Klezmer Celebration [Import]

1. Mazel Tov

2. Happy Birthday

3. Wedding March

4. Lecha Dodi

5. Ken Bakodesh/Mitsva Gdola

6. Overture On Jewish Themes

7. B'beit Harzayar

8. Freilach Hila

9. Devekut

10. Rememberance

11. Vos Du Vilst Dos Villch O

12. Grandparents' Dance

13. Entertainer

14. Parents Of The Bride & Fr

15. Tony's Freilach

Klezmer Celebration,Michael Rabinowitz,Myron Lutzke,Giora Feidman,Steve Elson,Anonymous,Joe Basar,Ora Bat Chaim,Giora Feidman,Mildred J. Hill,Scott Joplin,Sam Liberman,Sergey Prokofiev,Anne Wolf,Anthony Falanga,John Carbone,John Arrucci,John Arruci,Ronnie Zito,Shlomo Deshet,Adam Rogers,Joe Basar,Steven Benson,Jane Bloom,Arthur Baron,Timothy Hill,Plane,Chamber,Chamber Music,Keyboard,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Mixed Chamber Ensemble with Keyboard,Rag for Keyboard,Wedding Music,World Music

Average customer rating: Fantastic.

50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 11 Bar Kokhba Sextet Manufacturer: Tzadik ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: At the Mountains of Madness 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 4 Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 7 Azazel: Book of Angels, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0009PP3IU Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Lilin
3. Ner Tamid
4. Karet
5. Yatzar
6. Khebar
7. Eitan
8. Kivah
9. Teli

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Khebar
3. Lachish
4. Kisofim
5. Jachin
6. Kochot
7. Hazor
8. Avelut
9. Lilin

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Khebar
3. Hadasha
4. Hazor
5. Eitan
6. Karet
7. Idalah Abal
8. Teli
9. Avelut
10. Bith Aneth

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic........2005-07-30

In September of 2003, John Zorn celebrated his fiftieth birthday through a series of performances at Tonic in Manhattan. During this series, two days worth of performances (four sets) were done by the Bar Kokhba Sextet-- the Masada String Trio (Mark Feldman- violin, Erik Friedlander- cello, Greg Cohen- bass) augmented by guitarist Marc Ribot, drummer Joey Baron and percussionist Cyro Baptista. This set devotes one of each of its three CDs to a set (for anyone curious, the second set is the one thats omitted).

The first set, running about an hour, finds the group in an excited mood, in particular drummer Joey Baron. I've often found that Baron's strength is in his subtlety, but this performance would never let you know that-- he's ferocious and relentless, his playing far more explosive than usual-- solos on "Karet" and "Teli" are significantly up front and his playing on "Khebar" (as well as that of Baptista) is nothing short of astounding.

But Baron is still a master of taste-- his playing on "Lilin" demonstrates this, as he interweaves with Baptista underneath a fantastic, building arrangement before the piece eventually moves into the head and solos (of which Friedlander's is nothing short of astonishing). As the set progresses, it becomes clear that the arrangements by John Zorn are brilliant-- check "Ner Tamid" with Ribot's theme statement countered by Friedlander and Feldman or the alternating theme statement by the violinist and cellist on "Yatzar".

The third set, running about 65 minutes, is quite a bit more varied than the first, with subtlety being far more key to the performance. Like the best performances by the Masada quartet, this set is filled with stunning accompaniment behind brilliant soloing-- take Ribot's accompaniment of Joey Baron's boiling solo on "Jachin"-- his guitar swells and pulses and seems to egg on the drummer who builds to higher and higher heights. The drummer returns the favor on Ribot's absolutely brilliant solo on "Hazor"-- a nice midtempo piece with a great theme statement on guitar with response on pizzicato cello, the guitarist and cellist both solo brilliantly, with Baron and Baptista encouraging them so brilliantly that both end up putting together power and driven solos. And just in case this sympathetic playing wasn't enough to make your jaw drop, the entire ensemble gets behind Feldman's violin solo, in particular Cohen is brilliant and Feldman's solo sits on the edge of coming unhinged but stays totally under control and ends up trumping both Ribot and Friedlander (oh and by the way, the best solo on the piece is Cohen's bass solo). But "Hazor" is just one example, the set moves through a number of moods, from cartoony ("Lachish") to patient ("Kisofim") to downright melancholy ("Avelut"). Really the whole performance is nothing short of astounding and I could discuss any of the pieces in this light.

