinner. The shul was a large shul, and the dinner chairperson never came to any of the events my band played at the shul. The chairperson also made it clear that there was no way my band would be considered, because no one has the right to suggest to do things other than the way this person wanted it.

Should the shul have used my band for the dinner?

Here's another example:

Over the years, I've done a lot of pro-bono and discounted work for two national organizations. (Mainly pro-bono.) We're talking many gigs annually. Yet, when they have their serious events, they call bands who don't/haven't been playing these events for them. Is this fair? What do you think an organizations obligation is (if any) to it's volunteers?

A final example:
I have been playing certain events for several schools for many years. Yet, in one particular school, every time they change their director of student activities , it starts from a blank slate, meaning they call whoever for the gigs, until eventually, I get a call to play one (I am in their Rolodex after all) after which they've (so far) been satisfied and return to calling me for all of their events. This has been going on for over a decade now. I've been through four personel changes, and its been the same way each time. Comments?

Up next, my thoughts on various aspects of this topic. Also, I'll share my perspective on the specific examples cited in this series.

Meanwhile, here's Ron Benvenisti:

I sympathize with the "You Owe Me" posts for the most part but I feel compelled to say, it's not always personal or negative. Sometimes the organization's music "director" changes, or their new boss or new son-in-law has other music "connections". Sometimes they want to go a different musical route, which is not your specialty (maybe klezmer or Sephardic or Simply Tsfat). This happens. Sometimes they just forgot how to contact you. This is where a little marketing effort and good attitude go a long way. Make a timely phone call; put them on your mailing list or e-mail. Touch base now and then especially before event times. It really doesn't take much effort to be pro-active and keep up a friendly relationship.

It happened that I had a great Pesach getaway gig, I moved to NJ and the organization lost my cell phone number. In the tzimmes of the moving and the ensuing shverikeit with schools and agencies I neglected to pass on my new contact info to everyone. Thankfully, I had just put up a website and they found me by searching Google. Another time, parent's wanted to use me for a wedding, but it turned out that the kids wanted Simply Tsfat. I wasn't upset, it's their wedding. Mazal Tov! I was happy for them, this is a once in a lifetime (hopefully) event. I wound up doing a jazzy Smorg through and including the Chosson's Intro and Simply Tsfat did the Chupah and dancing. A great bunch of musical guys too! It was a beautiful, albeit slightly atypical, wedding and it was a lot of fun doing it. The crowd really enjoyed the contrast and transition. Sure, it wasn't a full 4-5 hour paying gig, but the money was still very good. I had a great relaxed time, got to see Simply Tsfat, had a great meal and subsequently booked four jobs in that geographic area, which I never worked before, from people that heard me that night. So, keep in touch and be nice. Not everyone is out to get you, but if it happens, as it most likely will, unfortunately, don't let them do it again and if discretely possible, please warn us about who the creeps are. Maybe we'll have a "Creep Peeps" gallery with names named!

Previous posts in this series:

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part V
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VI (To Catch A Thief!)
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VII
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VIII

More Dei'ah veDibur

Here's part II of Binyomin Rabinowitz's Dei'ah veDibur interview with three chassidic composers. We noted part I here.

Here we brought up the issue of musical arrangements, the musical accompaniment, and we got the impression that the same tune could be done in a Jewish way, so that it would have the proper structure. The exact opposite can be also done. Here too the deterioration is immense . . .

Rabbi Banet: It is like taking a chassidic Jew and dressing him up in street clothes. A Jewish melody has to be fashioned from beginning to end in a Jewish way. Whether it is the musical overture to a song, or the transitions, or whatever, we have to make sure that the whole thing is a warm Jewish niggun and that the accompaniment and the musical arrangement do not steal away the song. There are those who go too far in this matter, and whenever foreign and dissonant tunes are brought in from the outside, it causes a lot of damage and degeneration.

And this:

Rabbi Kalish: I would put it like this: Music in our times is a very strong pointer to the character of a bochur. Especially in the teenage years when young people are looking for someone to identify with, to imitate, to look up to (and I do not need to add that any identification with and desire to be like people who are not gedolei Torah is wrong — and definitely when it involves people who are not so positive, to put it mildly).

When you see a bochur who is drawn to music which is not genuinely Jewish and whose notes are foreign to the spirit of Jewish tradition — and it has, under the heading of `chassidic music,' notes which are very foreign indeed and so far from Judaism that they lack even the faintest scent of it, but rather the contrary — then this is the first warning signal. It means that you need to examine the tapes that he has in his closet, because it shows what company he wants to affiliate himself with or has already affiliated himself with, choliloh.

