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Singing or playing instruments together creates the ideal community. It emphasizes both the strength of the individual voice to hold its own while recognizing that the whole sounds only as good as its parts. Music is a vibration: A path to peace that soothes, comforts and connects us to each other.
Can you imagine life without it? Music has always been deeply rooted in Jewish culture—from spontaneous heartfelt prayers to klezmer wedding music, from Mizrahi nusach and Sephardic songs of love to Hasidic niggunim. With such a rich musical tradition, it’s no wonder that modern-day musicians have begun to create their own take on Jewish music.
This guide showcases some of the music, from folksy guitar tunes to classical interpretations and a cappella. Throw in some hip hop, jazz, Ladino and rap and you have a musical map of our history, and our future. We hope you enjoy this kaleidoscope of modern Jewish expression. And help preserve our culture, l’dor va’dor—from now until generations to come.
—Chana Rothman and Linda Hirschhorn, organizers of the Jewish Women’s Music Festival August 2-8, at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, Connecticut
Click here to read music stories from Moment's archives.
The Afro-Semitic Experience is a band that plays spiritual, world-beat, funk, jazz, cantorial, gospel, salsa, swing—beyond category—music. In their concerts at interfaith services and in their workshops they play great music, tell stories and offer a unique program that delivers a positive and meaningful message about interfaith and Black-Jewish relations. The combination of their artistry, wit, and reverence for the material makes for a moving, one-of-a-kind musical experience. Visceral, intellectual, cathartic, it all adds up to an Afro-Semitic Experience. “Never before have I heard this lyrically powerful a fusion of Jewish and jazz souls on fire...”
—Nat Hentoff, The Wall Street Journal “This band is the sound of the past, the present and the great beyond all at once.”—Christopher Arnott, The New Haven Advocate “The Afro-Semitic Experience rocks the house.”—George Robinson, The Jewish Week
For more information: 203-287-5446; dchevan@snet.net, www.chevan.addr.com
The Alexandria Kleztet is a crowd-pleasing, genre-bending klezmer band that takes an exciting and innovative approach to traditional Eastern European/Jewish music. The band, based in the Washington/Baltimore area, has been combining klezmer with diverse influences for more than a decade. New arrangements of traditional melodies and original songs by members of the band draw upon jazz, classical, world beat, rock and other musical forms to create a unique and entertaining sound. The Kleztet has performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including annual appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and regular concerts at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. They began touring internationally in 2007 with an appearance at the Semanas Musicales festival in Chile. Led by woodwind player Seth Kibel, the band includes violinist Helen Hausmann, bassist Scott Harlan and percussionist Tim Jarvis. The Kleztet has been honored with fifteen Washington Area Music Association Awards (Wammies), including ones for outstanding world music instrumentalist, group and recording. Following the success of three previous albums, The Kleztet recently released their CD Peace, Love and Coffee, which features six original compositions and creative re-workings of songs by Kurt Weill and John Williams, among others.
(410) 925-5253, kleztet@gmail.com, kleztet.com
“The concert by Alhambra was by far the most exciting event in this year’s series.”—El Espectador, Bogota, Colombia. The Sephardic music ensemble, celebrating its 29th anniversary, has invited the Lebanese singer/oudist Maurice Chedid to join the ensemble for programs called “Building Bridges: the Arabic-Sephardic Kinship.” They continue to perform songs of love and weddings, of the Jewish holidays and of other Jewish life cycle events. The group consists of members: Isabelle Ganz, Michael Hess, Cantor Daniel Pincus, Elliot Z. Levine, Haig Manoukian, Rami El Asser and dancer Aszmara. Most concerts feature five players performing the rhythmic, haunting music of Spain, the Balkans, North Africa, the Middle East and Israel. Instruments include oud, qanun, violin, shawm, percussion and vocals. Directed by Isabelle Ganz and based in New York, Alhambra appears as a quartet, quintet or sextet. Recordings include Alhambra Performs Judeo-Spanish Songs, The Art of Judeo-Spanish Song and The Joy of Judeo-Spanish Song (Aulos).