The last set is a bit different-- clocking in at 77 minutes with an extra piece (nine instead of eight), the band sounds to be quite a bit looser-- the themes are still exectued with the precision and detail as always, and certainly the playing is at a much higher level, but the solos feel to be reaching out further-- look no further than bluesy "Hadasha" to hear this-- Ribot's playing is totally absorbed and wrapped up in the theme and Baron and Baptista sound like they're having a blast. This pervades the entire show, with personal favorites including the explosive "Karet" and a positively joyous closer in "Bith Aneth".

Like the rest of the 50th Birthday Celebration series, this disc is wrapped in a digipack with pretty minimalist artwork, track listings and band lineups on the back of the package. A lot of folks don't like this artwork, though I find it somewhat charming, but then again, I do love a matching set [like the birthday CDs].

Certainly for the relatively low cost (for three CDs) and the extraordinary quality of these performances, this is a worthwhile investment for any fan of the Masada songbook. My only complaint is that Zorn didn't make this four CDs and put the second set on here as well. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Sorry - I ran out of cliches! mmm...Issachar is better... Superb live set from the Masada String Trio. A brilliant performance

Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Tzadik ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 11 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 4 Azazel: Book of Angels, Vol. 2 Bar Kokhba The Circle Maker [2-CD Set] ASIN: B0001886JI Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1. Tahah
2. Abidan
3. Lachish
4. Sippur
5. Malkut
6. Meholalot
7. Kedushah
8. Ner Tamid
9. Karet
10. Moshav
11. Khebar

Customer Reviews:

Sorry - I ran out of cliches!.......2006-02-23

I've been listening to Zorn's music for a while now, and it took a Live Masada String Trio performance, in person, to finally get me to purchase this. I saw the trio perform a few weeks ago at Zorn's club, The Stone, in lower Manhattan. From the first couple bars of the first song, I was hooked. I would say I listen to this live record more often than any other music I've picked up in a while - which is a pretty big deal considering my vast music collection.

For those unaware, John Zorn has had a group since the mid-90's called Masada which combines Klezmer music with avant-garde 'Ornette Coleman-style' jazz. The group performs out of two books of songs, all of which have been written by Zorn himself. There are literally hundreds of Masada songs out there, and in addition to the regular quartet, there are several other ensembles that also perform Masada songs - the string trio is one of these groups.

The Masada String Trio consists of Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Greg Cohen (bass). Zorn sits in and conducts them. I've seen it in person as he literally opens up a Masada song book and randomly pulls out pieces. "Number 65," Zorn would say and Mark, Erik, and Greg would pull out that song and play it as if they had performed it thousands of times before. This is not classical music - it has a foundation in jazz, so it's basically jazz being performed on instruments not normally used for that style of music. There is definitely improvising going on, and Zorn picks which musicians improvise and when. His conducting goes far beyound that, though, and he will often cue one or two musicians to play just one note, or a series of individual notes broken down between the three performers. It is easier to pick up on these elements if you have had the privelage of actually seeing it in person. Zorn also does this for his other groups such as Electric Masada, except in that group, he is also a performer!

The sounds emanating from my stereo when I listen to this cd are some of the most beautiful and majestic I have ever heard. I could listen to this for the rest of my life and never get bored with it. If you are somewhat familiar with the Masada catalogue, you may recognize some of these tracks. The most impressive element is the switch between arco and pizzicato on tracks such as 'Abidan,' 'Meholalot,' and 'Khebar' - the last being a real barn-burner! The trio is masterful on more digestable tracks as well like the opening, 'Tahah' or the relaxing 'Sippur'.

I also believe this record is evidence of Zorn's superb song writing abilities. He has written hundreds of Masada pieces but they can be performed for all sorts of different ensambles that span several different styles of music. No matter what the vehicle of delivery is, the performances are always breathtaking. This is a great place to start if you are not familiar with Zorn's music - most indviduals I have played this for loved it immediately. If you are not new to Zorn and don't own this, you are doing yourself a major inconvenience. Pick it up.

mmm...Issachar is better..........2006-01-11

...a couple of errors but it's a fine recording...Of course, Issachar is better. To me...three stars and a half.

Superb live set from the Masada String Trio........2005-04-26

This album, the first volume of releases from a series of concerts in September 2003 at Tonic celebrating John Zorn's 50th birthday, brings forward the Masada String Trio-- Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Greg Cohen (bass), conducted by composer John Zorn. The trio plays pieces out of the Masada songbook, bringing a chamber aesthetic to the music, but maintaining the largely improvised concept behind the music-- in many ways, this highlights the genius of these players, to be so far out of the accepted domain for their instruments and formation-- string trios improvising on jazz?-- and yet still produce something of such magic and beauty, sometimes aggressive, in your face, as much so as Zorn and Dave Douglas wailing on two horns ("Malkut"), sometimes delicate, passive, truly chamber-like ("Abidan").

