Wednesday, November 04, 2015
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
This Oughtta Convince 'Em!
Although, the idea of using songs rather than teshuvot does intrigue. Hmm....
Monday, November 02, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Support for Israel or Shameless Self-Plugging
I played a gig at a venue which had a stand of Five Towns Jewish Times newspapers. Here is the ENTIRE text/coverage of the rally in Times Square last week in support of Israel that supposedly drew 7000 people according to its organizers as published in the recent edition.
Support for Israel or Shameless Self-Plugging by/for musicians? We report, you decide!
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Believe It!
Check out what happens at 17:20, that is all! GINDI TLV FASHION WEEK Tovale SHOW 2015
Via Tablet Magazine
Via Tablet Magazine
Not Hip To Be Skver
חגיגות בסקווירא: ריקודים ושתיית לחיים - בחצרות קודש - בחצרות חסידים - בחדרי חרדים
Public dancing and celebrating in Skver as the arsonist/attempted murderer of a Skver dissident family gets re-classified as a youthful offender -- he was 18 at the time -- and has his seven year sentence reduced to time served.
The singing of this tune in particular "וכל קרני רשעים אגדע תרוממנה קרנות צדיק", "אויביו אלביש בושת ועליו יציץ נזרו", (it's the first one in this clip) is just offensive!
Public dancing and celebrating in Skver as the arsonist/attempted murderer of a Skver dissident family gets re-classified as a youthful offender -- he was 18 at the time -- and has his seven year sentence reduced to time served.
The singing of this tune in particular "וכל קרני רשעים אגדע תרוממנה קרנות צדיק", "אויביו אלביש בושת ועליו יציץ נזרו", (it's the first one in this clip) is just offensive!
Monday, October 26, 2015
PSA: J-Walking
Don't confuse this J-Walking
with this J-Walking,
despite the similar album art. They are VERY different!
with this J-Walking, despite the similar album art. They are VERY different!
Friday, October 23, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Friday, October 09, 2015
Yitzchok Meir Malek
Here's an odd one...
Yitzchak Meir Malek posted this video of him singing Shema Yisrael as a call to prayer on his Facebook page, where it has received over 10,000 shares, 9,900+likes and 1,400 comments thus far.
He's also posted a news article about his singing: WATCH What This American Israeli Singer Did To Teach Muslims A Lesson About God And Jerusalem.
Setting apart the question of whether this is an appropriate response or not, here is a larger issue here. Nowhere in the post or article does it indicate that it's not his voice. An awful lot of people have commented complimenting him on his voice and he hasn't acknowledged it there either, as far as I can tell. It's pretty dishonest for a singer to put something out, representing or implying that its his singing, and not clarifying that it isn't him, when so many obviously are taken in. It is insulting to his listeners, to all of those vocalists who work hard at their craft, and, of course, to the singer whose work he lifted without attribution.
Here's the clip he used, which was posted to YouTube in 2007. The singer in the track is unidentified.
Yitzchak Meir Malek posted this video of him singing Shema Yisrael as a call to prayer on his Facebook page, where it has received over 10,000 shares, 9,900+likes and 1,400 comments thus far.
He's also posted a news article about his singing: WATCH What This American Israeli Singer Did To Teach Muslims A Lesson About God And Jerusalem.
Setting apart the question of whether this is an appropriate response or not, here is a larger issue here. Nowhere in the post or article does it indicate that it's not his voice. An awful lot of people have commented complimenting him on his voice and he hasn't acknowledged it there either, as far as I can tell. It's pretty dishonest for a singer to put something out, representing or implying that its his singing, and not clarifying that it isn't him, when so many obviously are taken in. It is insulting to his listeners, to all of those vocalists who work hard at their craft, and, of course, to the singer whose work he lifted without attribution.
Here's the clip he used, which was posted to YouTube in 2007. The singer in the track is unidentified.
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
P.J. O'Rourke Schools Ann Coulter
She Said What?
Money quote is the closer.... "But at least Louie and Steve tried to be smart. And thank God—specifically YHWH—for the few, the very few, the chosen if you will, people in Toledo who tried. Who tried to cheer the Freedom Riders, tried to debate the ideas of Herman Kahn, tried to get to Chicago to see Lenny Bruce at the Gate of Horn, tried to read Herbert Marcuse and Eric Hoffer, and tried to dig Thelonious Monk.
Money quote is the closer.... "But at least Louie and Steve tried to be smart. And thank God—specifically YHWH—for the few, the very few, the chosen if you will, people in Toledo who tried. Who tried to cheer the Freedom Riders, tried to debate the ideas of Herman Kahn, tried to get to Chicago to see Lenny Bruce at the Gate of Horn, tried to read Herbert Marcuse and Eric Hoffer, and tried to dig Thelonious Monk.
Ann, I understand you’re a fan of Phish."
