Monday, June 09, 2014
Friday, June 06, 2014
Monday, June 02, 2014
The Chareidi Penguin Dance
עונג שבת (עונ"ש): גלגולו של ריקוד: הפינגווין והחרדים:
Note this warning: (אזהרה למחמירים בהלכות צניעות: יש הרבה בנות עם ביקיני).
Note this warning: (אזהרה למחמירים בהלכות צניעות: יש הרבה בנות עם ביקיני).
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
More Peeps
This yeshiva bochur NEEDS to know what rock/pop song/riff you're going to play as a fanfare to introduce the chosson and kallah. No waiting for him; he abhors surprises.
"What's His Name"
This peep needs to know the names of every musician in the band. He's best friends with "Who's The Drummer" guy and "What Intro Are You Playing Tonight" guy. It's always guys.
"Where Are You Tomorrow"
This peep needs no explanation, just a helpful tip as to where he should go panhandle tomorrow.
"The Critic"
This fine peep comments on how you play, comparing your playing to previous occasions he's heard you. Sample quote: "Nice version of Hamalach you played tonight. Very majestic!"
"The Pervy Mashgiach"
This kashrut supervisor hangs around with the event staff trading masturbation jokes and other such repartee.... then he moves on to making jokes about rabbis issuing lenient rulings for cash...
"Canada Dry Guy"
This wealthy peep is quite the character. Walking in to a gorgeously set room at an event he's hosting, he can only see imperfections, finding fault in all sorts of arbitrary ways. He was most disturbed by the fact that the caterer had suppled Seagrams ginger ale instead of Canada Dry. The caterer says he has another brand on the truck. No sir, Schweppes is not acceptable either.
"K-Pop Fans"
These yeshivish peeps happen to love K-pop, so that's what they want for their wedding. A K-Pop fanfare to introduce the bride and groom. Betcha Jang Geun Suk never imagined their music at Ateres Avrohom!
"The Mixed Dancers"
A pumping band. A rocking young yeshivish singer, who has jumped of the bandstand and is dancing in front, interacting with the nearby men's circle as he sings right next to the potted plant mechitza at this MO affair. Two middle aged ladies, right on the other side of the foliage, watching him, commenting about how good he is, dancing right along with him, responding to his moves as he does his thing! They are dancing with him, even though he has no clue.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Lesbianism Is Contagious!
Or so, one rabbi announced. Now he's got to pay $17,000 +. FM posts details in Orthodox Rabbi Warns Men To Keep Their Wives Away From Lesbian Dance Teacher.
She Cant, Matisyahu Can
Matisyahu to sing with female cantor
“He’s evolved away from halacha and Orthodoxy. Singing with a female cantor is a big step for him,” Hutchings reflected.
Read more: Matisyahu to sing with female cantor | The Times of Israel http://www.timesofisrael.com/matisyahu-to-sing-with-female-cantor/#ixzz31cOuOoWv
Follow us: @timesofisrael on Twitter | timesofisrael on Facebook
Monday, May 12, 2014
Gimme Some Horns!
Recently, I've been spending some time going through old cassette recordings of jewish wedding music, largely from the '80's, in a garage cleaning effort. Re-listening to these tracks, one thing in particular stands out, compared to today's Chasidic wedding recordings; the incredible nuances in the horn tracks on the albums I'm checking out. There is some seriously great horn playing here, especially the tightly phrased section work, which is well-harmonized, and articulated as a unit. So much richer than the typical arrangements heard today. I imagine a large part of this is due to the frequency of the gigs -- these guys worked together at weddings every night, not just in the studio -- and the emphasis on section harmony playing, which is somewhat of a lost art on simcha bandstands these days. Some really nice work here!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Vehigadeta Levitcha
A nice feature on Moussa Berlin and his daughter, Odelia: והגדת לבנך - ניגון בשני קולות
Friday, May 02, 2014
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
The Seder-Songwriter Project
Best Pesach project I've seen for this year was the Seder-Songwriter project. I'd love to do something like this!!!!
Here's a taste.
Here's a taste.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Same Old Song
The video teaser proclaims: "TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE LISTENING TO NON-JEWISH MUSIC. WE NEED TO RESPOND BY UPDATING JEWISH MUSIC"
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Zumba Golly Golly!