One thing that should be noted for anyone who hasn't seen this ensemble live, Zorn conducts to a great level, signaling soloists, accompaniments, when the head comes back around, etc. He'll cut off the musicians, start them back up, elicit a single note from them, or keep them on the tracks until the point of derailing, switch them at once from arco to pizzicato and back again, and generally keeps tight control of the proceedings-- to watch the three string players with their focus intently on Zorn and yet playing with such sympathy for each other is really something to behold.

The music itself is impressively performed, most of the songs are drawn from "The Circle Maker", each is given an expert reading, filled with briliant soloing and accompaniment ("Meholalot"), the Masada soloist-counter soloist concept remains firmly in place with the trio. To discuss the pieces individually is almost without point, the Masada songbook has a quality where each piece is really a vehicle and is almost less essential than the power of the performance-- a stunning array of technique is shown here, these three, particularly in my assessment Friedlander, are masters of their instrument and have a real passion for the material, getting deep into it. It also I feel is the best of the Masada chamber pieces, highly recommended.

A brilliant performance.......2004-03-30

In September 2003, the club Tonic hosted a month-long tribute to John Zorn's music. Zorn and all of his favorite musicians were involved. This CD is the first in a series documenting that celebration.

At first glance, this is a live version of The Circle Maker --- and that fact alone makes it worth buying. The Masada String Trio (Mark Feldman, Erik Friedlander, and Greg Cohen) plow through eleven well-known Masada tunes, with Zorn conducting from the sidelines. The performance is fast and creative. You can tell that these musicians love to play these songs.

After I heard it a few times, I noticed something else. This is a great LIVE album. It's right up there with the live albums from famous rock bands. Listen to this on headphones and you'll hear the band playing to the crowd. After each track, you hear the crowd respond, then the band dives into another intense Masada tune. By the final track, you're a little worn out, but in a good way.

Average customer rating: Peace in Jerusalem

City of Gold Sunita Staneslow Manufacturer: Maxemilian Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000005GGB Release Date: 1997-09-30

Tracks:

1. And They Shall Be Heard
2. In Jerusalem
3. Our Song
4. Pilgrimage To Jerusalem
5. If I Forget you O Jerusalem
6. Jerusalem Of Gold
7. On The Rivers Of Babylon
8. In The City Of Jerusalem
9. Your Jerusalem
10. Jerusalem
11. Jerusalem Of Earth And Sky
12. Theme From Shindler's List

Album Description

City of Gold illuminates the grandeur of Jerusalem and celebrates King David's ascension to the city with the sound of the harp woven together with orchestrations fro violin, oboe, English horn, clarinet, cello, and percussion. Sunita's interpretations of this timelesss collection create an instrumental magic enhanced by some of today's most talented studio and concert musicians. THese include violinist Tracy Silverman of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the members of the ensemble Vida. The combined chamber ensemble has created a monument to Jerusalem's 3,000th anniversary and a testament of passionate inspirational music.

Customer Reviews:

Peace in Jerusalem.......2001-01-26

Sunita Stanislow skillfully and cleanly presents the beauty and emotion of Hebrew music on the harp. Accompanied by violin, oboe, and orchestra, this albumn ushers the listener into the mystery and majesty of Jerusalem's history. The listener must be prepared for the tensions of the day to slip away as this heavenly instrument sings out a loving tribute to the land where David once played soothing melodies on his harp.

Average customer rating: Great Place to Start Amazing. quintessential Zorn white-hot set from a jazz band to die for. Why I love avant-garde jazz

50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 4 Electric Masada Manufacturer: Tzadik ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: At the Mountains of Madness 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 11 Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 1 Masada: Live at Tonic, 2001 Bar Kokhba ASIN: B0001XXBD4 Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

1. Tekufah
2. Idalah-Abal
3. Hadasha
4. Hath-Arob
5. Yatzar
6. Lilin
7. Kisofim

Customer Reviews:

Great Place to Start.......2005-08-18

When I first heard John Zorn, I was a bit turned off by his styles. I use the plural, 'styles,' because he has so many different groups (naked city, masada, string trio, hemophiliac, etc.) that it would be an injustice to put Zorn into one specific category. After giving him another listen months later, I fell in love with much of his music, and this 'Electric Masada Birthday CD' is where I began.

This was recorded live at Tonic during the month of September '03 in celebration of Zorn's 50th birthday. The lineup is a who's-who of the downtown music scene - Zorn (alto sax), Marc Ribot (guitar), Jamie Saft (keys), Ikue Mori (laptop electronics), Trevor Dunn (bass), Joey Baron (drums), Kenny Wolleson (drums), and Cyro Baptista (percussion). Those who attend Zorn shows regularly at places like Tonic or The Stone will definitely recognize some of these names.