(713) 818-0386, Iganz@isabelleganz.com, alhambragroup.com
The Baal Shem Tones (Helene & Michael Kates) are releasing their new CD Untold Stories on Rosh Chodesh Elul. Helene explains, “The month of Elul is when G-d is ‘in the field’ and accessible to every Jew, no matter who they are. We feel our music is also accessible to every Jew, no matter where they are in their journey. It’s a perfect fit!” Helene is one of those rare performers who can hold an audience spellbound just by walking onstage. Entertainer Craig Taubman says, “I’ve never seen anything like it. She has a gift from G-d.” “She sounds great with a band or pre-recorded tracks, but she doesn’t need them,” says producer/husband Michael. “She can play guitar, clap her hands or just sing, and she’s got the attention of everybody in the room. People feel inspired and alive when they hear her; they want to get to know her better. That’s real talent, which seems more elusive than ever these days when anyone can make a CD.” Untold Stories reflects the duo’s musical growth and exploration. “It’s 100% American music,” says Michael, “and 100% Jewish. It sounds great and it’s a fun ride. Trust me, you’ll love it!”
(404) 256-0400, baalshemtones.com
Awesome Journey, Cantor Wally’s first solo recording in more than 10 years, has just hit online catalogs! His edu-taining songs with a message, in both Hebrew and English, engage groups large and small. Some compositions are touching, others hilarious, and many are played around the world in synagogues, camps, Jewish gatherings and on people’s mp3 players. His first two CDs and a songbook are treasured by fans of contemporary, inspiring, and well-structured Jewish music. A product of the Reform movement and its camps, Cantor Wally has taught musical arts for more than two decades of summers with Reform Jewish Youth, mostly at URJ Camp Newman-Swig in Northern California. You can visit his website to learn more about him, his concert and workshop offerings, and his HUC Masters Thesis on “The Music of Reform Jewish Youth.” You can also follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
CantorWally.com
“A shining star in the firmament of Sephardic music”—David Steinberg, Albuquerque Journal. Consuelo has enchanted and inspired audiences around the world with her passionate, mystical marriage of Jewish and Latin soul. Her own journey from a Cuban-Chilean Catholic upbringing to discovering and owning her Jewish roots is reflected in her CD Dezeo, acclaimed as a “masterpiece”, and her latest CD Adio, in which ancient Sephardic Jewish prayers and ballads fuse with her Latino and Indo-American heritage. In venues such as the Parliament of World Religions, Barcelona; Les Orientales Sacred Music Festival, France; the Sephardic Arts Festival, Los Angeles; clubs from NY to Chile and U.S. synagogues, Consuelo shares her story. Her concert, “Finding My Mazal” tells the tale of the Crypto Jewish journey and sheds light on this aspect of Jewish culture, while building interfaith and intercultural awareness and unity. Cantorial soloist, singer-songwriter, workshop leader, recording artist, community organizer, Consuelo brings Hispanic and Jewish communities together. Her solo, trio or full band concerts are perfect for fundraisers and Shabbatons. Her workshop “Singing the Sefirot” has been described as “…a glorious teaching…!” and “a total spiritual tune up!”
(505) 820-2262, luz@rt66.com, consueloluz.com
50% cross-generational Hebrew music phenomenon. 50% children’s music sensation. 100% authentic. Native Israeli recording artist, performer, music therapist and educator, Dafna is heralded as “an emerging star...at the forefront of a new type of children’s edu-tainment” on the cover of the New York Jewish Week and described by the Canadian Jewish News as an “extremely talented” performer whose music will “delight listeners of all ages...who inevitably, will also sing happily along.” Known also as the founder of Shir Fun, the groundbreaking Hebrew music-based early childhood development program, Dafna’s original Hebrew songs are adored by adults as much as their children. Her distinct sound is an authentic and organic Hebrew take on folk, Americana, world music and reggae sounds, and her concerts with her Shir Fun Band are unforgettable audience-driven celebrations of music and the Hebrew language. Dafna is cherished by a worldwide following of fans young and old. Click here to see a video of Dafna's music.