Over at the Forward Sisterhood blog, it's Rabbis Gone Wild — About Modesty and (Gasp!) Zumba
Quoth Frimet Goldberger:
Quoth Frimet Goldberger:
These rabbis speak the truth, ladies. I know this because when I walked into the aerobics studio at my gym the other week, and attempted to follow the Zumba instructor’s impossibly smooth animal moves, I was immediately and magically transported to the stage at Flashdancers NYC. Within five minutes, my husband filed for divorce and was granted full custody and I’m placing Craigslist ads in another open window. A prophecy fulfilled!
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Monday, April 07, 2014
Friday, April 04, 2014
More Zumba Thoughts.....
From the instructor in that WSJ profile. That awkward moment when you wake up…… and you’re on the front page of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL!!!!!
It Could Lead To Prostitution.....
... which we all know leads to mixed dancing!
The WSJ reports: "In Brooklyn, Orthodox Jewish Women Lead Latest Dance Craze: Kosher Zumba"
The WSJ reports: "In Brooklyn, Orthodox Jewish Women Lead Latest Dance Craze: Kosher Zumba"
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Secrets of Jazz Piano Explained
My favorite jazz piano teacher is back with the best explanation of Drop 2 ever!
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Let's Ban More Stuff!
This time, Prominent Lakewood Rabbonim Ban the Children's Video "Megilas Lester."
Their sales (or bootlegs) are about to go up!
Their sales (or bootlegs) are about to go up!
Monday, March 10, 2014
From the mailbag....
Dovid Kerner emails links to his Purim clips...
There Was a Rasha (original version) (Youtube)
Bob Zimmerman Purim Shpiel (Youtube)
There Was a Rasha (original version) (Youtube)
Bob Zimmerman Purim Shpiel (Youtube)
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Friday, March 07, 2014
The Official Unofficial Response to the Unofficial Official Video
This response to the offensive video is well-deserved.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Lema'an Ya'amdu Yamim Rabim
It's been deleted, but you can still find that offensive video here: The 'official video' of Sunday's prayer rally - UPDATED.
The Rally Clip At Tzelem-Currents
Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein @ Tzelem-Currents comments on the video in "The Rally Clip".
It's good that he is taking issue with it too!
It's good that he is taking issue with it too!
Not Going Over Well
Rabbi Reuven Spolter on the "nauseating" Chareidi music video we posted yesterday. I agree with him.
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Monday, March 03, 2014
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Shame on Cinematic Strings
Cinematic Strings promises a student discount to a correspondent, but then reneges when they learn he lives in Israel, because they support BDS. The student's wife writes about it in "A Sour note."
For shame!
Update: Attempted walk back. Standing up to bullies works!
Another update:
This new comment by Alex from Cinematic Strings (on the link above) on that page sounds sincere.
For shame!
Update: Attempted walk back. Standing up to bullies works!
Another update:
This new comment by Alex from Cinematic Strings (on the link above) on that page sounds sincere.
Just an update. We realised that our own stance had been discriminatory, and that was not something we meant to do. We have given the discount to the artist concerned and in fact we have emailed him today and he is happy to work with us. We have agreed to provide the discount to every student regardless of their location, and after several discussions and further research, we have withdrawn our support of the BDS. We have done this because, while we still support open dialogue aimed at achieving peace and equality, we now consider the aims of the BDS movement to be extreme and counterproductive. Thanks for your time. Kind regards, Alex
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Gear Review: Gruv Gear Muver 6 Multi Mode Longbed Cart
So a few months back, I ordered a Gruv Gear Muver 6 Multi Mode Longbed Cart. I'd been using the Rock N Roller R10 Cart for the last many years, like most in this end of the business, however, I was never really happy with it. So, when mine was stolen, I decided to try the the Muver 6
instead.
There are very few options for folding carts that can haul serious gear, and also easily fit in a car. Since I couldn't find a local dealer who stocks these, after researching as best as possible on line, I took a chance and ordered one online. After using it for a few months, I can say that on the whole, I am very pleased with it. After a few weeks, of use I also ordered the optional table accessory, which allows me to turn it into a table, which has been quite handy on occasion.