After hearing the wide scope of music Zorn is reponsible for, I can say for certain that this album is a perfect place to start for new fans. Some would argue that Naked City is a good place to begin, but I find that music to be a little too commercial, and frankly, not in line with some of Zorn's more recent projects. The music played here is a 'best-of' from the Masada catalogue with an electric spin on it. The most notable additions are Dunn, (from Mr. Bungle and other work with Mike Patton), Ribot (who is best known for his work with Tom Waits), and Ikue Mori who uses some of the craziest samples you will ever hear, such as the 'giggling madman' sound we hear on track 6, 'Lilin'.

This music is not as challenging as some of Zorn's other work in the way that this is not totally improvised. The songs have structure, for the most part, and at times have some extremely 'catchy' parts. My favorite track here is 'Idalah-Abal' which sounds like Black Sabbath with Zorn! The guitar part is mundane in nature, and matches well with Zorn's squeals, honks, and screeches. This reminds of 'Batman' from the original Naked City album. Another favorite of mine is 'Hath Arob' which is full of dissonant harmonies, probably influenced by cats like Ornette Coleman or some of Coltrane's later work. However, it is irresponsible to compare Zorn to anyone else, because his music embodies the term 'originality.'

If you are growing tired of the stale, bland music that monopolizes the radio these days, and you want something refreshing, check out Zorn. If you take my advice and pick this up, and find it to be too challenging, I would then recommend his first Naked City album from the 80's. Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying the religious experience of listening to John Zorn.

Amazing........2005-04-19

One of the most highly anticipated bands led by downtown New York luminary John Zorn is the Electric Masada ensemble-- often thought of as Naked City meets Masada, but this sells the concept short-- this is really the culmination of Zorn's career-- the game pieces and conducted systems, the jump cut and genre blending, and the Jewish-tinged jazz. The band's roster is constantly shifting, based I suspect on availability, the lineup on this particular recording is John Zorn (alto sax, conductor), Marc Ribot (guitar), Jamie Saft (keys), Ikue Mori (laptop), Trevor Dunn (bass), Joey Baron and Kenny Wollesen (drums), and Cyro Baptista (percussion), performing as part of the month-long Zorn festival celebrating his 50th birthday at Tonic.

If you haven't seen the Electric Masada band, it may be hard to understand some of what's going on with this recording-- I know my appreciation of it deepened after witnessing this first hand-- Zorn literally conducts the band, bringing musicians in and out, queuing solos, accompaniments, blasts of noise, themes, bass lines, etc. as necessary. Nothing you hear on this, no matter how free and unled it sounds, is out of his control-- the musicians focused intently on him for every sequence-- every free improv is highly structured, every entrance in the midst of chaos is timed by him. It helps that Zorn has an extraordinarily sympathetic group of musicians to work with-- Ribot is perhaps of all the brilliant guitar players to work with Zorn, the best foil for him. The same could be said for any number of musicians on this one-- Baptista, Mori and Baron all have long associations and a real understanding for how Zorn works, or more importantly, how Zorn wants to work. I also believe all of them worked with Zorn on his game pieces, and while there may not be rules defined like there were in the game pieces, Zorn is definitely calling all the shots.

The performance on here is brilliant-- a number of pieces should be familiar to anyone with time spent in the Masada catalog, although one of the things about the Masada songbook that (to me) makes it so special is the infectious and familiar nature of the pieces-- the first time you hear the songs, you almost feel like you grew up with them. The performances cover a lot of territory, blending through genres, keeping the same sort of anchored feel that the Masada pieces have, and highlighting the contributions of every member of the ensemble. I don't know if its fair to discuss highlights as the entire album is phenomenal start to finish-- even as it threatens to overwhelm, it can suddenly switch gears (very much like Naked City) and settle into a groove. And when that groove begins to grow tired, it can explode again. Unexpected sounds abound, usually from Baptista and Mori, who are adept at punctuating the work of the other musicians, although like nearly every ensemble he's part of, Ribot steals the show much of the time.

If you're a Zorn fan, this is the Holy Grail, if you're curious, there's a lot here to love, and a lot of different faces of Zorn's style to look at. Essential.

quintessential Zorn.......2005-02-11

Electric Masada is a quintessence of John Zorn portfolio. It contains of almost all sides of his freeform music vision - from brutal metal jazz of Naked City to post-folk creativity of original Masada series. It was recorded live, that adds some bonuses (as the haunting jazz atmosphere) with some passable minuses (not as perfect as usual sounding and musicianship).
Totally this record is outstanding - it holds your attention every second of 73 minutes playing time. And it's one of the few Zorn's records, that capable to play repeatedly another and another with the same delightful and exciting effect.

white-hot set from a jazz band to die for........2004-10-08

Other than the Hemophiliac disc, the Electric Masada disc from John Zorn's 50th Birthday Celebration series was the one that most excited me. And how could you not be? The lineup is something out of dreams: John Zorn (alto sax), Marc Ribot (guitar), Jamie Saft (keyboards), Ikue Mori (laptop electronics), Trevor Dunn (bass), Joey Baron (drums), Kenny Wollesson (drums) and Cyro Baptista (percussion).

