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Klezmer Podcast



Last Updated: 6/22/2009

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Sunday, June 14, 2009 

Category: Music


The Yiddish Part
Anakronic Electro Orkestra


I have been following Anakronic Electro Orkestra for about a year now, and have been anticipating the release of their first album, The Yiddish Part. Based in Toulouse, France, this quartet of Klezmer musicians has found a way to bring Klezmer music into the world of electro beats and samples. I have been impressed with many of the Klezmer bands in Europe today, and I think that AEO is among the best out there today. The arrangements are all by the band’s leader, Mikael Charry, who put together this jigsaw puzzle of sounds and created some great music.

The Yiddish Part is a short album, containing only five tracks, but it is clear that they have focused a lot of energy on this project and I hope that there will be more tracks ready for release soon.

Zibn opens the album with a high-energy rhythmic melody by the Clarinet, accompanied by driving percussion, Accordion, and cool electronic sounds. After a Drum break, it switches to more of a reggae beat with the Keyboard taking over the melody.

Terk In America is full of percussion and electronics, backing up the familiar melody in the Clarinet. I have to give AEO kudos for this arrangement. I like the very traditional Klezmer Clarinet sound mixed with the fast-paced electronics, steady drums, and smooth Accordion pads. I have not heard the song done this way before, and I’m sure they will be recognized for it.

Why Is It Funny? Is my favorite track on the album. I think it showcases the essence of what AEO is all about. The Clarinet melody is traditional Klezmer, but the electronic sounds are innovative, and the drums are more of a hard-hitting rock style. A horn section of Trumpet, Trombone, and Sax make a guest appearance as well. I must point out the Accordion work here, also of a traditional nature, is prominently featured along with the Clarinet. I keep coming back to this song and am excited when it pops up on my playlist.

Speak With Ghosts mixes sampled vocals with the music. It moves to a short interlude with the Clarinet in the low register, then suddenly changes to a fast tempo with the Clarinet taking off with the Accordion over the pulsing electronics and Percussion. There is a cool Clarinet/Accordion vibe here that blends well with the rest of the band’s sounds.

Free Klarinet Screamin’ In My Head is AEO’s take on a Doina. This is a Clarinet feature that makes liberal use of sampling and overdubs to make the instrument sound like one of the electronic machine sounds. It’s definitely not a tune that you can sing along with, but it shows what the band can do when they twist the music around in a way that pushes the envelope just a bit as they blur the line between acoustic and electronic. The Clarinet is no longer just an instrument, but a new bank of sound samples that the band has to work with. It took a while for me to catch on to this, but now I get it.

The audio quality is quite good. The electronic machines are not overpowering, and the Drums on Zibn are clean, with good detail on the Cymbals. The Clarinet and Accordion blend well together. The album sounded full and lively on my home theater system and on my car system, but lost some of the punch on my laptop computer’s speakers. Kudos to engineers Manu Cabrol, Ludovic T. Kierasinski, Lionel Nicod, and Benjamin Joubert.

The CD package I received was a sleeve with the wonderful artwork and logo on the front and the track list/credits on the back.

Anakronic Electro Orkestra are well on their way to earning wider recognition for their unique style and recognizable sound. They’ve made a great start and I wish them much success. Give their music a listen and see for yourself.

Keith Wolzinger
Klezmer Podcast

The Yiddish Part
Anakronic Electro Orkestra
JuMu
2008

Band Members:
Mikael Charry / Machines
Ludovic T. Kierasinski / Basse
Corinne Dubarry / Accordeon
Pierre Bertaud du Chazaud / Clarinette


Track List:
1. Zibn 4:02
2. Terk In America 3:57
3. Why Is It Funny? 4:05
4. Speak With Ghosts 4:37
5. Free Klarinet Screamin' My Head 2:36

Links:
Anakronic Electro Orkestra
MySpace
JuMu
Amazon

9:20 PM 
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Friday, May 29, 2009 

Category: Music
Thursday, June 4
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo, Berkeley CA
Klezmer Céilidh
THE MAD MAGGIES and GO VAN GOGH
Doors at 8:00 p.m.; Show at 8:30 p.m.
$7
 
A Céilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a traditional Gaelic dance party, from the days before discos and nightclubs.  But the 2 bands tonight are anything BUT traditional, merging Klezmer, Ska, Celtic music and much more into their own unique, high-energy styles.
 