It is the society he is in that has led him to this—and the minute that he wants to be part of it, he will adopt their music, since that alien sound is a clear indicator of that society. Being or wanting to affiliate with that society is manifested in all kinds of external factors, including the dress code, and the song is another unmistakably clear signal.

It is absolutely clear that pagan, street music, pushes a person when he goes outside. It is a fast mover and a social force that traps one to evil, to the streets.

I feel that I am not saying anything new, it is something simple that everyone knows — even though I cannot point to any specific bochur who went down because he listened to a song that was alien to us, because I cannot possibly know what led to what. But I can point to those for whom it was the first signal of their getting into bad company, and it was the factor that expedited their continued deterioration. Now, that is a clear answer to your question about the danger of idol worship, and the idolization of singers and composers.

I assume this is the reason why Kalish switched to cheesy '70's style horn rock arrangement for his music on/about the Belzer "P'sach Shaarei Shamayim" release.

11/15/06 Link Dump

THE LIFE-OF-RUBIN BLOG has a post about the upcoming HASC concert.

Ben Jacobson reviews Ta Shma.

There are two music-related letters in this week's Jewish Week. You just know that the poor guys at Cantor's World got tons of complaints over an inadvertent mischaracterization.

ASCAP has The Hotel Pianist worried about her job security. Not to worry too much. They'll still be after the hotel if they start playing recorded music instead.

Here's a nice resolution.

From the mailbag... (in defense of Williger edition)

The author of "Frum With Questions" responds to Jordan's comments.

I am posting this because I feel it is representative of views I've often seen expressed. My response follows.

I am the author of FrumWithQuestions and I would like to thank you for linking my post. I would love to reply to the guy whose response you posted or would love to him to comment on my blog. I would love for this person to hear the difference between the Williger Carlebach Shabbos albums and Ben Tsion Solomon and Sons Carlebach Shabbos albums. Vocally and musically you cannot compare the two. Not only that the Williger album is "composed" and many of the things are not sung in the right way. I would questions if even Williger has had proper vocal training. How come he did not produce any Shlomo albums while he was still alive? Did they ever perform together? Same questions apply to Dachs. I also want to note that these "concerts" and all of this commercialization did not start until Reb Sammy left the shul. As a result many of the old chevra involved left the shul and moved to Israel or elsewhere because of what is going on there. Who is responsible I don't know but it is wrong and things are no longer done in Reb Shlomos spirit.

I asked him what he means by his assertion that "the Williger album is "composed" and he responded.

Williger as well as alot of these other clowns, pay a composers to write and compose the music they put on their albums where artists such as Ben Tzion are real musicians do everything themselves. I was actually at a Friday night davening with Williger and not only did he sing everything wrong, he did it as a performance. He sings in a way which makes it impossible to harmonize (since he is nasal) and he does it in a way which no one can get involved in the davening which defeats the purpose of a Carlebach davening. These people are in it for themselves and for the money. I don't know how it can be more clear.

The level of animosty evidenced here, which I've seen expressed towards some J-music performers before, especially from "Carlebach afficionados" is unwarranted. The claims made here are for the most part silly and the personal attacks on Williger and Dachs are just nasty. If you don't like a performers style, don't listen to his recordings. It's as simple as that. Musical criticism of their albums is certainly fair, but personal attacks and gratuitous nastiness is just wrong on so many levels.

To address your points:

Do you really believe that it's not OK for a singer to release an album with actual musical arrangements? R' Sholmo Carlebach, whose authenticity you're so vigorously defending, featured the work of arrangers like Milt Okun on his albums. I'd strongly suggest re-listening to "In the Palace of the King". Incidentally, as far as the Williger Carlebach CD's go, I'd say no arrangements were harmed (or even used) in the making of those albums.

The issue of whether or not a singer has had "proper vocal training" is irrelevant. These are recording artists with many albums out. You're not their producer. You're a potential customer. Or not. It's your choice.

Similarly, comparing Williger's albums to Ben Zion Solomon's is also irrelevant. If you prefer Ben Zion's work, that's great. Buy his recordings instead.

The notion that "many of the things are not sung in the right way" is a popular peeve among Carlebach groupies. My readers know that I am interested in tracing the evolution of nigunim, discovering the "authentic" version of melodies, and similar topics. That said, the nature of folk music is that it evolves from community to community as well as over time. Like it or not, many Carlebach melodies have attained the status of folk melodies in the Jewish (not just frum) communities. Different people will sing them differently. It's unfair to criticize a singer for singing a song the way many in his community do.That cat's out of the bag already. Deal with it. Or not. Again. It's your choice. No one is forcing you to attend Williger concerts or buy Dachs CD's.