Electric Masada simply rocks. The grand theme of "Idalah-abal" gains new character with its rock-oriented arrangement. "Tekufah" spends its first three minutes spiraling through clamors of triple-percussion attack, plinking electronic glass-like sounds, and tortured guitar feedback, before Dunn's fat, high-energy bass line emerges, laying the foundational groove for the main theme, the melodic anchor of the piece. Then it goes through screaming sax solos, crunchy electric organ jams, mad thematic twists on percussion, a cosmic, heavily reverb'd guitar solo, and more. "Hath-Arob", the shortest piece on the album, reveals Zorn's cartoon music affinity (something uncommon in Masada), cutting Naked-City-like between a zany klezmer melodic figure and erratic instrumental clatters.

It's not all a jazzy firestorm, tho'. "Yatzar" is very hazy and atmospheric, with strange electronics sounding like alien crickets and water-droplets in slow motion, hissing cymbals, quietly rumbling percussion, melodious Rhodes, and entrancing guitar soloing. Zorn uses the saxophone to add curious bird-like sounds to the mix. It has incredible atmosphere and lovely sounds. "Kisofim" is the mellow encore, dominated by Marc Ribot's classy soloing. He further convinces me that anything he does it topnotch. Ikue Mori also proves her impeccable taste with an array of sounds from weird cartoon character screaming (over pounding, dissonant organ chords on "Lilin"), to bizarre animal-like noises and metallic squeals (near the end of "Yatzar"). She adds a great deal of depth and deranged spontaneity that inspire this group at this live performance.

Here, the Masada songbook is interpreted with unrivalled energy and power -- it's electric! This is one of the best jazz releases of the year undoubtedly, and John Zorn's 50th birthday celebration collection is proving to be the ultimate 2004 document for jazz, avant-garde, and free-improvisation. Recommended!

Why I love avant-garde jazz.......2004-07-23

First of all, where else are you going to find two drummers and a percussionist as part of the band--and not only that, two of the world's greatest drummers (Kenny Wollesen and Joey Baron) and probably the world's greatest living percussionist (Cyro Baptista)? Nowhere, that's where. But they're on board here, laying out some of the smartest, grooviest, heaviest beats around.

Second, where else are you going to find an aesthetic that can effortlessly incorporate white noise, wah-wah guitar, world-beat percussion, soul-jazz keyboards, honkin' sax, laptop electronics, the blooze--and make it all sound perfectly natural? Again, nowhere else.

Third, and this is perhaps most important, where else are you going to find deliciously glorious moments, moments of the starkest beauty, emerging from what almost seems like primal chaos? Again, nowhere else. But it happens here. Regularly.

Fourth, where else are you going to get a group of musicians with such res, such substance, such undeniable accomplishment and idiosyncratic genius to record live with such spectacular results? Again, nowhere else.

Look. I'm known for my over-the-top reviews (although I've received many e-mails thanking me for my forthrightness in praising jazz artists). I freely admit that sometimes I get carried away with a way-happening vibe and lose objectivity. But that's not happening here. See, I'm not a Zorn groupie. I don't automatically sign on to anything he does. He's got to EARN if from me. And he does here.

I daresay that this represents perhaps the finest group of jazz musicians ever assembled. Quite a claim, I know. But it's true. Let's just run down each one: Leader Zorn (composer, alto sax, label owner), a man who has an impeccable downtown pedigree (although not one I'm always on board with); Marc Ribot (guitar), a man who has slowly built a reputation as one who can effectively play in nearly any variety of contexts (everything from solo acoustic to avant-classical to freak-out jazz); Jamie Saft (keyboards), owner of the sickest organ sound around, as well as the hippest; Ikue Mori (laptop electronics), founding member of that too-hip outfit, Mephista; Trevor Dunn (bass), a name not known to me (my bad), who exhibits a spectacular command of his instrument; Joey Baron (drums), a fellow who has played in a staggering variety of contexts including holding down the drum chair in John Abercrombie's latest band; Kenny Wollesen (drums), another simply monster player with impeccable downtown as well as straight ahead credentials, and Cyro Baptista (percussion), leader on one of the greatest world jazz albums ever recorded, Vira Loucos.