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Dr. Dreizich is Back!
He only had one song, but it's a good one...
"Last week in yeshiva I gave a chaburah.... to anyone who didn't come to my chaburah."
"Last week in yeshiva I gave a chaburah.... to anyone who didn't come to my chaburah."
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Monday, September 07, 2015
Sunday, September 06, 2015
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Yosi Piamenta Z"L
Jewish rock guitarist Yosi Piamenta passed away this week.
Here's the first of a series of videos of a great show he played at Wetlands in the mid 90's
Yosi Piamenta live at "Rock for Shabbos" at the Wetlands 10 24 94 part 1
Here's some writing about him at Tablet and the Forward...
Rocker Yosi Piamenta, Who Wowed Crowds with His Soulful Electric Licks for Four Decades, Dies at 64
Yosi Piamenta, a Virtuoso Guitarist Who Reshaped Jewish Music
Here's the first of a series of videos of a great show he played at Wetlands in the mid 90's
Yosi Piamenta live at "Rock for Shabbos" at the Wetlands 10 24 94 part 1
Here's some writing about him at Tablet and the Forward...
Rocker Yosi Piamenta, Who Wowed Crowds with His Soulful Electric Licks for Four Decades, Dies at 64
Yosi Piamenta, a Virtuoso Guitarist Who Reshaped Jewish Music
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Aaron Alexander's Klez Messengers
Check it out! Nicely done, boys!
Aaron Alexander, Michael Winograd & Patrick Farrell | Aaron Alexander & the Klez Messengers
Aaron Alexander, Michael Winograd & Patrick Farrell | Aaron Alexander & the Klez Messengers
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Oy, Jewschool!
Meanwhile, over at Jewschool, Daniel Sieradski posts an anti-Matisyahu screed, "Thoughts on Matisyahu and BDS." Personally, I think Sieradski ought to have mentioned that he had a close relationship with Matisyahu, including designing websites for him when Matisyahu was starting out. That would also be the time that Matisyahu was performing in "Unity sessions" with anti-Israel Palestinian rappers.
At the very least, it'd have been intellectually honest for Sieradski disclose this in his piece. Update: Check the comments too. Even Jewschoolers ain't buying Sieradski's nonsense.
At the very least, it'd have been intellectually honest for Sieradski disclose this in his piece. Update: Check the comments too. Even Jewschoolers ain't buying Sieradski's nonsense.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
Thursday, August 06, 2015
More on Lipa
Vos Iz Neias: Israeli Radio Station Bans Lipa New Song “Bueh, Bueh”
This quote could easily be applied to this project. "Schmeltzer noted that while Jews tend to be trailblazers in many fields, they tend to settle for second best when it comes to the arts."
This quote could easily be applied to this project. "Schmeltzer noted that while Jews tend to be trailblazers in many fields, they tend to settle for second best when it comes to the arts."
More Lipa Controversy
Life in Israel: Lipa pushes the envelope, possibly scoffing at Rav Chaim Kanievsky.
Seems manufactured to me. At any rate, now having heard several tracks off the new album, I'm definitely not a fan of this stuff. I can appreciate good EDM, but this isn't it. It's formulaic, no interesting timbres, solos, or arrangements. A shame, because if Lipa wanted to do the EDM thing right, he could've hired top EDM producers easily enough.
Seems manufactured to me. At any rate, now having heard several tracks off the new album, I'm definitely not a fan of this stuff. I can appreciate good EDM, but this isn't it. It's formulaic, no interesting timbres, solos, or arrangements. A shame, because if Lipa wanted to do the EDM thing right, he could've hired top EDM producers easily enough.
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
We Love Lipa, But...
... his current musical direction is not compelling. See for yourself here: Lipa’s New CD Set For Release – New Single
Friday, July 31, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
Levy Falkowitz Debut Album Sampler
A lot of new Chasidic albums being released this season. This one sounds like it might be a nice hybrid of trad. and contemporary stylings. Falkowitz is a very good singer.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Rav Henkin on Carlebach Minyanin - Torah Musings
Over at Torah Musings... Rav Henkin on Carlebach Minyanim and other musical davening thoughts.
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Monday, July 06, 2015
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Squeezed!
Take her to the bridge, throw her overboard... How Squeeze seized the keys to their back catalogue.
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Senior Set List
Played a dinner for a shul with a largely senior population.
They requested line dancing.
Here's the request list.
Shalom Aleichem - Regesh
Turkish Kiss
Hinei Ma Tov - MBC
Hafachta - Avraham Fried
Chiribim - Oif Simchas
Adan Doeg - Avraham Fried
Revach - MBC
Numa Numa
Electric Slide
Rashi's Nigun - MBD
Hadegel Sheli
Adone Olam - MBC
Cotton-eyed Joe
Am Echad - Ari Goldwag
Fulfill Your Tefilah - Benny Friedman (Never had a request for this one before)
Felt like a Bat Mitzvah. One of the younger (20's) guests came over and requested that we play a game of Coke/Pepsi.