You ask why he didn't release Carlebach albums while R' Shlomo was alive? That's irrelevant. As is whether or not they performed together. Any artist is entitled to record Carlebach tunes as long as they obtain proper licensing (which is compulsory according to US Copyright laws which also sets the royalty fee) and credit the songs appropriately.

The assertion that Williger et al “pay a composers to write and compose the music they put on their albums where artists such as Ben Tzion are real musicians do everything themselves” is silly too. This isn’t a competition for most talented musician, with the prize being that only the winner can release albums. There are numerous great vocalists in the secular world who “pay [a] composers to write and compose the music they put on their albums”.

The notion that it’s impossible to harmonize with a “nasal” voice is factually incorrect. You might not like the resulting sound, but that’s not what you’re saying. You assert that it’s impossible and that’s just not true.

As far as the whole turning davening into a performance goes… I agree. See here, here, and here.

Finally, you assert “these people are in it for themselves and for the money.” You have no way of knowing this, but even granting your assertion, so what? People are entitled to release commercial albums. If you don’t like them, don’t buy them!

On a related note, Psachya writes:

To add a little to what Jordan said re the recent Carlebach shul concert. If you really want to know what is "authentic" Carlebach, it might be instructive to actually listen to some of Rav Shlomo's original recordings. The folkies & J-rockers will usually point to albums like "Live at the Village Gate," which is just Rav Shlomo & his guitar, as raw as it gets; they'll also point to late recordings with Diaspora Yeshiva Band and future members of Soulfarm - all great recordings, by the way. But how about "In the Palace of the King," one of the first modern Jewish albums to feature a full Broadway-style orchestra, with very sophisticated arrangements? How about "Yisrael B'tach Bashem," possibly his most famous album, featuring none other than Yisroel Lamm & Neginah Orchestra? How about his encyclopedic career retrospective, a multi-album, two-year project arranged by Steve Bill, featuring Yaron Gershovsky on keys? Even his earliest albums arranged by Milt Okun (of Peter, Paul & Mary fame) feature cantorial choirs and the like backing him up. In other words, we can see by Rav Shlomo's own recordings that his compositions work in a variety of settings and styles, which is the mark of truly great music. When someone like Yisroel Williger records albums of "Carlebach Nusach", he is as sincere as anyone (and, by the way, more "authentic" than most). I'm a little tired of people who confuse "authenticity" with "the music I like to listen to". It's intellectually dishonest - just say that you don't care for the style, and move on.

Dov Katz writes:

In response to the recent shenanigans about “renting” CD’s……we have decided that people no longer can download the show for free…but that they need to email us back the mp3 in 10 years, delete the file from their computers, and give us their Ipods. In addition we are charging 10 cookies, 2 Diet Dr. Peppers and a coffee for renting the show…..

Listen to the latest show for more….

Here is a link….

SAMEACH MUSIC PODCAST EPISODE # 27

Finally, Jewish Entertainment Magazine forwards a poster for Lipa Schmeltzer's upcoming Chanukah show.

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VIII

Continuing the series...

Here's a story representative of many other similar episodes.

Years ago I played a gig for a national Jewish organization. The fellow who called was running a singles event and needed some background music. He didn't have much of a budget for the event, but since it was relatively last minute and for a "good cause", I took the gig at a discounted rate.

The event, a buffet dinner at a now defunct Manhattan eatery, was a bust. About 80 singles showed, but the age (18-50's)and religious diversity of the crowd (on the older side there were miniskirted women and chassidish men, and on the younger side Beis Yaakov type gals and ultra-modern guys ) meant that there were almost no potential matches present. This was immediately obvious to all of the participants on entry. So, I became the de facto entertainment, saving the event, as it were.

At the end of the gig, the fellow thanked me profusely and told me he'd definitely call me again. (I know the gig was a succes, because I booked gigs out of it, and also ran into many of the participants over the following months, who told me they'd liked it.) As you've probably guessed, he didn't even though they run events needing music fairly frequently.

Does this organization owe me anything?

Previous posts in this series:

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part V
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VI (To Catch A Thief!)
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VII

10/13/06 Link Dump

Ever want to see a bunch of Israeli Hassidisco singers lip-synch in Ashkenazish?

Jewish Music Blog is criticizing Omek Hadavar. Talk about missing the point.

Here's a great video clip of Yitzhak Perlman learning some klezmer tunes.

ADDeRabbi posts an email to educators about "MySpace" which illustrates the issue why I thus far haven't been linking to MySpace pages on this blog.

Tzadik Ba L'ir

Tzadik has released "Moloch: Book of Angels Volume 6" a CD featuring pianist Uri Caine intererpreting tunes from Zorn's Masada Book Two.



