[HANASHIR:6320] more 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

TODAH L'CHEM

ROBBI SHERWIN

Todah L'Chem (Thanks ya'll) is the debut release from Austin, Texas based 
singer/songwriter Robbi Sherwin. And an impressive first effort it is! The CD 
contains 11 tunes - most of them written or co-written by Robbi. Robbi has put 
her whole being into this project and it shows in the passion and enthusiasm 
she brings to her performance. The CD features many collaborations with other 
Jewish artists (Mah Tovu, Yom Hadash, Peri Smilow, Sam Glaser, Rich Glauber, 
and Julie Silver) and I applaud Robbi for this. We do not often collaborate 
with one another and it is beautiful to hear how each person or group who 
collaborated with Robbi brings a little bit of themselves to the project.

I particularly enjoyed the thoughtful and haunting melody to "Modeh Ani". As 
the liner notes say: "I was looking for a 'between the dark and the dawn' kind 
of feel. I am very grateful that God has allowed me to wake up...., but I'm 
just not ready to tap dance, yet." Rich Glauber's expertise on the "squeezebox" 
shines in the upbeat and almost Cajun sounding "Elijahu." "Al Tistakel" is 
chant-like and tribal with its heavy use of percussion; there is a beautiful 
"Shema" duet with Julie Silver and Robbi's "L'cha Dodi" with Yom Hadash and 
Peri Smilow really kicks.

The CD is definitely worth a listen. As the lyrics to Robbi's "Al Tistakel" 
say, "Do not look (only) at the container, rather what is inside." Robbi 
Sherwin has a lot of music inside of her and I am glad she shared it with us.

To order the CD, contact Robbi at sherwin (at) earthlink(dot)net or visit her 
web site at www.robbisherwin.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

INNER PEACE

STEVE DROPKIN

Singer/Songwriter, Steve Dropkin continues to write great songs as is evidenced 
by his preview release of 4 songs from his upcoming 2nd album, Inner Peace. 
This preview features new melodies for "Shalom Rav", "Oseh Shalom", "R'tzei" 
and "Lecha Dodi". The arrangements are masterfully engineered by Troy Dexter 
and produced by Troy and Steve. Great arrangements of great songs, a full band 
sound, and some impressive background vocals by Steve's wife, Cantor Jessica 
Roskin are highlights of this sampler. Steve has a knack for writing catchy, 
upbeat tunes and thoughtful, memorable slower melodies. But no matter what the 
tempo, all of these tunes are immediately contagious and easily remembered. 
"R'tzei" is given a very upbeat treatment as it exclaims God's glory and "Oseh 
Shalom" and "Shalom Rav" are sure to become standards in synagogues everywhere. 
If this 4 song preview is an indication of what is yet to come, we can't wait 
for the full CD.

To order the preview, e-mail Steve at Ketzev2 (at) aol(dot)com

_____________________________________________________________________________BLESS
 BLESS OUR DAYS

CANTOR RACHELLE NELSON & RABBI TERRY BOOKMAN

Bless Our Days is the first audio release by the writing team of Cantor 
Rachelle Nelson and Rabbi Terry Bookman. Many of us are familiar with Rachelle 
Nelson's beautiful liturgical compositions several of which have been published 
and are sung in synagogues throughout the U.S. This release allows Cantor 
Nelson to feature her original music and reach a much broader listening 
audience. The compositions (13 in all) follow the general outline of a day, 
from waking to sleeping, and include new melodies for "Modeh Ani", "Elohai 
N'shama", "Oseh Shalom", and "Y'hiyu L'ratzon". The arrangements are sung in a 
cantorial fashion by Rachelle often backed up by an adult or youth choir. The 
music is orchestrated, full and lush. 

The strong point of this recording is in the exquisite writing talents of 
Rachelle and Terry. The recording provides a wonderful way for cantors, 
soloists and music directors to hear some of Rachelle's tender music. It will 
only take one listen before you will want to add some of these melodies to your 
synagogue's repertoire. Rachelle and Terry have formed a publishing company 
called "In the Spirit Music". The company publishes their own music and music 
of other composers featuring new liturgy that "will move the heart, mind and 
soul...." These original compositions certainly live up to these goals - this 
music will move your heart, mind and soul.

Of special note is a duet of "Yih'yu L'ratzon" sung with cantorial student 
Hollis Schachner. The blending of a youthful, light voice with a heavier, more 
experienced voice paints beautiful imagery with this rich melody. Also deeply 
touching is the "Hashkivenu/A Prayer for the Night" dedicated to the memory of 
Cantor Stuart Pittle. It is so lovely in its insistence and pleading.

If you are looking for some beautiful new melodies for synagogue singing, you 
will find many in this collection. 

To order, contact In the Spirit Music, 7890 SW 147 St., Miami, FL 33158, or 
call (877) SOULWORK

Submitted by:

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