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July/August 2008-Moment Guide to Jewish Music
It’s written in the Midrash that when G-d was considering giving music to humankind, the Angels had grave misgivings. “How can You give music to mortals?” they protested, “It’s like putting a sword in the hand of a baby.” They were correct. Music is that powerful, even dangerous, in the wrong hands.
Using the most potent magic, the great musicians are our shamans, creating emotion simply by shaping and reordering invisible waves. In this age of exponential technological advancement, it is more than ironic that the monetary valuation of music has plummeted. With the demise of record companies, the end of record stores as we once knew them, and the availability of free music on the Internet, our awe and respect for music and for those who create it has lessened. If it is so ubiquitous, we ask, how can it hold any great value? The truth is that we could ask the same question about air and water. Could it be that music is ascending to its rightful place as elemental to our lives?
We live in a world where most assessments are made on a quantitative level, so it is easy to neglect the significance of tiny unheralded moments. I’d like to tell of one such small event and how it changed me.
In the years after Daniel Pearl’s murder at the hands of Muslim terrorists, I have empathized with the story of his life. We were nearly the same age, we shared a love of music, of words and of people. We shared a tremendous pride in our Judaism. He died for his. [I have read exhaustively about Danny; articles, documentaries, and books, most notably, Who Killed Daniel Pearl by Bernard Henri Levi.] More than once, I’d lay awake wondering how it was that I had missed the chance to become friends with such a remarkable man. Then suddenly, less than six months ago, I received a link to an article from Bloomberg.com by a man named William Pesek. Though the article was a political piece, Pesek went on to mention something of his relationship with Danny. They had worked together at The Wall Street Journal and had become friends, not close friends, but friends.” We mostly bonded over the music of Peter Himmelman—one of Danny’s favorite musicians,” he wrote.
I cannot describe the emotions I felt after reading that sentence. I was reminded of what I had once known and probably reasoned away as a childish notion: Music is the bridge upon which we travel from the physical to the transcendent. This issue of Moment is dedicated to Danny, who loved playing his violin, and to those who seek to make life transcendent by exploring invisible waves of sound.
—Peter Himmelman
Fran Avni
Singer/songwriter, recording artist and producer Fran Avni has been creating original music for over two decades. An internationally acclaimed performer, she engages her audiences in dynamic interactive concerts, workshops and artist residencies. Fran’s varied career covers everything from early childhood literacy songs to traditional and contemporary Hebrew melodies. Her lively concerts are participatory and involve children, teachers, parents and grandparents in fun, singable songs and engaging movement activities. A Fran Avni concert is a lyrical, whimsical mix of catchy melodies and infectious rhythms. With simple props and interactive songs, everyone becomes part of the performance.
Fran’s Instant Harmony Happenings for adults inspire and uplift, create immediate connection and community, and promote peace. Her infectious gift of rhythm and groove provides a new beat for ancient texts. With spontaneity and warmth, spirit and energy, Fran encourages everyone to lift up their voices in unison, chants, drones, and counterpoints—a joyous chorus.
For more information: USA: 424 North St., Oakland CA 94609; 510-595-9132; Canada: 514-737-9630; fran@franavni.com. Visit www.franavni.com
Baal Shem Tones
Helene and Michael Kates
Truly Riveting! More than music, this groundbreaking neo-chassidic duo is shaking ‘em up from Nashville to Nepal with their spiritually driven concerts and workshop series. They weave a variety of musical genres together seamlessly in emotionally potent songs that stay with you long after listening. Their unique melodic crafting combined with infectious rhythms “packs a spiritual punch (that) stands out as different from standard Jewish musical fare,” says the Atlanta Jewish Times. Helene’s got the power of Streisand, the sweetness of Alison Krauss and the delivery of Billie Holiday, a combination not to be missed.