Here's Tzadik's description:

Uri Caine is a musician of astonishing virtuosity and versatility. Coming out of the legendary Philly Jazz scene, his playing is an encyclopedia of styles from Tatum to Evans and beyond. With Moloch he interprets tunes from Zorn’s Book of Angels in a breathtaking outing for solo piano. Virtuosic and soulful, this latest volume of material from Masada Book Two is an absolute tour-de-force. Fifteen musical miniatures by one of the world’s greatest piano virtuosos.

Amazon has it here:

From the mailbag...

Avremi G. writes:

Interesting discussion on the evolution of Chabad Nigunim.

Check out the recording (attached) of Nigun London. This was the Cut 1 on the very first Nichoach album. (No Disco breakdown on Part C) The accompanying notation from Sefer Hanigunim (link) does not match.

Also attached is my transcription of the Alte Rebbes Nigun. To illustrate the following. The recurring 2/4 bars reflects the way Chabadniks actually sing the song. No printed sheet music reflects this (including Sefer Hanigunim). My thoughts on Sefer Hanigunim. After having gone through the book several times I can only surmise the following. The copyist hired to do the job was a competent musician. The Chosid they got to sing all the stuff to him must have been drunk half the time. There is some weird stuff in there.

As for Keili Ato. Again, the recording seems to be fairly accurate, but as you point out, the notation from Sefer Hanigunim is not.

My informant married into an old Chabad family and recalls hearing the song sung as notated in Sefer Hanigunim. Its a chicken and egg question. Interesting.

"A Lubavitcher" writes:

An old pet peeve of Lubavitchers about Sefer Hanigunim is that was not accurate as to how the Nigun was actually sung. I heard once that it was because Sefer Hanigunim was written for piano, or for instruments in general (you would know), and therefore deviates from how it is sung. The correct version is the more popular one, or the ones on Nichoach (Nigunei Chabad).

Those #!*#! piano players!!! Messing up Chabad notation for everyone else! [/sarcasm] Accurate notation of a melody doesn't depend on the instrument it's written for.

Ari Godwag writes:

Attached is the poster for my Kumzitz/concert in Lawrence on Thanksgiving weekend. Please feel free to pass this on!

Jordan writes:

I think it is a damn shame the blogger you cited felt free to question the legitimacy of some people performing at the recent Carlebach Yahrzeit Concert. Everyone and his mother seems to think they have the true source of what constitutes a proper Carlebach performer. One can decide if they like or dislike any individual singer, but regarding Shlomo, his musical tastes and influences were wide enough to accommodate a variety of performance styles.

The problem of people taking Shlomo's music without permission is an old one, and I discussed it with him when we last performed together. He asked me my opinion, and I spoke to him at length about the need for getting a lawyer to track the recordings that concerned him. I don't know if my advice was good, but I know he took the problem seriously. But I also know that the Carlebach shul was involved in the details of the concert, and obviously they felt there was a sufficient connection to the performers in question to invite them to sing.

Yisroel Williger and Shloimie Dachs in particular have long favored Shlomo's music, even before he died, and my impression is that they are sincere in their appreciation of his music. I cannot speak for Wald, because I don't know him that well. The folk rock chevra and their adherents have added a wonderful voice to Jewish music, although it should be pointed out that they are following the path laid out by Stanley Miller, Diaspora, and Shema Koleinu thirty years ago. But they have not cornered the market on sincerity, and most of them have not been performing Jewish Music in any style long enough to have gained the perspective necessary to support their self righteous judgments.

In other words, just shut up and sing.

I agree that the sense some have that Williger et al are not entitled to sing Carlebach is wrong, and have written much the same thing in the past, for instance here. The notion that only acoustic guitar players and J-rockers are "authentically" Carlebach is silly. That said, there is a "scene" of musicians who play events throughout the year for the Carlebach shul, often for little or no remuneration, and its a little sad that the Carlebach shul feels it has to go to "name" Brooklyn performers for their big events, rather than showcasing their own. But, that gets into the topic of "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not?". More on that soon!

11/10/06 Link Dump

We haven't visited Dei'ah veDibur in a while. Let's check in with the nice folks and see how they feel about Contemporary Jewish music.

In the past, we've noted writer Rabbi Ephraim Luft's sentiments, but perhaps a different writer might have present another perspective.

Writer Binyomin Y. Rabinowitz shares his feelings in the above linked article; part one of an interview with three chassidic composers.

Weddings—bands—music. Harsh, discordant notes have infiltrated the world of the Jewish yeshiva. The Torah ear has lost the feel of the pure sound and has let dissonant notes change the notes of the heart and cut it to the quick.