(646) 342-0715, shirfun@yahoo.com, shirfun.com
Klezmer Company Orchestra (KCO) was founded by Aaron Kula, director & accordion, and made its debut in 1997. KCO performs ethnic jazz influenced by Latin, Mediterranean and American sounds. KCO’s mission is to perform world Jewish music from a broad range of cultures and historical periods. KCO serves as the professional ensemble-in-residence at Florida Atlantic University Libraries, the only ensemble of its kind at an academic library in the nation. KCO features accomplished jazz and classical musicians with core soloists who transform and remix melodies through skillful improvisation and colorful orchestrations. Since its inception, KCO has successfully taken the library’s print music from “shelf to stage.” The popular ensemble has performed before thousands at sold-out concerts and has received critical acclaim for its innovative musical fusion. Its debut CD Beyond the Tribes won “Best Klezmer Album” and “Best Klezmer Song” for 2009 from Just Plain Folks, the world’s largest independent music organization.
cdbaby.com/cd/klezmercompany, akula@klezmercompany.com (561) 297-3742, klezmercompany.com
Cantor Linda Hirschhorn is the founder, director and primary composer for the world-renowned award-winning Jewish women’s a cappella quartet Vocolot. Vocolot performs music with universal heart, Jewish soul and social conscience. Since 1988 Vocolot has toured extensively in America, Canada, England and the Netherlands performing at Jewish music festivals, JCC’s, Federations, synagogues as well as at local folk and world music festivals. Vocolot’s traditional and original music with spirited rhythms, gorgeous melodies and harmonies and uplifting messages appeals to audiences of all ages. Linda also travels as a solo artist-in-resident teaching her music to choirs (and helping create choirs), preparing them for a concert in which Linda performs one solo set of her original songs and stories, and the choir performs the other set of songs they have been studying with Linda. As part of the residency Linda also leads creative Shabbat services. Linda has released eight recordings and published two songbooks of original music. Her music has been part of several dance scores, used in documentaries, recorded by other musicians and is sung all over the world. Linda Hirschhorn and Vocolot will be headlining at the First Annual Jewish Women’s Music Festival, August 2 - 8 at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Falls Village, CT.
vocolot.com, lindahirschhorn.com
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.
The Heritage Chamber Music Society, (732) 828-1812, HeritageCMS@aol.com
Rabbi Miriam Maron is a Singer/Songwriter, concert artist, spiritual healer and mentor, as well as a seasoned teacher of workshops and retreats on Shamanic Kabbalah. With her soothing, stirring voice, she leads us into the flames of spiritual alchemy, guiding us toward wholesome transformation that morphs us from murkiness to clarity, from darkness to light, and into liberation. Her songs more than lift our spirits, they vibrate their way deep within our heart of hearts, and there, at the very core of our selfhood, they empower, inspire, enrich, and connect us with the spirit of our ancestors. With her extraordinary musical talent, she has touched the hearts of interdenominational audiences across the globe. Her latest album, Call from the Narrows features powerful ancient Hebraic and Aramaic chants from the lesser-promulgated traditions of Shamanic Kabbalah, ideal for meditation, relaxation, or healing. This 2-CD album demonstrates Miriam’s uncanny skill and genius in translating with full potency the ensouled intention and flavor of ancient Jewish prayers and teachings. The music and arrangements on her albums are fresh and original, demonstrating this singer’s unique talent for vocal variety and creativity.
MiriamsCyberWell.com
Talented, beautiful, engaging and charismatic, up and coming indie-pop artist Rachel Millman is being touted as a fresh and exciting new interpreter of songs, a songwriter’s muse, and an artist on the rise! The refreshing young singer draws much of her inspiration from her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, who while singing Kiddush on Friday nights, taught her that “singing is a way to stay strong and will bring great joy in your life.” Rachel is scheduled to perform at a variety of Northeast venues and special events in 2010, including the pre-opening and opening ceremony as the guest performer for the prestigious JCC Maccabi Games in Richmond, Virginia. Rachel will be performing songs from her debut CD If I Believe and will also perform the US, Canadian and Israeli national anthems for the 7,500 athletes, sponsors and attendees. If I Believe is garnering national media and radio attention, and music lovers are demanding more Rachel Millman! Once you see her perform you will understand why. Her repertoire of melodic, catchy and poignant songs combined with her beautiful three-octave voice will fill your hearts and souls. You will feel the power and the magic of this young and gifted entertainer.
