short review of new CD by Klezamir

[Seth Rogovoy <rogovoy...>]

Here's an excerpt from this Friday's "The Beat" column in the Berkshire
Eagle:

With its new album, Der Bloyfoygl of Happiness (The Bluebird Fun Freyd),
Pioneer Valley klezmer outfit Klezamir may well join the front ranks of
modern klezmer bands. The brand-new CD, which will be celebrated with two
concerts at the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst on Sunday May 20
(call 413-256-4900 for more info), features a compelling blend of original,
inventive instrumentals by the ensemble and vocal numbers by Klezamir’s new
singer, Felicia Shpall.
Previously heard as lead vocalist with the Bashert Klezmer Band, Shpall is
the hottest newcomer to Yiddish song. Shpall’s background in theater and
jazz and her cantorial training combine to give her vocals a soulful
sensuality that will undoubtedly put Klezamir in the forefront of
contemporary klezmer bands. 
Included on the new CD is a luscious, accordion-inflected tango version of
“Mayn Yidishe Meydele” and mainstream fare such as “Oy Mame Bin Ikh
Farlibt,” which begins with a soulful vocal improvisation and ends in a
full-band Dixieland arrangement, featuring the swinging clarinet of Jim
Armenti. 
Juggling duties as composer, clarinetist, and guitarist, Armenti is the
group’s other secret weapon. He wields his electric six-string -- an
instrument not always suited to Old World-rooted klezmer -- with delicacy,
using it to paint suggestive colors on the “Rumenisher Hora,” and to push
the Serbian folk dance “Nishki Cochek” - which also features a lively flute
solo by Amy Rose -- into Dick Dale territory.

[Copyright Seth Rogovoy 2001]

___________
Seth Rogovoy
author of "The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover's Guide to Jewish Roots and
Soul"
“An informative and entertaining guide….Seth Rogovoy lucidly explains what’s
culturally significant about klezmer; better yet, he captures the music’s
fun.” – jazz critic Francis Davis, author of "Bebop And Nothingness" and
"The History Of The Blues."

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