They requested line dancing.
Here's the request list.
Shalom Aleichem - Regesh
Turkish Kiss
Hinei Ma Tov - MBC
Hafachta - Avraham Fried
Chiribim - Oif Simchas
Adan Doeg - Avraham Fried
Revach - MBC
Numa Numa
Electric Slide
Rashi's Nigun - MBD
Hadegel Sheli
Adone Olam - MBC
Cotton-eyed Joe
Am Echad - Ari Goldwag
Fulfill Your Tefilah - Benny Friedman (Never had a request for this one before)
Felt like a Bat Mitzvah. One of the younger (20's) guests came over and requested that we play a game of Coke/Pepsi.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
From the mailbag...
Reuven A. Stone writes:
In memory of the Three Boys who were murdered last year in Israel, Shloimy Bluth and I wrote,
recorded and produced a video tribute called "Can You Hear Us," which is now on Youtube.
We humbly submit to you this link in hopes you will post it and keep the memory of these
boys alive.
Thank you!
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
An Interesting Approach!
A producer started a GoFundMe page so people who pirated the album can pay for it.
Pay for the music you like! by Naftali Schnitzler - GoFundMe
Pay for the music you like! by Naftali Schnitzler - GoFundMe
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Friday, June 05, 2015
This Does Not Look Good!
תחקיר: כך ניסה איש עסקים להפיל את הרב ריסקין
Several familiar names show up here. And to think I thought the minor lack of honesty/payment issues I've had to deal with recently from one office were troubling. Ouch!
UPDATE: Some details are at FM, "Top Modern Orthodox Rabbi Files Countersuit Against Enemy," but the entire story is laid out in the Hebrew Makor Rishon investigative article posted above.
Several familiar names show up here. And to think I thought the minor lack of honesty/payment issues I've had to deal with recently from one office were troubling. Ouch!
UPDATE: Some details are at FM, "Top Modern Orthodox Rabbi Files Countersuit Against Enemy," but the entire story is laid out in the Hebrew Makor Rishon investigative article posted above.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
'עבודת הניגון' בקבלת שבת יחד עם חיליק פרנק - ישיבת עתניאל
A shiur on the "art of the nigun" from a master!
Wednesday, May 06, 2015
Bar Kochva/The Last of the Mohicans Mashup
What if someone made a Bar Kochva/Last of the Mohicans dubstep mashup?
Monday, May 04, 2015
Saturday, May 02, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Film Ban?
Over at Failed Messiah... Hasidim Ban Ex-Hasid Luzer Twersky's New Film, Felix And Meira
Personally, I'd be more impressed if FM had any actual info about which community this happened in, who was behind the ban etc.
Personally, I'd be more impressed if FM had any actual info about which community this happened in, who was behind the ban etc.
The Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia Hebrew Project
Sagol 59 & Ami Yares - The Promised Land
Check this out!!! Hebrew translations of classic Dead tunes.
Check this out!!! Hebrew translations of classic Dead tunes.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Pro Tip
If you're going to play a gig for one of those singers who gets all sweated up during his shows and doesn't carry a wallet... get the cash BEFORE the show.
Bonus pro tip: Skip the post gig hug too!
Sunday, April 05, 2015
Thursday, April 02, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Interview with Lew Soloff Z"L
Did you know his first trumpet teacher was one of the Epstein Brothers?
Monday, March 16, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Monday, March 02, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Gothamist: Why Are Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis Trying To Destroy This Hasidic Pop Star?
The title of this Gothamist piece says it all... Why Are Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis Trying To Destroy This Hasidic Pop Star?
Great article!
Great article!
If I Were A Rich Man....
In the Jewish Week... Modern Orthodoxy Has Its Costs – Not Just Financial
Here's a taste:
Here's a taste:
In Israel, the head of a yeshiva is also a best-selling and award-winning novelist. In America, we get excited about holiday-themed a capella parodies, newly (and briefly) observant reggae artists, paint-the-parsha programs, and novelists who do not know the difference between Tosafot and the Tosefta but know and use a dozen Yiddish words for genitalia.
A reader might be tempted to ask: “So what?” As long as Modern Orthodoxy is producing rabbis, teachers, and enough big earners to support the community’s infrastructure and personnel, does it matter that it is not producing playwrights, poets, and pianists?
It does. Modern Orthodoxy is, or ought to be, a rich and challenging lifestyle that profoundly engages a broad range of thick Jewish experiences. It has a great deal to offer the Jewish world and the broader religious world. But without a vibrant creative class, there is no communal unpacking of that experience, no collective expression or catharsis, no mirror to show the community how it looks from the outside, no legacy of the community’s unique contributions.
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