The musical ladder, instead of serving as a ladder upwards has become a downhill slope. Under the cover of these notes, a link has been formed with the streets, and important barriers have been broken down. The consequences are likely to be severe from a spiritual standpoint.

It gets worse by the day. The dreadful negative influences are seen all over. Educational experts state unanimously that this issue is a major constituent in the decline of our young people.

There is no need to rush to the streets in order to go downhill. The cheap, bestial atmosphere of the streets has already permeated inside. If in the past it came through the back door, and was latent and concealed, today it is starkly apparent for all to see.

An on-site examination makes it manifestly clear that the community is not immune to this serious plague of modern life. Even if there are certain circles where the situation is less serious, it has still infiltrated and continues to infiltrate and cause harm. In short, we are facing a most dismal situation that pervades the world of song and music.

It is now the season of simchas and weddings. It is a fitting time to tackle this severe plague. And not only that. We feel it deeply ourselves. There is no doubt that this situation forces everyone to go to war. Not, choliloh vechas, against people — but against the system. To erect walls, as thick and high as possible. Because otherwise, we are getting close, we have already come close—no, we are already at the bottom rungs of the ladder. On a slippery slope that it will soon become very difficult to extricate ourselves from.

Tell us how you really feel, Binyomin!

One of the interviewees, Rabbi Shlomo Kalish (who composed many recent Belzer hits) is quoted:

In a case where the person is not proper, and the song does not come from a pure source, can that song be brought into the beis hamedrash, to a tish?

Rabbi Kalish: That question can be divided into two. The poskim relate to this question, that was apparently more common abroad where Jews took songs from the goyim. In the responsa of the Bach [Ed. the classical posek, not the classical composer], he answers this question and rules that it is forbidden to sing songs of avodoh zora, but the other songs of goyim are permitted.

I haven't asked the poskim today, but one could reasonably make a distinction between the songs of those days and the songs of today. Apparently, the songs of the goyim in those days were not as cheap in quality, and the question was whether to take such songs and sing them in the shuls or not. But today the songs are taken from a world of licentiousness and low desires, and therefore I would think that today it is really forbidden to use them. The spirit that is latent inside the melody is invasive and influential!

You ask how can we tell whether the song can be brought into a beis hamedrash or a tish?

But the question itself is the answer! Listen to it and you will know whether it is fit to be sung in a beis hamedrash or a tish. If it is not fit, then it is defective and treif, plain and simple! And if it cannot be sung then it is forbidden to sing it!

Thanks for clearing that up. We hadn't realized that licentious music is a new invention, probably dating from circa Michael Jackson's "Beat It!" You learn something new every day!

Here's some more:

Back to halocho lema'aseh. The fact is that the Bach allows everything aside from songs of avodoh zora. In my humble opinion, in those times no one dreamed or imagined that if they sung songs of the goyim, they would end up imitating the lifestyle of the composer of the song, and the like. It was simply not an issue. But today we really feel it: that a group of people—and I do not know what leads to what—when they start going downhill and degenerating, they sing certain specific songs of certain singers and composers.

I wonder if he's planning to buy the new Chevra CD?

Via the Yahoo Jewish Music Group.

Over at Create Digital Music, Peter Kirn rants about Microsoft's Zune deal with Universal.

Sing it, brother!

I'd take issue with his support of ASCAP. ASCAP is good for protecting the rights of certain categories/types of performers.Unfortunately, it appears that they have no interest in accommodating the rights of ethnic music performers, unless they achieve crossover success. Forget accomodation, they don't even respond to email and/or snail mail. A shame, because I actually think an existant performing rights organization could help resolve some rights issues in the Jewish music world.

Speaking of Microsoft's Zune mp3 player... the NYT pans the Zune. Especially note the sharing restrictions on beamed music making it practically impossible to use for promoting your own music. This is a dumb move by Microsoft.

Slate's Jody Rosen writes: "Borat Owes Me 97 Dollars: How Sacha Baron Cohen is Jewish vaudeville."

ViaJewishFringe.

One of Chaim's readers, takes on Country Yossi listeners over his use of secular music.

Finally, Frum With Questions has, natch, questions, about the lineup for the Carlebach Yahrtzeit concert.

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VII

Anon responds to "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VI (To Catch A Thief!):

As someone who books musicians professionally, its a difficult spot to be in. I've been in the positions where major institutions (jewish and non) have asked me to front all the expenses for a traveling group. Then the client mistakenly hands the check to the band after the event which includes all the expenses (it should be sent to my office for disbursement and records). The act gets all bent out of shape because they think you're cheating them and so does the client! Often, an agent has to reduce his commission just to make the sale, so you get 'hit' on both sides of the equation.