www.RachelMillman.com
Rakia takes her name from Biblical Hebrew, meaning the firmament, expanse, or horizon,
which separates duality, while at the same time knowing all is One. She is committed to using
performance to educate and empower struggling people everywhere through music, dance
and lyrics. Rakia’s degree in Education through Movement, Music and Vocalization at Goddard
College complements her many musical and community endeavors. Her proprietary Jewish Hip
Hop and Reggae curriculum, called “Heeb Hop,” was borne of her work as an educator with
the Teva Learning Center. Hailing from Boston, Rakia has also performed internationally, as a
backup and lead Hip Hop & Reggae singer. Appearances with the likes of Steel Pulse, Midnite,
Warrior King, and Morgan Heritage have taken her to venues and festivals as far and wide as
Hollywood, Montreal, Negril, Jamaica, and Harlem. Rakia’s workshops and presentations include
the Women’s Cantor Network Conference, the Jewish Farm School, and numerous temples. as
well as U.S. public schools and orphanages in Jamaica. She seeks partnership and performance
opportunities that will further the various causes she stands for. Rakia Shemaya will be headlining
at the First Annual Jewish Women’s Music Festival at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center.
www.myspace.com/rakiahiphop, www.Facebook.com/RakiaShemaya
Shir Yaakov Feinstein-Feit is a Master of Melody who has given birth to hauntingly beautiful liturgical chants, used in havurot and synagogues around the world. His most recent release, Zeh (This), is a folk-electronic Kabbalat Shabbat album of enchanting original melodies, featuring Aviva Chernick (Jaffa Road), Basya Schechter (Pharaoh’s Daughter) and piano prodigy Jullian Pollack. “A striking and lovely expression of deep devotion, thoughtful embrace of text, playful exuberance and gentle reverence for the Teachings of Love.” —Rabbi Shefa Gold Whether teaching contemplative prayer or leading ecstatic song as an officiant at weddings and life-cycle events or as one-half of the world-hop duo Darshan (with Radical Jewish Renaissance Rapper Eden “Eprhyme” Pearlstein), Shir Yaakov weaves a tapestry of Kabbalistic wisdom, contemporary songwriting, and deep personal spirituality that can move your body, mind, heart and soul.
(718) 285-6784, shiryaakov@gmail.com, ShirYaakov.com
With colorful instrumentation, unique arrangements and compositions, Veretski Pass plays “Old Country” music—music with origins in the Ottoman Empire, once fabled as the borderlands of the East and the West. In a true collage of Carpathian, Jewish, Rumanian and Ottoman styles, typical suites contain dances from Moldavia and Bessarabia; Jewish melodies from Poland and Rumania, Hutzul wedding music from Carpathian-Ruthenia; and haunting Rebetic aires from Smyrna, seamlessly integrated with original compositions. Drawing on their varied backgrounds, these klezmer veterans have created a new composition inspired by the klezmer shuls of pre-war Eastern Europe, combining liturgical melodic principles and emotional intonations with jazz, avant garde, classical and folk elements. This Klezmer Shul Project is truly new Jewish music with emotional power comparable to that of traditional synagogue singing, appealing to Jews of all denominations, secular Jews, and non-Jews. Cookie Segelstein, violin and viola; Joshua Horowitz, accordion, tsimbl, piano, and Stu Brotman, bass, cello (basy), tilinca and baraban.
(203) 671-1584, cookie@veretskipass.com, veretskipass.com
Yofiyah (Susan Deikman) is the founder of Kabbalah Kirtan, an ecstatickabbalistic practice based on the chanting of sacred Hebrew texts and Names of God. Using transporting melodies, call-and-response style singing and an intoxicating fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern sounds, Kabbalah Kirtan joyously awakens you to “da’at d’vekut”, an awareness of your unbroken union with the Oneness of All. Yofiyah’s music touches two worlds, performing in a variety of venues from synagogues to yoga studios across the country. Equally powerful as both outreach and inreach, this fall she will bring Rosh Hashanah to the Bhakti Fest in CA, a four day yoga and chant festival attended by 6,000 spiritual seekers, then co-lead Yom Kippur services at Ruach Hamidbar in AZ. “A marvelous gateway to the spirit, creating holy community through the call and response mastery of a true energizer of the soul. Yofiyah brings yofi (beauty) to Yah (God).”—Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi “A genre-blending ticket to ecstasy!”—City Paper. Yofiyah will be headlining at the First Annual Jewish Women’s Music Festival
(215) 586-1865, kabbalahkirtan.com
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The Afro-Semitic Experience
Rakia Shemaya 
