Klezmer-Fiestá

Amazon.com
The popularity of klezmer music has erupted in Germany in recent years to now include large-scale performances by international bands as well as a thriving local scene. A little bit of both, the Germany-based Colalaila is led by Israeli-born clarinetist Irith Gabriely. Originally released in Germany in 1996, this album is just now seeing domestic release. Gabriely's playing virtuosic in it¹s even toned sound, yet she also has mastered the laughing slurs and singing vibrato that is such import part of the instrument in this style of music. She¹s well supported by accordion, bass and violin violinist Barbara Witzel proves herself to also be a particularly strong soloist. The 16 tracks here are mostly reverent reinterpretations of traditionals, but the band does throw in a few curve balls: Chick Corea's "La Fiesta," Frederic Chopin's "Nigun Frederic" and a bizarre techno version of "Hava Nagilia." Conventional highlights include the manic "Old Klezmer Band" and "Old Rumanski & Sher." --Tad Hendrickson

Tracks:

African Suite: Mbira
African Suite: Djembe
African Suite: A Furiosa (Maxixe)
African Suite: Gongan
African Suite: Mysterious Habitats
Klezmer Dances: I. Introduction
Klezmer Dances: II. Terkish (der yid In yerushalayim)
Klezmer Dances: III. Freilachs (Medley)
Klezmer Dances: Dredlocked
Fiesta: I. La Fiesta de la Tirana
Fiesta: II. Tarantella
Fiesta: Kojo-no-tsuki
Fiesta: Passage
Fiesta: Muir Woods
Fiesta: Spain
Fiesta: Farewell To Stromness

Amazon.com

The term crossover can mean many things, and, as Sony Classical has proved time and again, attempts to package classical artists as sophisticated dabblers in world music can be as embarrassing as it is, on rare occasions, stunning. On the cover of this, their Sony Classical debut recording, we have four essentially classically-trained guitarists slouching like members of a rock group. The 60-minute disc careers through music inspired by Africa, Brazil, the Balkans, Chile and Japan, with stops in reggae, jazz, and New Music along the way. Despite the obvious talent and technical skill of the L.A.G.Q.'s members, this listener found little to enjoy in this particularly watered-down and superficial-sounding repertoire. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

One of LAGQ's Best.......2003-10-31

This is one of LAGQ's best CDs. My favorite tracks are the African, Klezmer, and South American pieces. There's plenty of variety, along with different accompanying instruments and sound devices.

lyrical style that compels the soul.......2003-01-28

This is the first album by LAGQ that I bought, and actually they are the reason that I got onto Amazon.com- I couldn't find their album anywhere here in Canada. They are truly an amazing group, and they bring out the passion and vibrancy, the energy and life, and the mystique that is possessed by the relatively simple-looking guitar. The African Suite and Farewell to Stromness are by far my most loved tracks on this album. They have crafted masterpieces that any fan of classical music will be able to appreciate. This is a listening experience you won't regret!!

An apparently underscored album.......2000-12-29

If one truly loves the versatility and beauty of the guitar than this album, and the entire repetior of the LAGQ, is an invaluable asset. They yet again astounded me with their fearless headfirst dive into uncharted territory with dazzling effects. I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and seriously question the reliability of any reviewer who considers this album "watered down."

the Amazon reviewer is wrong.......2000-12-08

Unfortunately, Amazon's reviewer is sadly uninformed about the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's history in doing exactly what they have mastered on this CD- dabbling. While not every track is a smash hit, when the quartet is on, they're really on. Their African Suite and Klezmer Dances are dazzling, and these guys have done this sort of thing before: everything from the Main Street Parade to the Nutcracker Suite to a hoedown on previous recordings. L.A.G.Q. is LAGQ at their best- don't let Amazon's review fool you.

Not for everyone.......2000-08-02

Although this album demonstrates the versatility of the Guitar there are pieces that just do not work for me. This feeling is similar to the feeling I get from Elliot Fisk's album on Paganini Caprices...brilliant technique but the translations are forced and not appropriate for the guitar. There are pieces on this album I enjoy and others that irritate. Unfortunately for me, I did not review this album before I purchased it. But hey, one man's garbage...

Average customer rating:

Klezmer-Fiestá
Irith Gabriely , and Colalaila
Manufacturer: Kingston Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0008G2IAG
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Old Rumanski & Sher
La Fiesta
Wenn Ich Einmal Reich War...
Shalom Alejchem
Jomme Jomme
Fang Mir Eine Mucke
Macht Allein Eure Musik, Junge Leut
Pits Old Klezmer
Rojinkes Mit Mandalach
Odessa Tanz
Donai Donai
Down Town Cat
Yiddn Freilech
Nigun Frederic
Old Klezmer Band
Hava Naglia

Amazon.com

The popularity of klezmer music has erupted in Germany in recent years to now include large-scale performances by international bands as well as a thriving local scene. A little bit of both, the Germany-based Colalaila is led by Israeli-born clarinetist Irith Gabriely. Originally released in Germany in 1996, this album is just now seeing domestic release. Gabriely's playing virtuosic in it¹s even toned sound, yet she also has mastered the laughing slurs and singing vibrato that is such import part of the instrument in this style of music. She¹s well supported by accordion, bass and violin violinist Barbara Witzel proves herself to also be a particularly strong soloist. The 16 tracks here are mostly reverent reinterpretations of traditionals, but the band does throw in a few curve balls: Chick Corea's "La Fiesta," Frederic Chopin's "Nigun Frederic" and a bizarre techno version of "Hava Nagilia." Conventional highlights include the manic "Old Klezmer Band" and "Old Rumanski & Sher." --Tad Hendrickson