There's nothing wrong with someone making a commission as long as their role as an agent or shidduch maker is understood. In Part VI, it isn't, and its further muddied by the dude's employment by the school. You were right to suspect something, but you should have kept the money- he was repeatedly getting you at "discounted" rates that you had every right to keep.

Here's another story.

A number of years ago, a fellow musician called to book me for a fundraising dinner he was organizing for an institution he worked for. The gig was going to be on a busy Sunday in June and I was reluctant to take the gig because I had expectations of booking my own band for that date. Given budget constraints, he wasn't able to book my band, and instead he was piecing together a band on his own. So, I turned it down. After calling around and discovering that no one was available, he called me back and begged me to take the job. Feeling sympathetic, I took the gig as a favor to him. Then, a few weeks later, he asked me to help him find musicians who might be available, because all the guys he'd called were already working. So, I helped him staff the band at no extra charge. In the end, the event was very successful and the response to the music was very positive.

I wound up making less than I otherwise would have had I booked my own band and I also passed up the opportunity to perform under my own name. Any gigs that came out of this went to him, as he'd put up his own bandstand.

Flash forward to the next year. The organization decided to have their dinner on short notice on an off weeknight. I got in from a gig one night to find a message from this musician asking if I was available to play the dinner in two weeks. So, I called him the next morning, only to be told that he'd already hired someone else. He hadn't waited for me to return the call.

Given that I'd done him (and the organization) a favor the previous year, and the fact that he was obviously willing to have me back, as evidenced by his message, do you think his giving the job to somone else was fair?

Previous posts on the subject...

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part V
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VI (To Catch A Thief!)

From the mailbag... Updated

Jeremy Gimbel sends a link to his website with information about his "Shira Tirdof" project with Brad Lennox.

Here's his description:

"A Blessing in Disguise..." (2005) The debut album from Shira Tirdof is a landmark in Jewish music with roots in folk and rock genres that will leave you humming new tunes with each listen. Jeremy Gimbel and Brad Lennox -- a nationally acclaimed song leader, and an accomplished camp educator, respectively -- showcase modern musical interpretations of age-old texts through their eclectic variety of musical offerings. From the creative adaptations of "Hinei/Everyday" (the words of "Hinei Mah Tov" to the Dave Matthews Band tune "Everyday") and the Passover parody "S8er Boi," to the soulful and passionate interpretations of "Healing," "Oseh Shalom," and "Shalom Aleichem," Shira Tirdof captures the meaning and purpose of Jewish texts in modern, beautiful, and singable song. Every song on "A Blessing in Disguise..." is ready for your camp, synagogue, youth event, or a good blast on the car stereo.

As a songleader, Jeremy makes sure to include the key and tempo information for each track on his site, which is useful for song leaders who might like to learn/perform some of these tunes.

Sam writes:

Maybe someone picked this up before me, but the song called "Tell it to my face" at this link: Amazon.com: The Hollies sounds a lot like some Jewish song that I can't place.

Adam Davis writes this post:

Shanir is also the bassist for Pharaoh's Daughter, Eyal Maoz's new ensemble, Jon Madof's Rashanim and smattering of other ensembles. He is the glue of many of the best new Jewish music ensembles and one of the most underrated, unknown players on the scene.

UPDATE:
Shmiel writes:

I can't listen to my LP of it now.....But if my memory serves me correctly.....I think the recorded version on Nigunei Chabad vol. 1 is closer to the way "we" sing it than the notation in Sefer HaNigunim.... I have noticed in my CH gigging experience that some of what I recall from the albums I grew up with(Vols 1-3, My vol 2 was pressed on blue Vinyl, a whole other discussion) is no longer sung that way... Studio limitations? perhaps....Evolution? more likely.... Maybe AvremiG or another old time Chabadnik can fill us in.....

and

Hey.....the link from Sefer ha Nigunim is attached to sound files from that Album....give a Hertzu...Chorus and accordian...Doesn't sound quite right without the crackle that i remember :-) Those albums are all there.....there goes my practice for the evening...

Yeah, sometimes I miss the old vinyl crackling too.

The Alter Rebbe's Nigun (No, Not That One!)

One of the tunes attributed to The Alter Rebbe is the well-known melody for "Keili Ata".

A while back, in a discussion about the She'ar Yashuv minhag for badekin music, I wrote:

The other tune they sing, Keili Ato, is a Chabad melody. I've heard that the melody has evolved/simplified over the years, but the recordings and notation I've seen of it all have the melody as it is commonly sung today. If anyone has info on this, please forward it this way.