A bit about my needs, cart-wise. I am often hauling either a keyboard setup (keyboard, amp, keyboard stand. mic stand, gear bag, book bag), a PA setup (speakers, mixer, stands, speaker poles), miscellaneous other musical instruments, or all of the above.
The Rock N Roller R10 Cart I'd had was less than ideal for many of these functions. I had difficulty fitting a keyboard on it comfortably. If I stood the keyboard case up on its end, I'd need to strap it to the handle, and the handle would be flush against the keyboard case, meaning I couldn't use that side to pull/push the cart. Lying the keyboard flat on the cart required leaving one of the handles folded down, and piling all of the gear on top of the keyboard case. However, the lack of a bed meant that the plastic SKB flight cases wouldn't stay on the cart, and would slide off easily at the slightest incline or bump.
As well, in this fully extended position, the cart was difficult to maneuver around sharp turns, a situation that arises frequently, like when wheeling a cart full of gear through a busy kitchen load-in at a venue.
In addition, the cart felt less than solid in the fully extended position. As a result, I found myself putting a lot more stress on my back, than I ought to have needed to maneuver the cart.
I also found that the inflatable tires lost air frequently, and even had to replace the back tires several times. (It goes without saying that the front wheels needed frequent replacement.)
The Muver 6 avoids all of these issues. Its multiple configurations allow me to use it in either flat-bad or half-sizes, without having any of these issues. The fully-extended flat-bed version is secure, allowing me to lay the keyboard(s)flat on the bottom and pile all of my gear on top, taking one trip, without worrying about spillage. The large wheels in the middle (meaning six wheels on the ground) both help to support the gear, and make cornering a breeze. You can see how this works on the demo video on Gruv Gear's site.
In its smaller, partially folded mode, the handles curve slightly out. so that even when standing the keyboard case up on its end, I can still push/pull the cart from that side.
Its solid tires can't lose air. Time will tell about their durability, but so far, they seem to be holding up nicely.
Some examples of recent scenarios where the Muver 6 made things much easier for me compared to the Rock N Roller Cart ...
1) A gig in Brooklyn. I had to park several blocks away from the venue, and navigate my cart with a keyboard setup down several cobblestone streets and broken sidewalks in an industrial area. The Muver 6 handled the trip easily, and using the table option instead of a separate keyboard stand made for a much simpler, balanced load. Had I had the Rock N Roller Cart, I would have had much more difficulty navigating the cobblestones, wouldn't have been able to easily push/pull from either side, which was necessary on several occasions, and in my experience, my gear would have fallen off the cart several times.
2) A gig at the Museum of Natural History. I parked in the museum lot, and entered the museum at the opposite end of the building from the "Whale Room" where the gig was. Using the cart, I was able to easily and smoothly pull it the entire length of the museum, (about one large city block), in no time, without the unpleasantness and exertion pulling the Rock N Roller Cart would have entailed. I know this because IIRC, the last time I played there, I used the Rock N Roller Cart. (Sometimes, I don't need to bring any gear to those sorts of gigs, as back line is rented.
In short, the Muver 6 stands out over the Rock N Roller Cart virtually every way. About the only points the Rock N Roller Cart has in its favor is weight (about half that of the Muver 6 ), and that it folds up more compactly that the Muver 6. I feel that this is a worthwhile trade-off. The Muver 6 is also more expensive, but the build quality is significantly better, and worth the premium.
I should note that Gruv Gear makes another cart, the V-Cart Solo - Multi-Position Personal Utility Cart, that may be a good option for some of you, instead of the Muver 6. That cart folds up smaller, and also has a unique angle that lets you push it as a tilted back dolly. It's also about half the weight of the Muver 6. I opted for the Muver 6 due to its ability to corner easily when fully extended. For those with less gear to haul, or for whom this isn't an issue -- and for bassists/guitarists, who want to be able to move an amp stack around the room/use the cart as an amp stand -- this looks to be a great option. That cart also has an extension option, the Gruv Gear XL Frame Extension for the V-Cart Solo
that seems like it would make it a good option for drummers and others with slightly more gear that the V-Cart Solo alone can hold. They also offer a Carpeted Deck option for it. And, there's a brace option, the Gruv Gear Stage Wedge for V-Cart Solo
, that let's you use it as an amp stand for your guitar/bass amp.
