Search - Epstein Brothers, Klezmatics :: Soul of Klezmer / Brave Old World

The Soul of Klezmer is a highly ambitious two-CD project that attempts to distill the recorded history of this Jewish music from its early social roots through to its most avant-garde interpretations. While there are few if any recordings of this music from the earliest days of recording that truly reflect the sound of the nonprofessional, traditional klezmorim of Eastern Europe, we are given some good examples of the theatrical recordings of Dave Tarras, Naftule Brandwein (with the Abe Schwartz Orchestra), and a magnificent doina (improvisation) by clarinetist Max Epstein. The bulk of these two CDs is fascinated more by the contemporary interpretation and revival in the United States, with excellent tracks from Klezmatics, Andy Statman, Frank London, Kapelye, and Brave Old World. The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars' "Downtown Doina" is a searing blast of energy. Modern Europe is well represented as well, with a shining piece by Poland's Kroke and Germany's balalaika-driven Kasbek. Thoughtful and provocative notes on the history and culture of klezmer are included in German, French, and English. --Louis Gibson