The Mad Maggies are some crazy musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area who play world-inspired, roots-driven rowdy folk fusion.  Tonight’s show follows up on the recent release of their 3rd CD, “Skull and Magpies.”  The Mad Maggies are Maggie Martin on vocals and accordion, clarinetist and whistle blower Rhian Robinson, tuba player Johnny Blood, alto saxophonist Adrian Gormley, trombonist Lawrence Jarach, J.X. Lovejones on tenor sax and clarinet, drummer Billy Dee Boom, bassist Lewis Wallace, and guitarist Gary Wium.
www.themadmaggies.com
 
Bay Area klezmer band Go Van Gogh also doesn’t fit the usual categories. As the members explain, they’re “not your bubbe and zadie’s klezmer band. Call it country music, but we’re not sure what country. Music for a Middle Eastern Western, Balkan surf ska, with a Western Swing Ethiopian twist. Whatever you call it, we play it, and you can dance to it.”
 
The band’s roots trace back 15 years to a duo formed by Connie and Jesse Walkershaw for their original songs, with various band accompaniments. Eventually the lineup became Go Van Gogh, currently with Connie Walkershaw on soprano and alto saxophone, Michelle Walther on violin, Brad Bechtel on lap steel, Alex Roitman on accordion, Sam Tsitrin on guitar, Jesse Walkershaw on bass, and Kelvin Burton on drums. In concert Go Van Gogh’s repertoire includes original tunes, a century-old klezmer song written by a great-grandfather, and klezmer standards including  “The Odessa Bulgar,” “Fun Der Khupe,” and “Be Happy Jews.”
www.govangogh.net
 
1:44 AM 
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Friday, May 22, 2009 

Category: Music


Song Of Songs
Inbar Bakal

Inbar Bakal has made a great first impression with the release of her debut album Song Of Songs (Shir Ha Shirim). Though not yet a household name, the Israeli-American singer brings a welcome freshness to the World Music scene. She has a smooth vocal quality that is ethereal and immediately recognizable. The source material for the album comes from ancient Hebrew biblical texts, yet Bakal reaches back through her Yemenite/Iraqi roots to create a fusion of Middle Eastern textures and American contemporary Electronica. The result is a remarkable listening experience that allows for a deep connection to the music.

This rich musical soundscape results from the collaboration between Bakal and visionary Producer/Arranger Carmen Rizzo, who masterfully combines the Middle Eastern instruments Tabla, Oud, Bouzouki, and Saz with Keyboard, Synth, and Percussion elements. The music is consistent throughout the album, giving the feeling that these songs really are a collection and belong together.

The songs do vary in rhythmic texture. Hallelujah is an expressive piece in 12/8 time, while my favorite track, The Bride, seems to be in ¾ time but with a 10-bar phrase. To me this is the most Middle Eastern sounding piece on the album.

The songs are mostly in Hebrew, with The Bride sung in Yemenite and English. The vocals are set back a bit in the mix and blend well with the other instruments, never overpowering. There are occasional moments of extra processing such as delay effects on Hallelujah and long tail reverb on Meditation. These are effective, though, and add to the emotional impact of these songs.

I must mention the outstanding musicianship of the players on this album. Dimitry Machlis is amazing on Oud, Bouzouki, and Saz. His musical contributions help to set the tone for the album. He lays down some very nice accompaniments and fills, perfectly complementing the vocals. He gets plenty of space to solo as well, and I enjoy every one of those moments. Satnam Singh Ramgotra is a masterful Tabla artist, adding to the Eastern feel and texture of the album.

The audio quality is excellent. I like the way it is mixed in a contemporary World Pop style, making it easy on the ears and appealing to a wide audience. Kudos to producer Carmen Rizzo. I could not find engineering/mastering credits, but kudos to these artists also.

The promo CD I received is a simple package consisting of a sleeve with song titles, credits, and photos. No insert or liner notes, but you can check Bakal’s website for more details.

The album is short, containing six songs, but they are all high quality songs. Bakal did not feel a need to include more songs just to make a full album. I like this approach because it shows that Bakal is more interested in the quality of her music than the quantity. And with the resulting lower purchase price, there is certainly no barrier to obtaining the album either on CD or via download.

