Re: Jewish bluegrass

[Michael R. Leavitt <mleavitt...>]

David Shneyer has two recordings which will appeal to people who like
klezmer and bluegrass.  His first is a tape (no CD) entitled "Smokey
Mountain Shabbes" and as the title suggests is a collection of Shabbat
Z'mirot done with bluegrass melodies and rhythms.  David sings and plays
12-string, harmonica and some clarinet (if I recall rightly) and is
accompanied by Alan Oresky.  Both of them are associated with Fabrangen
Fiddlers.

The more recent recording is "Psalm Songs from Rock Creek."  It is
available as a tape and as a CD.  As its title suggests, the collection
contains music that "was inspired by the verses of the ancient Psalms."
And the sound is similarly influenced by bluegrass.  Oresky joins David on
this as well as Theo Stone and Larry Robinson.

Both are available from Judaic Resource Center, 301-231-9067, 15 W.
Montgomery Avenue, Suite 204, Rockville, MD 20850-4217.

Mike Leavitt

P.S.  David and the Fiddlers have occasionally been accused of being
Klezmorim; whether they play klezmer music, I leave up to the experts.

Disclaimer:  I have no financial or other personal interest in any of the
above.  I just like the music!