Check out their workshops and hear clips from their NEW CD release at www.baalshemtones.com. Contact Peradam Productions to book concerts, Shabbatons and educational workshops for all ages. Telephone: (404) 256-0400; info@peradam.com
Cantor Wally
Cantor Wally’s catchy and poignant music is sung across the country in synagogues, camps and Jewish gatherings. His sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching “songs with a message,” in both Hebrew and English, engage groups large and small. Wally has released several CDs and a songbook, and many of his songs have been included on URJ compilation CDs. His HUC Master‚s Thesis, chronicling the development of music sung at Reform summer camps, has been referenced often. Wally is issuing his first solo recording in more than 10 years, “Life’s Blessings,” and is developing a curriculum to help early childhood students “Be A Mensch” featuring clever compositions. A long-time URJ song and prayer leader, Wally serves annually on the faculty at Camp Newman / Camp Swig teaching the art of song leading. He is cantor of Leo Baeck Temple, Los Angeles, and regularly gives concerts, lectures, and workshops nationally and around the world.
For appearances and products: wally@cantorwally.com; 818-993-5778;
www.cantorwally.com.
Sam Glaser
“Some consider Sam Glaser to be the hardest working man in Jewish music today. With over 16 albums under his belt and his annual fifty city concert tour which plays for over 100,000 fans, we think that Sam has earned the title.”
—Jewish Music Group Online.
Sam Glaser tours internationally as a performer, composer, educator and cantorial soloist. Considered one of the top ten Jewish artists in the U.S. by Moment Magazine and a Parents Choice, NAPPA and ASCAP award winner, Sam’s music has become part of the fabric of Jewish life in communities nationwide. This year his Rockin‚ Revue Tour is shakin‚ up the Jewish world with full band and solo concerts as well as spirited Shabbatons. His new Hallel CD offers a celebratory spin on this favorite holiday service and complements his best-selling catalogue of Jewish releases including Nigun/Voice of the Soul, Presence, The Bridge, Kol Bamidbar, Across the River, A Day in the Life and Hineni.
For more information, visit www.samglaser.com; email: marcia@samglaser.com;
or call: 800-972-6694
David Paskin
After leading two Jewish musical groups; producing and recording five albums of contemporary Jewish music; writing scores of powerful and uplifting songs; performing hundreds of concerts across the United States and in Israel -the “Rock‘n‘roll Rabbi,” David Paskin, still aspires to inspire! David's most recent projects include composing and recording the song, “Kumi Ori” in honor of Israel’s 60th birthday for the National Solomon Schechter Day School Association. Hundreds of children all over the country learned and performed David's song at song festivals and Israel Independence Day celebrations. David’s “Shabbat Unplugged” and “Rosh Chodesh Live” in addition to performances for communities, synagogues, federations and other groups allow David to bring his unique, fun and inspirational musical style to Jewish communities across the country.
Visit David on-line at www.rocknrollrabbi.com or www.davidpaskin.com, or call
701-603-5337 to learn more!
Josh Nelson Project
Josh Nelson is one of the most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Josh’s music is celebrated and integrated into the repertoire of congregations, camps and communities across North America.
Featuring five of the most talented and exciting young performers in the United States, the Josh Nelson Project is a perfect choice for community concerts, inspiring Shabbat services, and artist residencies. Josh has performed over one thousand shows in a variety of venues. His performance style is high-energy and captivating, and his music consistently leaves audiences and congregations with strong feelings of community.
2008 marks the long-awaited release of “Lift” the debut CD from the Josh Nelson Project. Built upon songs of Jewish identity and continuity, “Lift” breaks new ground with razor-sharp lyricism and a progressive, radio-ready sound.
The Josh Nelson Project.—New. Jewish. Rock.