In response to that post, a couple of readers sent me lead sheets, but they were all identical.

Today, I took a look at the melody as notated in the Sefer Hanigunim, and noticed that it is, in fact, slightly different than the popular version.

These subtle differences include the lack of repeats, the melody in bars 2-3, and the rhythm in bar 3. It seems as though the melody has evolved to people singing a few notes of harmony instead of the original melody.

I've noticed several popular melodies that have evolved in similar manner. One example would be Eitz Chayim (on the last phrase of the A section).

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part VI (To Catch A Thief!)

Continuing the discussion...

Here's the first in a series of vignettes. Some will be more serious than others. All are being mentioned to illustrate the parameters of the question.

Here's something that happened to me a while back. The numbers are approximates, because I don't have the time to go through my records, but I do have the precise info in my files. It's a long story, but raises some important issues, I think.

There was a fellow I used to run into a few years back. We lived near each other and davened in the same shul occasionally. He knew that I was a musician and when I first moved in to the area, he told me he'd love to get me/my band into the school he taught at to perform. We'd run into each other from time to time and each time, he'd say "I've got to book you for our events" or some similar sentiment. Yet, he'd never follow up and call me.

One day, he called me for a short late morning gig the next day. He told me the school couldn't pay much, and offered $75 less than the going discounted rate that other schools were typically paying for this sort of gig. Since it was last minute, I was open, and it was fairly conveniently located, I agreed to do it.

The gig went quite well, and he, and others at the school were quite effusive about how it had gone. He told me he'd have to call me for some more gigs. Then, he gave me a personal check for about $50 more than we'd agreed and told me he didn't remember exacty what we'd agreed on, and he wanted to pay me right away, so "take this check, and then I'll look up my records and you'll just give me back the difference when I next see you." (In hindsight, I should have realized something was up at that point.) When I next saw him, I gave him a check for the extra $$$.

At any rate, I kept running into this fellow the rest of that school year, and he'd effusively tell me what a great job I did, and how we should do this again, etc. Yet, he didn't call me for anything the rest of that year.

Over the next two years, the same pattern repeated itself. One gig for less than the going rate, followed by an overpaid personal check, with a request to "settle up later" and refund the balance, and effusive praise followed up with no further gigs. This for a school that had many musical events throughout the year

The fourth year, I told him I wouldn't be able to do the gigs at the rate he was offering, so he asked if I could do an additional musician for a somewhat higher fee, and that would give hime the leeway to pay more per musician. After the first gig, he told me he didn't remember what we'd agreed on, and wanted to pay me on time, so he just told the school office an amount off the top of his head, and we'll settle up afterwards should there be any overage. Shortly thereafter, I received a check from the school for $300 more than we'd agreed on for the gig.

Coincidentally, that same day, another musician who owed me $150 played a different event for the school. He told them to deduct $150 from his check and send it to me. So, when I received the check, I assumed that it was $150 over, which was still high, but included $150 from the other musician. Nevertheless, the idea that the school could write a check for $150-$300 more than they usually pay for an event struck me as odd. I began to suspect that it was likely that this teacher was billing the school more than he was paying the musicians.

When I saw him later that week, he told me I owed him $300. Feeling uncomfortable about giving him the money, since the check had come from the school this time, I reminded him that $150 was actually supposed to be a payment on behalf of the other musician. Being that it was early in the school year, and he'd been saying for years that he wants me to do more events for him, I proposed crediting the $150 towards the next event.

He told me he'd have something for me and called soon thereafter to book two musicians for another event. At that event, the same thing happened. I received a check from the school for $300 more than we'd agreed. At that point, in November, I believe, I called him on his professed desire to book me more often, and told him I'd apply the $450 balance as a credit to future gigs. Being that it was still early in the year, there were sure to be many events at which music was needed.

I didn't get a single call from him for the rest of the year.

At the beginning of the next school year, he called me to say that I owed him $600. I reminded him that the balance was actually $450 and told him I'd be happy to credit it to perfomances in the coming school year. He informed me that the school was handling all gigs internally this year, using their music staff, and not hiring outside musicians for any gigs.

Hearing this, I knew something was wrong. So, I sent him a letter, describing the events I'd played for the school as well as the agreed upon fees, and the final payment amounts. I included the check numbers of the school's checks, making it obvious that I had detailed records of where the money had come from, and included a check made out to the school for the balance. The check was never deposited.

Several months later, I called my posek, to ask how I should handle this. He ruled that I was obligated to inform the school. Hoping that this could be avoided, I left a message for this person, informing him that the check hadn't been deposited for several months and that I was planning to close the account. At that point, he left me a message (at a time when he knew I was out working), saying that he'd never deposited the check because the money was owed to him personally.

