Klez Kamp, Some reflections from a first timer.

[allen watsky <awatsky...>]

Just a word from me on Klez Camp.
   I participated in J. Horowitz's Modal Class,  one of M. Wex's lectures 
(Yiddish for musicians) one of  S. Greenman's fiddle classes and M. Rubin's 
ensemble.
   I can't say enough about Josh or the two major papers he presented. The 
accordion paper which he recently published clarifies the role of Chromatic 
Button Accordion and Piano Accordion in the Klezmer style. The Modal paper 
which formed the basis for the class is very important. I am unaware of any 
work that had been done prior to Josh's paper that treats the subject of these 
modes in this way. The delineation of the sub tonic notes as a part of the mode 
and the "harmonic" implications; its great work and transcends even Idelson's 
at least from the point of view of theory. A nitch within a nitch , it might be 
said but, it was a big wow for me. A gift from Josh to all.
    In the context of Josh's Modal work , Frank London and I got together on 
the last evening and were involving ourselves with the fusion of the Fragish 
Shtayger and ritual African Drum beats using segund violin . By extracting 
motivic cells and transposing them chromatically we were able while still 
maintaining modal integrity to make some very interesting music. The seed of an 
Idea. But modal at heart, and in the key of D and "beyond". Possibly the first 
use of "nisht geshtoygen, nisht gerfloygen"  in a "song" lyric ?
    Wex's series of lectures was said to be on the topic of "Yiddish for 
Musicians" and I do believe it was. Those of you who attended remember his 
recontextualization of the Yiddish phrase "nisht geshtoygen, nisht gerfloygen". 
His talks were interesting , informative, galvanizing and resonant to a very 
high degree and I must say, "Wex 'aint just funny". I asked if the material 
presented was to be published soon and the answer was ,"yes" by St. Martins 
Press,  look for it. So, this is a ringing endorsement from me, Mr. Nishtikeit. 
(look who thinks "he's" nothing)
    Steve Greenman is "der mench" his class was excellent, the playing level of 
the participants was high (excepting my self of course as, IAN. see paragraph 
above) his choice of musical examples and demonstration of them was excellent. 
I will be working on the material for weeks if not decades. Very helpful. A 
pleasure to see so much fiddle talent in the same room, what a great bunch of 
people.As I say to my clients " when something is done right, in the end 
there's nothing left to say", so it was with Steve and the class.
     Mark Rubin's ensemble was a blast. He's an experienced band leader, has 
just loads of information on the Klez style and is fun to work with. Very good 
ensemble direction. Lots of music, lots of fun. Our groups theme was in fact 
"recontextualization", though that may have not been immediately apparent to 
the outside listener , we had been Wexified. Marks a live wire and I am happy 
to say that we share an interest in the Stringed Instrument trade, the fellow 
knows instruments and can play a bunch of 'em. Hail Fellow ! Well Met !
    I was great to have the input of all the highly experienced musicians who 
were on staff. I was very happy to hear that they felt as I do that often 
musicians "push" the tempos to suite themselves and not the dancers. I had 
observed long ago that good social dancing happens at slower tempos as it 
allows the dancers to subdivide the beat. The folks had lots to be happy about 
this year. Good tempos, great energy. I personally love to dance though as a 
musician I have had little opportunity, I was always providing the music. This 
time, at least for a while on the last evening, I danced, I had a great time, 
dancing to Sy Kushner's Hassidic Band.
     I don't want to forget to mention Arkady Gendler and his song collection. 
The Yiddish songs on his CD "My Hometown Soroke" are very musical and I love 
the fact that its "all" accordion and voice. I find great comfort in the music 
of the Yiddish speaking working class, that music and the fact that the liner 
notes contain the English translation, the transliteration of the Yiddish  and 
the  Written Yiddish is fabulous. What a nice man.
    Pete Rushefsky and Mr. Jankowski the Tsimble maker. What can I say ? A 
pleasure.
    
    My last thought is of the Klez Kids and the wonderful work the staff did 
with the children, it was literally heart warming to see their presentation and 
to see how their talents were being nurtured. Really wonderful.
     So thanks again to all the Living Traditions staffers who made this event 
the success it was. The Hilton staff was great the accommodations were very 
good, I began calling my room the "Pod" ,my life support system all the 
necessities provided and the food was OK ,good even(though they did run out of 
coffee once), no problems. Life should be so simple at home. Vacations over 
back to work. Didn't catch "the cold" till I got home. A good secular new year 
to all  ! Hope to see you at KK  next year. Regards, Al Watsky