[HANASHIR:6266] new release reviews

[Judy Ginsburgh <jerd...>]

Below are some reviews of recent audio releases in the Jewish market. Jewish 
Entertainment Resources strives to let you know about the wealth and variety of 
Jewish music resources available. If you would like your new release considered 
(unfortunately we are not able to review every title we receive) for review, 
please send a copy to: JERD, PO Box 12692, Alexandria, LA 71315. If we review 
your title, you will have the opportunity to list it in the monthly Grammy 
Awards Guide.

Visit our web site at http://www.jewishentertainment.net

THIS IS HOW WE PRAY

Karen Daniel

Clean, clear production are a highlight of "This is How We Pray", the new 
release from Karen Daniel. This follow-up to Karen's "Teachable, Singable and 
Jewish" recording, which is targeted at young children, offers a much more 
adult repertoire of songs reminiscent of her debut recording, "Breaking the 
Lock." The arrangements and mixes are beautifully executed and Karen's voice 
sounds strong with conviction and pleading.

I especially enjoyed the title cut, "This is How We Pray". It offers a catchy 
chorus and touches on many elements of our unique Jewish form of prayer in both 
Hebrew and English. "You Shall Love" offers a tender rendition of the 
"V'ahavta" and "Open My Lips" becomes almost chant-like with a very healing 
quality. "L'cha Dodi" offers a nice lilting melody with echo responses and a 
brief niggun for easy learning. 

The recording, which is currently only available as a cassette, features a 
total of 14 original songs revolving around the worship service. The songs are 
primarily in English with key Hebrew phrases from liturgy or blessings. The 
English very nicely interprets the Hebrew and should serve to make the songs 
more meaningful to those with limited knowledge of Hebrew. 

You can order Karen's tape "This is How We Pray" by e-mailing her at durlkare 
(at) aol(dot)com     The cost is $12 which includes shipping.

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CLOSE HARMONIES, CLOSE FRIENDS

Kol Sasson

Kol Sasson is based in Chicago and features the musical talents of Rob 
Weinberg, Susie Lorge and Michael Heimlich (with special guest Rabbi Don Rosoff 
on flute). "Close Harmonies, Close Friends" celebrates their 20th year of 
performing together. This CD of familiar Israeli melodies, "American nusach", 
and original tunes features the group at their very best. I remember hearing 
Kol Sasson for the first time at a CAJE Conference and enjoying their 
infectious enthusiasm for what they shared and harmonies reminiscent of Peter, 
Paul and Mary.

This recording is crisp and clean and features - as the title says - close 
harmonies and the obvious camaraderie of close friends. Filled with peppy, 
energetic arrangements and featuring songs like "Erev Shel Shoshanim", "Dodi 
Li", "Let The Heavens Be Glad", a medley of "Oseh Shalom" tunes, "Od Lo Ahavti 
Dai", and a freedom medley, this recording will take you back to your Jewish 
camp days. 

Kol Sasson is indeed a joyful voice in Jewish music and it is a pleasure to 
listen to this CD and sing and dance along with many old favorites. Proceeds 
from the recording benefit the Jewish Production Organization for Cultural 
Events and Theater, producers of the Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival.

To order a copy, contact Kol Sasson, PO Box 5215, Skokie, IL 60076, (847) 
933-3000

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SONGS FROM THE HEART: FAMILY SHABBAT

Carol Boyd Leon

"Songs From the Heart: Family Shabbat" is the debut release of music educator, 
songleader and choir director, Carol Boyd Leon. The songs are available on CD 
or cassette and there is also a songbook which features music to all of the 
songs.

The recording is packed with 19 songs that follow the order of the Friday night 
service. Many of the songs feature young people from Carol's "Chai Notes" 
chorus singing and Carol's voice is childlike itself which adds to the youthful 
appeal.

The original music written by Carol features simple melodies that dwell mostly 
in a one octave range. There are easy to hear harmonies for those who want to 
develop more intricate arrangements and a few of the songs are sung in rounds 
or offer simple multi-part arrangements.

The songbook is very user-friendly containing an index and pronunciation guide, 
melody line, lyrics and chords to all songs. At the end of the songbook, Carol 
has added a nice feature - reproducible songsheets for each song. 

I especially liked the "Shema" which has a catchy melody and captures the 
essence of the Shema for little children - "Shema Yisrael, listen everyone, 
Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai our God is One".

Carol's introduction to the songbook gives a glimpse into why she wrote this 
music. She says, "My heart's in Jewish music. And so I've written these songs 
to help put Jewish music into the heart of each Jewish family. These songs 
encourage families -- children and adults -- to actively participate in the 
music at Shabbat services. I believe that singing at services, putting a song 
in our heart helps spark in our kids a love for Judaism that can stay with them 
through their adulthood... and keeps alive or rekindles that flame in adults as 
well." 

Carol's strength lies in working with youth and adult choirs and you will find 
songs in this collection to add to your congregational repertoire. Recommended 
for those who work with youth or congregational choirs, Junior Congregations or 
even Tot Shabbat. "Songs From the Heart: Family Shabbat" gives you an entire 
Friday evening service in song.

Cassette - $10

CD or Songbook - $15 each

To order, contact Carol at cbleon (at) hotmail(dot)com or visit her web site at 
http://www.geocities.com/CBoydLeon 

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Judy Caplan Ginsburgh, award winning singer/music specialist  (jerd (at) 
centurytel(dot)net)
http://www.jewishentertainment.net/judy
Director:  Jewish Entertainment Resources -- we help you find Jewish talent!
http://www.jewishentertainment.net
Louisiana Professional Artist of the Year!
Past Conference Chair:  23rd Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education 
(CAJE)
http://www.caje.org
Member: Children's Music Web --  http://www.childrensmusic.org