Together, these artists conceptualize a soundscape of such outrageous and beautiful proportions that it must be heard to be believed. That they do it live is all the more praiseworthy.

Simply too good to be true. Admittedly, not for the faint of heart, but it strikes me that the adventurous listener could greatly widen his or her listening experience by carefully attending to what's going down here.

Highest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

In Celebration of Israel Manufacturer: Milken Archive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Folk | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lazar Weiner: The Art of Yiddish Song Jewish String Quartets Max Helfman: Di Naye Hagode; Hag Habikkurim; The Holy Ark David Stock: A Little Miracle; Yizkor; Y'rusha; Tekiah Herman Berlinski: From the World of My Father ASIN: B000EQHS8C Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

1. Hatikva - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
2. Old Jerusalem - Ana Maria Martinez
3. Pioneers (Halutzim) - Samuel Adler
4. Hamisha - Vienna Boys Choir
5. Laila Had'Mama - Vienna Boys Choir
6. B'Yom Kayitz - Vienna Boys Choir
7. Laila Pele - Vienna Boys Choir
8. Ma Yafim Halleilot - Vienna Boys Choir
9. Sisu V'Simhu - Vienna Boys Choir
10. Prayer - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
11. Walls Of Zion - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
12. Hora - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
13. Benzion Miller - Jorge Mester
14. River Jordan - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
15. Andante - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
16. Celebration - Karl Anton Rickenbacher
17. Introduction - Samuel Adler
18. Yom Ze L'Ysira'el - Samuel Adler
19. Bammidbar - Samuel Adler
20. Zamm'ri Li - Samuel Adler
21. Shalom L'vo Shabbat - Samuel Adler
22. Yom B'Kibbutz - Gerard Schwarz

Amazon.com

This record celebrates not only Israel but six excellent 20th-century Jewish composers - all émigrés except the American-born Scharf - whose work should be better known: the music is skillfully composed, varied, constantly interesting and appealing. Strangely enough, it is the most-familiar composer's contribution that strikes the only false note: Weill's arrangement of the "Hatikva," now Israel's national anthem. Though its composition has been debated for decades, it is essentially a simple folk-tune which Weill's noisy, overblown orchestration obliterates with "modern" harmonies, brass and percussion. Given the basically mournful, minor-mode-oriented nature of Jewish music, this "celebration" is tinged with yearning, melancholy and nostalgia, though there are some buoyant dances along the way. Highlights include the Austrian pianist-composer Chajes' vocal and orchestral music; in the latter, the oboe becomes a shepherd's pipe, the clarinet a klezmer-player. Fromm's "Yemenite Cycle," scored for voice, flute, harp, and bells, sounds bright, cheerful and simple, like children's songs. Scharf, a film composer, and Secunda, the most-renowned composer of Yiddish popular songs, naturally reveal their stylistic "roots" with music straight out of Hollywood and the musical theater and aimed straight at the heart. The performances are all admirable; the Vienna Boys Choir, of all participants surely the most incongruous, is terrific.     -- Edith Eisler

Average customer rating:

Global Celebration (Authentic Music from Festivals & Celebrations Around the World) Various Artists Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music | Ambient | Celtic | Environmental | General | International | Jazz | Meditation Music | Piano | World Dance ASIN: B0000059SP Release Date: 1993-06-22

Tracks:

1. Dance Of Kwenyii - Wapa Tribe
2. Ogum Beira-Mar - Northern Brazil
3. Allah, Alik, Allah! - Hussein El Masry
4. The Avatamasaka Assemble - Tong Keh-Cheng
5. Ceremonies Against The Night Of The Devil - Bachir Attar
6. Celesi, Braliti - Skandinieki
7. Pollerita - Inti Raymi
8. Mohammed Rasoul Allal (Excerpt) - Halima Chedli Ensimble
9. Yeye - Mongo Santamaria
10. Snake Charmer Melody (Excerpt) - Mahendranath & Party (Ira Landgarten)
11. San Juan Festival - Carinoso Group/Los diagonales
12. Tarantella Di Ogliastro - I Giullari Di Piazza
13. Doyma Chaya - Ashiq Hasan
14. I'm Saved - Rev. James Cleveland And The Southern California Community Choir

Tracks:

1. Water Maiden Dance (Excerpt - 'Going Over') - Hopi Indians
2. Over The Moor To Maggie/Fred Finn's/The Hunter's House - Matt Molloy
3. Afindrafindrao - Randrianarivo/Lahikoto
4. Song About a Bird - Gizra People
5. Didadi Kana - Nahawa Doumbia
6. Guateque Campesino - Conjunto Campesino Cuyaguateje
7. Play the Bagpipe, Uncle John/Harvest, My Sweetheart, Harvest/The Monks Are Walking in Clogs - Sebo
8. Farewell to Whisky/Welcome Whisky Back Again/Let There Be Drams - Alan Reid/John McCusker
9. Faukura - Groupe Mariterangi
10. El Cascabel - Grupo Chicontepec
11. Sir Maa Badad/Makh Makh - Rais Najib Ensemble
12. Normu Jovna - Angelin Tytot
13. Fiesta De Los Pajaros - Alfredo Gutierrez
14. Maskarada - Noord Salina

Tracks:

1. Henna - Ali Hassan Kuban
2. Shani - Zuhurah Swaleh
3. Hahkamine - Leiko
4. Awungilobolele - Udokotela Shange Namajaha
5. NY Psycho Freylekhs - The Klezmatics
6. Vidonge - Virunga
7. Haro-Haro - Toba Batak Ensemble
8. Omwana Wa Mberi Nesiekhoira - Abana Ba Nasery
9. Seelinnikoi - Varttina
10. Famadihana - Tarika Sammy
11. Arapae - Temaeva
12. Casse-Co - Michele Picard
13. Seif El Battar - Nass El Ghiwane
14. Tiguini-Tiguini - M'Mah Sylla

Tracks:

1. Opening Parade, Live At The Bali Arts Festival (Excerpt) - Gatherings
2. Saba Saba! - Mil-Quinhento '1500' & Conjunto Popombo De Nampula
3. Elisa Gomara Saia - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mozambique
4. Eutsi Goiari - Tapia/Leturia
5. Lilizela Mlilizeli - Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
6. Shoo-Fly - Bo Dollis & Monk Boudreaux
7. Kia Orange Kotou - Tumuenua Dance Group
8. Ba Moin Un Tibo, Doudou - Gerard La Viny
9. Sove - Foula
10. Lese Woule - Marce & Tumpak
11. Sidibe Muso - Seckou & Ramata
12. Wet Me Down - Johnny King

Amazon.com

As this set's title implies, the 54 songs from nearly as many cultures all deal with happy community rituals. The four CDs are subtitled: "Dancing with the Gods: Religious Celebrations," "Earth Spirit: Cycles of Nature," "Passages: Turning Points in Life," and "Gatherings: Joyous Festivals." This music is more accessible and less rigorously authentic than "Voices of Forgotten Worlds;" it includes such "worldbeat" hybrid musics as Trinidadan soca, South African township jive, New Orleans Mardi Gras music, modern Celtic folk music, and African American gospel. --Geoffrey Himes

Average customer rating:

Shaloha Oy Kona's Traveling Jewish Wedding Band Manufacturer: Kona's Traveling Jewish Wedding ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAE1CQ Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

1. Wedding Medley
2. Erev Shel Shoshanim
3. Rumania, Rumania
4. Tzaveh
5. Garsona
6. Freilach Zein
7. Od Y'shama
8. Rozhenkes mit Mandlen
9. Iti Milvanon
10. Anniversary Song
11. Hava Nagilah
12. Shaloha Oy

Average customer rating:

Music from the Mountain The Soul Tune Singers Manufacturer: Mindymusic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005RFQI Release Date: 2000-11-19

Tracks:

1. Time to Return
2. Holiday Shopping Bag Rag
3. The Sukkah in our Yard
4. The Miracle
5. It's Chanukah-Ole'!
6. Plant a New Life
7. The Ballad of Mordechai & Esther
8. The "I Ate Too Many Hamentashen" Blues
9. Passover Prairie Polka
10. Look into the Light
11. The Fiftieth Day
12. The Home
13. A Niggun
14. Shabbat Shalom

Average customer rating: There are some worthwhile tracks here in the mood for celebrating

Mazal Tov! Popular Songs For Jewish Celebration Various Artists Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Compilations | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000006N1L Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

1. Sharon's Dance
2. Medley Of Old Yiddish Theatre Songs
3. Medley Of Yiddish Waltzes
4. Bessarabian Dance
5. Bublitchki
6. Doina And Tzushpiel
7. Medley Of Israeli Dances
8. Hora Staccato
9. Medley Of Chassidic Melodies
10. Neue Sher

Customer Reviews:

There are some worthwhile tracks here.......2004-03-31

There's a fairly decent variety on this CD. But there's so much more that Amazon doesn't carry - if you want a rock beat, try artists like Oif Simchas or Piamenta. There are great wedding albums by Neginah. And among the best is "What A Wedding in Overtime". Unfortunately, they're not available on Amazon - so try http://www.mostlymusic.com instead, you won't regret it when everyone at the wedding is dancing up a storm!

in the mood for celebrating.......2003-05-21

Well, I'm certainly not an expert in Jewish music, and I've just recently begun to feel any real interest in Klezmer and popular Jewish music. So if you read this review and have any prior advanced knowledge of this kind of music, I advice you to listen carefully to the samples first. I bought this CD as a sort of introduction because the price was great.And I think it is good value! All the pieces are instrumental, danceable, and they conjure a happy mood. They convey an atmosphere of summer open-air celebration that remind me of the summer festivals of my childhood in Spain. In fact, and although these songs probably originated in Central Europe, they are not so different from the popular waltzes and paso-dobles that are played at night verbenas accross Southern Europe. It is the kind of music that makes you want to dance and shout To Life!