For more information, visit www.joshnelsonproject.com; e-mail: info@joshnelsonproject.com; or call (888) 613 - JOSH
Miriam Lynn Nelson
Award-winning flutist, Miriam Lynn Nelson, one of the finest classical soloists of her generation, has won unanimous praise for combining natural virtuosity with impassioned musicianship, described as “Dazzling, passionate, pure magic.” “An extraordinary artist of rare gifts,” her meticulous, enchanting interpretations bring music to life with inspiring brilliance and sophisticated elegance. Appearing as soloist/recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber musician, in symphony orchestras, on film soundtracks, radio, CDs, and in studios, she has shared the stage and recorded with artists ranging from the classical and symphonic world to Broadway stars. Identifying with her Jewish heritage, performances showcase complete programs of magnificent classical music in settings for flute and piano, harp, or chamber ensemble, by an international array of Jewish composers, including character pieces of the Holocaust. She also appears as a concerto soloist, performing both Jewish classical repertory and standard classical works.
Contact: The Heritage Chamber Music Society, c/o 8 Drake Road, Somerset, New Jersey 08873. 732-828-1812; E-mail: HeritageCMS@aol.com.
Polezhayev Piano Duo
“I am amazed and deeply awed
A sleight of hand, a subtle nod
Deep cameo carved in profile
Four hands with but a single smile
Enchanted music springs to life
Above the din, turmoil, and strife
Erasing all that's dim and flawed
I am amazed and deeply awed”
Poetess N.N. wrote this impromptu tribute to Yelena and Vladimir during their concert at the Cologne Synagogue, Germany. Yelena and Vladimir are award-winning pianists trained at the Conservatory of St. Petersburg, Russia. Originally soloists, they found their success as a duo, performing works of Mendelssohn, Gershwin, Bernstein and other Jewish composers, as well as the broader Western canon. Their programs include the Classics and highly entertaining own arrangements of “the favorites” from Tango, Gipsy, Klezmer, Folk and Jazz presented with virtuosity & delightful humor. Their talent and versatility make them an ideal choice for a delightful evening in your community.
For more information, visit www.longislandpianoduo.com or call (516) 759-8351
David Shneyer
Singer-composer, rabbi-cantor, guitarist-clarinetist, David is one of America’s finest performers of traditional and contemporary Jewish folk music. He has delighted audiences from Argentina to Canada, from Israel to Sweden and some 38 states in the U.S., with rousing performances, compelling workshops and joyful davenning. A leader in the havurah movement and the movement for Jewish Renewal, David is the spiritual leader of Kehila Chadasha and Am Kolel. Reb David is also the director of the Am Kolel Sanctuary Retreat and Renewal Center near Washington, D.C. He has edited and translated a New Makhzor for the High Holidays, and his recordings include American Chai, Country Klezmer, Smoky Mountain Shabbes, Love Songs and Blessings, and Psalm Songs from Rock Creek. A protégé of Shlomo Carlebach’s, David also leads the Fabrangen Fiddlers Band.
For more information contact 301-231-9067 or write rebdavids@aol.com
Alhambra
The concert by Alhambra was by far the most exciting event in this year’s series.
—El Espectador, Bogota, Colombia
The Sephardic music ensemble, ALHAMBRA, celebrating its 26th anniversary, has invited the Lebanese singer/oudist Maurice Chedid to join the ensemble for programs called “Building Bridges: the Arabic-Sephardic Kinship.” The group consists of members: Isabelle Ganz, Michael Hess, Cantor Daniel Pincus, Elliot Z. Levine, Haig Manoukian, Nicole LeCorgne, Maurice Chedid, and dancer Aszmara. Together they perform the rhythmic, haunting music of Spain, the Balkans, North Africa, the Middle Eastern countries and Israel. Instruments include oud, qanun, violin, shawm, percussion, and vocals. Directed by Isabelle Ganz and based in New York, the group performs all-Sephardic or Arabic-Sephardic programs. ALHAMBRA appears as a quartet, quintet or sextet. Recordings include Alhambra Performs Judeo-Spanish Songs and The Art of Judeo-Spanish Song (Global Village Music) as well as The Joy of Judeo-Spanish Song (Aulos).
For more information contact, Isabelle Ganz: Iganz@attglobal.net; phone: 713-818-0386; or Leila@LSArtists.com, 914-751-7870; www.alhambragroup.com.
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