For people with even less gear to haul, they offer the Solo Lite Multi-Position Personal Utility Cart
.
Since no local retailers seem to carry these, I can't speak to the specifics of the other two Gruve Gear carts, but based on my experience with the Muver 6, I would not hesitate to buy either of these as needed.
In short, these are solid, practical carts for the gigging musician, that can hold your gear in a variety of configurations, and reliably get you and your gear to the gig. You can find more info here: GRUV GEAR website.
instead.There are very few options for folding carts that can haul serious gear, and also easily fit in a car. Since I couldn't find a local dealer who stocks these, after researching as best as possible on line, I took a chance and ordered one online. After using it for a few months, I can say that on the whole, I am very pleased with it. After a few weeks, of use I also ordered the optional table accessory, which allows me to turn it into a table, which has been quite handy on occasion.
A bit about my needs, cart-wise. I am often hauling either a keyboard setup (keyboard, amp, keyboard stand. mic stand, gear bag, book bag), a PA setup (speakers, mixer, stands, speaker poles), miscellaneous other musical instruments, or all of the above.
The Rock N Roller R10 Cart I'd had was less than ideal for many of these functions. I had difficulty fitting a keyboard on it comfortably. If I stood the keyboard case up on its end, I'd need to strap it to the handle, and the handle would be flush against the keyboard case, meaning I couldn't use that side to pull/push the cart. Lying the keyboard flat on the cart required leaving one of the handles folded down, and piling all of the gear on top of the keyboard case. However, the lack of a bed meant that the plastic SKB flight cases wouldn't stay on the cart, and would slide off easily at the slightest incline or bump.
As well, in this fully extended position, the cart was difficult to maneuver around sharp turns, a situation that arises frequently, like when wheeling a cart full of gear through a busy kitchen load-in at a venue.
In addition, the cart felt less than solid in the fully extended position. As a result, I found myself putting a lot more stress on my back, than I ought to have needed to maneuver the cart.
I also found that the inflatable tires lost air frequently, and even had to replace the back tires several times. (It goes without saying that the front wheels needed frequent replacement.)
The Muver 6 avoids all of these issues. Its multiple configurations allow me to use it in either flat-bad or half-sizes, without having any of these issues. The fully-extended flat-bed version is secure, allowing me to lay the keyboard(s)flat on the bottom and pile all of my gear on top, taking one trip, without worrying about spillage. The large wheels in the middle (meaning six wheels on the ground) both help to support the gear, and make cornering a breeze. You can see how this works on the demo video on Gruv Gear's site.
In its smaller, partially folded mode, the handles curve slightly out. so that even when standing the keyboard case up on its end, I can still push/pull the cart from that side.
Its solid tires can't lose air. Time will tell about their durability, but so far, they seem to be holding up nicely.
Some examples of recent scenarios where the Muver 6 made things much easier for me compared to the Rock N Roller Cart ...
1) A gig in Brooklyn. I had to park several blocks away from the venue, and navigate my cart with a keyboard setup down several cobblestone streets and broken sidewalks in an industrial area. The Muver 6 handled the trip easily, and using the table option instead of a separate keyboard stand made for a much simpler, balanced load. Had I had the Rock N Roller Cart, I would have had much more difficulty navigating the cobblestones, wouldn't have been able to easily push/pull from either side, which was necessary on several occasions, and in my experience, my gear would have fallen off the cart several times.
2) A gig at the Museum of Natural History. I parked in the museum lot, and entered the museum at the opposite end of the building from the "Whale Room" where the gig was. Using the cart, I was able to easily and smoothly pull it the entire length of the museum, (about one large city block), in no time, without the unpleasantness and exertion pulling the Rock N Roller Cart would have entailed. I know this because IIRC, the last time I played there, I used the Rock N Roller Cart. (Sometimes, I don't need to bring any gear to those sorts of gigs, as back line is rented.
In short, the Muver 6 stands out over the Rock N Roller Cart virtually every way. About the only points the Rock N Roller Cart has in its favor is weight (about half that of the Muver 6 ), and that it folds up more compactly that the Muver 6. I feel that this is a worthwhile trade-off. The Muver 6 is also more expensive, but the build quality is significantly better, and worth the premium.