Average customer rating:

A Celebration of the Passover Seder Various Artists Manufacturer: Hataklit Ltd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs of the Seder A Passover Seder Festival Creating Lively Passover Seders: An Interactive Sourcebook of Tales, Texts & Activities Peter Pan (2-Disc Platinum Edition) ASIN: B000EPFDEY Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

1. She Hechianu (That We Have Lived): 1st Blessing
2. Karpas (Green Vegetables): 2nd Blessing
3. Lechem Oni (Bread of Affliction): 3rd Blessing
4. Ma Nishtana (What Is Different) (English/Hebrew Version)
5. Ma Nishtana (What Is Different) (Hebrew Version) - Hamakhela Halevana
6. Avadim Hayinu (We Were Slaves) (English/Hebrew Version)
7. Avadim Hayinu (We Were Slaves) (Hebrew Version) - Hamakhela Halevana
8. Ha Makot (The 10 Plagues): 4th Blessing
9. Dayeinu (It Would Have Been Enough) (English/Hebrew Version)
10. B'tesit Israel (When Israel Went Forth) (English/Hebrew Version)
11. B'tseit Israel (When Israel Went Forth) (Hebrew Version) - Hamakhela Halevana
12. Ha Gefen (The Fruit of the Vine): 5th Blessing
13. Rachats (Hand Washing): 6th Blessing
14. Halechem (The Bread): 7th Blessing
15. Matzah (The Unleavened Bread): 8th Blessing
16. Maror (The Bitter Herbs): 9th Blessing
17. Hayiny Smechim (We Were Glad) ) English/Hebrew Version) - Katal Israel Singers
18. Ha Gefen (The Fruit of the Vine): 10th Blessing
19. Kos Yeshout (The Cup of Salvation) (English/Hebrew Version) - Avner Bosky, Rachel Bosky
20. Hallelujah, Hallelujah (English/Hebrew Version)
21. Ha Gefen (The Fruit of the Vine): 11th Blessing
22. Haimutz (The Adoption): 12th Blessing
23. Brachat Aharon (The Aharonic Blessing): 13th Blessing
24. Bashana Haba'a (Next Year): 14th Blessing
25. Bashana Haba'a B'yerushalayim - Hamakhela Halevana
26. Adonai Li (The Lord Is with Me) (English/Hebrew Version) - Katal Israel Singers
27. Shir Moshe (The Song of Moses) (English/Hebrew Version) - Jonathan Settel
28. Hallelu et Adonai (Praise the Lord) (English/Hebrew Version) - Avner Bosky, Rachel Bosky
29. I Love the Lord (English) - Elisheva Shomron
30. Shir Miriam (Miriam's Song) (Hebrew) - Gabriela Danielli

Album Description

This CD contains 16 songs for Passover, sung in Hebrew and in English and performed by a range of artists including the Hamakhela Halevana Children's Choir, Jonathan Settel, Avner & Rachel Boskey, David Loden and more. Also contains 14 blessings narrated in English by David Loden, according to the Passover Hagada, and a 32-page English booklet containing the blessings and songs. This booklet will make performing the Seder an enjoyable experience for English speakers, enabling them to read and follow the Hagada.

World Music:

1. Le Prix de Liberte
2. Let the Minstrels Plat on [Import]
3. Lost in Love [Import]
4. Luck Wie Ich Und Du [Import]
5. Maqam Nave Jurabeg Nabiev [Import]
6. Master Serie [Import]
7. Master Serie [Import]
8. Master Serie, Vol. 1 [Import]
9. Meisterstucke [Import]
10. Meisterstucke [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Still [Import]

Bach: Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachts Oratorium)

Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns

Live in Tokyo [Live] [Import]

Arbor Vitae

As Is. [Explicit Lyrics]

Adonai in Dub

Axes [Live]

After Ours

Balada: Piano Concerto No. 3, Concierto Magico

Amber - Solo Piano

Aos Vivos [Live] [Import]

Anos

Live & On the Move

Slow Jams Christmas, Vol. 1