This confirmed my suspicions. He was telling the musicians the school didn't have a budget, and meanwhile, billing the school a higher amount, and pocketing the difference. This explained why I'd only get one gig a year, for if I was doing many, he'd not been able to avoid applying the overage as a credit towards the next event. I imagine that he was pulling the same shtick with a number of musicians.

I left him a message saying that I didn't feel comfortable writing him a check because the money was owed to the school. He then left me a message saying that there are "cheshbonos" etc, and I could get him in trouble if I send a check to the school. I still have this message.

Reluctantly, seeing no other option, I contacted the school administrator. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do professionally.

Within an hour after making the call, I was in the school office talking to their financial person. And shortly thereafter, we were at a meeting in the adminstrators office. Turns out that they had suspected that something wasn't straight, which is why they'd switched from reimbursing him to cutting the checks directly to the musicians. So, I cut a check to the school for the balance owed, and that was the last I heard of the affair.

Not only was it the last I heard of the affair... it was also the last I heard from the school. Since then, it's been several years and the school hasn't called me for any gigs. (excepting one last minute call on Taanis Esther for that Purim night, when they were frantically calling everybody in the business).

(Incidentally, I've never shared the details of this persons identity with anyone outside of the above mentioned people at the school and one family member, who heard his answering machine message, is also aware of the details. I believe I handled this sensitively.)

At any rate, I'm interested in hearing feedback. Do you think the school owed/owes me anything?

More stories to come. I'll share my perspective after some reader feedback.

Previous posts on the subject...

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part V

11/3/06 Mini Link Dump

Hirhurim blogs his vote for the "best song ever".

Canonist:blogs the "lede of the week":

The sultry, inviting tones of Norah Jones filled the second-floor lounge of the Hillel House last Tuesday night, setting the mood for what would be a deep, intimate conversation about sex with the rabbi.

Norah Jones: The soundtrack of choice for discussing Jewish sexual ethics??? Oy!

Here's a review of the Sameach Music Podcast.

Let's play it in mu (µ) major!

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part V

Here's a related vignette:

At a recent gig, the building manager for a popular venue located in a Jewish institution was kvetching about the local UJA branch. Apparently, they constantly call asking to use the venue for free, for meetings and smaller events, but always make their annual dinner at a hotel. He finally told them that they'd no longer be welcome to reserve space for free, or even at the institutional discount rate, until they booked a dinner or other significant affair there.

What do you think of this? Is your perspective different because in this case the funds would go to another Jewish institution? Does the UJA owe his venue consideration simply because its also a community institution?

Previous posts in this thread can be found here:

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part IIII

A scenario: If a DJ or band approaches an organization and offers to play an annual event for free, is it fair for the organization to drop the band/musician they've been using consistently for years, even though the free offer is predicated on the fact that should they be satisfied, they will they will be charged going forward? In other words, do they owe any loyalty to the band whose been doing the job for years, to not try out their competition, since no one can fairly compete at that price point ($0). If you think yes, would your answer change if the original bandleader also does pro-bono work for the organization throughout the year?

Coming soon, some stories to illustrate the issues raised in this thread.

I do plan to share my thoughts at the end of the discussion. I'm interested in hearing yours.

Previous posts in this thread can be found here:

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III

"You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part III

A number of years back, a band owner comlained to me about a gig he'd lost. The event was in a chassidic community, and the clients had decided to go with another band because they wanted to "use a band from their own community." He was upset because his band has played many events for that community and knew their repertoire. The sole reason (according to him) they didn't get the gig was because they weren't from "x" chassidus. He felt that the clients' preference towards using a "community band" was unfairly discriminatory. What do you think of his perspective? Also, to flip things around, what would you think of a band from within a given chassidic group. Should they be entitled to "first dibs" or at least being considered for gigs from within the community? Does your perspective change if these are gigs for community institutions, or for institutions of that particular chassidus, as opposed to private affairs?

"Sonoomee" writes:

I've gotten passed getting insulted when someone I expect to hire me for a gig, doesn't. I decided that people enjoy certain styles of music, and if you don't fit that style; you can't fault them for not hiring you. The thing that DOES stick in my craw, is when an organization will call you to play every Tzedaka job they have, and never hesitate to ask you to play for free (we are a Charity organization and have no budget), which you graciously do...but when they finally have an event where there IS a budget (IE Dinner, concert fundraiser etc.) They hire someone else!?

Loyalty...huh?

I'm going to share some related stories later in this series.

Previous posts in this thread can be found here:

Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part I
Blog in Dm: "You Owe Me A Job!" Valid or Not? Part II