I should note that Gruv Gear makes another cart, the V-Cart Solo - Multi-Position Personal Utility Cart, that may be a good option for some of you, instead of the Muver 6
. That cart folds up smaller, and also has a unique angle that lets you push it as a tilted back dolly. It's also about half the weight of the Muver 6. I opted for the Muver 6 due to its ability to corner easily when fully extended. For those with less gear to haul, or for whom this isn't an issue -- and for bassists/guitarists, who want to be able to move an amp stack around the room/use the cart as an amp stand -- this looks to be a great option. That cart also has an extension option, the Gruv Gear XL Frame Extension for the V-Cart Solo that seems like it would make it a good option for drummers and others with slightly more gear that the V-Cart Solo alone can hold. They also offer a Carpeted Deck option for it. And, there's a brace option, the Gruv Gear Stage Wedge for V-Cart Solo, that let's you use it as an amp stand for your guitar/bass amp.For people with even less gear to haul, they offer the Solo Lite Multi-Position Personal Utility Cart
.Since no local retailers seem to carry these, I can't speak to the specifics of the other two Gruve Gear carts, but based on my experience with the Muver 6, I would not hesitate to buy either of these as needed.
In short, these are solid, practical carts for the gigging musician, that can hold your gear in a variety of configurations, and reliably get you and your gear to the gig. You can find more info here: GRUV GEAR website.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Dancing Under Fire
המשטרה התיזה מים, המפגינים החרדים פרצו בריקוד
The Israeli police started s[raying water cannons to disperse rioting chassidim. They responded by dancing. The tune played, naturally, was Vechol Karnei Reshaim. Only in Israel!
Shreimel tip: Life in Israel.
The Israeli police started s[raying water cannons to disperse rioting chassidim. They responded by dancing. The tune played, naturally, was Vechol Karnei Reshaim. Only in Israel!
Shreimel tip: Life in Israel.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Thursday, February 06, 2014
CRAAPP!
New organization: CRAAP: Chassidish Rebbes Against Apps!
Let's ban some more stuff! Bans work!
WhatsApp Spreads Fast Among Ultra-Orthodox — and Rabbis Cry Foul
Let's ban some more stuff! Bans work!
WhatsApp Spreads Fast Among Ultra-Orthodox — and Rabbis Cry Foul
From the mailbag...
Jason Pietruszka emails a link to a new music video with his band "3 Steps Closer. He describes his music as "undertones of religion, faith, and tradition."
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Klezmatics Schnorring Again
The Klezmatics are looking to crowd fun their next album. Last time, they used Kickstarter. This time, they're doing it themselves through the band website.
Interesting approach.
Interesting approach.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Pass ACUM
The J-Post covers the big blowup over ACUM's honoring Ariel Zilber this year in "Pro-rightist singer Zilber gets downgraded award, touching off firestorm in Israel."
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
So Someone Filmed A Music Video In Auschwitz.
Nice enough song, I suppose, for the genre, but really... Auschwitz? Color me appalled!
Reb Lipa On Hsahkafa
In the Forward... "Lipa Schmeltzer Reaches For Broadway and Beyond".
So, you banned his big show a number of years ago. How's that working out?
So, you banned his big show a number of years ago. How's that working out?
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Take That!
"Religious Singers Take Israeli Music Awards"
The Razel song, which I'm pretty sure I posted a while back, is gorgeous! There a clip at the link. Check it!
The Razel song, which I'm pretty sure I posted a while back, is gorgeous! There a clip at the link. Check it!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Take Note!
Over at deBreved, Tim Davies has an excellent presentation "Jazz Notation - The Default", that talks about the default assumptions jazz musicians will make when looking at sheet music. I've talked about some of this in the past, but Tim really nails it here, in an extensively developed presentation that --if you follow his links and examples -- is guaranteed to help you write clearer charts. Go and learn!
Monday, January 06, 2014
Neshama Carlebach Obfuscates About Her Embrace of Reform
JTA mis-titles an article: "Neshama Carlebach sets record straight about her embrace of Reform"
Personally, I think she should just proudly own it.
Personally, I think she should just proudly own it.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
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