Re: Info on Jewish music

[Dean Bandes <deanb...>]

Sean A Martin <semartin (at) magnus(dot)acs(dot)ohio-state(dot)edu> asks:

>       I've been somewhat disappointed that no one posts to this group
>       very much (except for the guy that can't figure out how to
>       unsubscribe).  I study Yiddish and Jewish history, and while I
>       know some Yiddish music, I don't know much about other Jewish
>       music.

There are lots of different streams of Jewish music, including cantorial
(liturgical) and Israeli music as well as secular Yiddish and secular
Sephardic music, and others too.  I've never been fond of cantorial
music, though I like to chant haftarahs (the reading from the prophets
in the sabbath service) myself.  I think you really need to be familiar
with the liturgy and the context of the cantorial music in order to
appreciate it, and you probably have to be able to read Hebrew and
follow along with the text to appreciate torah and haftarah chanting.
Israeli music, especially from the '50's and '60's, is pretty
accessible.  I like the Karmon and Oranim Zabar groups from that era.

>       Any recommendations?  Who, in your opinion, are the most
>       important artists making Jewish music today?

I'd like to put in a plug for a couple of Boston area groups, Safam and
Voice of the Turtle.  Safam is a vocal group which writes their own
songs in traditional modes but about current concerns.  Voice of the
Turtle specializes in the Sephardic tradition, using authentic
instruments.  Not "the most important artists", but very good artists
worthy of your consideration.

Dean Bandes   klezmer brass player

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Topic No. 11