Review of Maxwell Street CD from Michael Fein, "The Gantzeh Megillah," Canada

[MaxwellSt <MaxwellSt...>]

 Old Roots-New World
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band 
As many of you know, I depend on a wheelchair for mobility.  However, while 
listening to this wonderful new CD collection from the Maxwell Street Klezmer 
Band, I came close to jumping out of my seat and "hora-ing" around the room.  I 
am definitely considering the idea of recommending this CD as a new form of 
physical therapy.  It is virtually impossible to listen to this music without 
feeling it course through your veins and lift your spirits. 
Old Roots, New World not only consists of fraylakh and fast-paced dance 
music; there is also a generous sampling of the more intimate and thoughtful 
sounds 
that serve to soothe the soul. Each track is a self-contained story, with a 
distinct beginning middle and end.  Songs such as "Shpil de Fidl/Yidl Mitn Fidl 
(Play, Fiddle, Play/ Yidl With the Fiddle)" and "Zol Zayn Gelebt (Live to 
Enjoy)" set tows tapping and spirits soaring.  While tender selections 
including 
"Leah's Saraband" and "Friling (Spring)" weave enchantment. 
In my rarely to be humble opinion, the highlight of the entire album is 
"Klezmer Rhapsody for Violin."  The listener is taken on a tuneful journey 
through 
the various moods and expressions of Klezmer music.  I found the best way to 
listen to this 17 minute, 31 second track was to close my eyes and allow my 
mind to wander freely as the rhythms and tones poured over and through me. 
I must make specific comment on the vocal renderings by Lori Lipitz. The best 
way I can describe her singing voice is by referring to her as the Judy 
Garland of Klezmer.  Lori uses the lyrics to a song as a painter uses a brush.  
She 
strokes and molds the notes and words together in a way that creates an 
entire picture.  Even for those of us who do not understand Yiddish fluently, 
her 
interpretation of the lyrics enables a listener to comprehend the story of the 
song. 
The music and vocal artistry present on this CD are class A all the way.  I 
urge my Megillah family members to log onto the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band Web 
site at http://www.klezmerband.com and order a copy of this must-own CD.  It 
is truly the Chanukah gift that keeps on giving.        
http://216.247.116.102/tgmegillah/toc.asp