I am very impressed with Song Of Songs. Bakal and Rizzo have done a remarkable job of bringing this music to a Western audience. This is an adventure in listening, and as I allowed myself to be transported to another time and place, I am mindful of the beauty of the music and the emotional depth of the underlying context. I don’t know what turn Bakal’s music will take next, but rest assured, it will be something you won’t want to miss.

Keith Wolzinger
Klezmer Podcast
You can hear my interview with Inbar Bakal on Klezmer Podcast 48.

Song Of Songs
Inbar Bakal
2009
Electrofone Records


Band Members:
Inbar Bakal- Vocals
Jaime Muhoberac- Keyboards
Santam Singh Ramgotra- Tablas
Dimitry Machlis- Oud, Bouzouki, Saz
Carmen Rizzo- Programming, Drum, Keyboards


Track List:
1 The Battle of Jerusalem
2 Song of Ascendance
3 The Bride
4 Song of Songs
5 Hallelujah
6 Meditation

Links:
Inbar Bakal
MySpace
CD Baby
3:19 AM 
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Friday, April 24, 2009 

Category: Podcast


Klezmer Podcast 51- Watcha Clan. In news this week KlezKanada is open for registration. It will be held 24-30 August, 2009. My interview guest is Clem from the band Watcha Clan, based in Marseilles, France. The band formed in 1998 and their style is World and Bass, influenced by the music of the Mediterranean countries. They sing in eight languages, and learn material directly from the musicians in the countries they visit. We hear Tchiribim from their newest release Diaspora Remixed, available on LP or by Download. No CD is currently available. They already have plans for a follow on album.
Run time: 31:00.

Hear the podcast on:
iTunes
Klezmer Podcast
Blubrry
3:17 PM 
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009 

Category: Music





WATCHA CLAN presents :



"DIASPORA REMIXED"

Nu album coming out the 3rd of april

released by Piranha (Berlin)

available on LP and Download



Diaspora Remixed is a community global beat project featuring
electro-world DJs met on the tour trail around Europe. Transglobal
Underground, Shazalakazoo, EarthRise SoundSystem, Dunkelbunt, Dj Click,
Gaetano Fabri, BalkanXpress, Undergang, Spark, Mars Exist, Barrio
Populaire and Stratman put their personal spin on W-Clan's Diaspora
Hi-Fi, a 2008 World Music Charts Europe top album.



TRACKLIST:

1.Lei Lei Ha (TransGlobal Underground remix)

2.Balkan Qoulou (Shazalakazoo remix)

3.Balkan Qoulou (Dunkelbunt remix feat Cloud Tissa & MC Killo Killo)

4.Tchiribim (Balkan Xpress remix)

5.Goumari (EarthRise SoundSystem remix)

6.Goumari (Shazalakazoo remix)

7.Diaspora Dub (Undergang remix)

8.Limu (Mars Exist remix)

9.Goumari (Dj Click remix)

10.Eli (Gaetano Fabri remix)

11.Eli (Barrio Populaire remix feat Fil-a-fil)

12.Goumari (Spark remix)

13.Les courbes de ton corps (Stratman remix)



available on:

itunes, CD1D, Piranha, emusic, juno, dj download...

Distribution France by Discograph / Germany by Indigo

Digital distribution by Zebralution



We would like to thank all friends, partners and promoters who help us to diffuse the Diaspora Sound...

Peace, Salam, shalom...

Cheers from Marseille.



More infos on:

http://www.myspace.com/watchaclan

http://www.watchaclan.com

















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Friday, April 17, 2009 

Current mood:  artistic
Category: Podcast



I have posted Klezmer Podcast 50 with guests Ljova and Inna from the group Ljova And The Kontraband. You can listen from iTunes, Klezmer Podcast
and Blubrry

Currently listening:
Mnemosyne
By Ljova and the Kontraband
Release date: 2008-09-28
9:24 PM 
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009 

Category: Music






Review: Traveling The Face Of The Globe
              Oi Va Voi


I have to admit that I am a newcomer to the music of Oi Va Voi. Having said that, I can say that their music is immediately recognizable as their own, mixing several musical styles with their London Pop groove and creating a signature sound that I would call World Pop. Oi Va Voi have put together a magic combination of pop music and lyrics, with the elements of Gypsy/Klezmer/Latin/Flamenco rhythms and melodies. This is what we are presented with in great abundance on their new album Traveling The Face Of The Globe. The title grabbed my attention right away. Traveling and music go together very naturally, so I was eager to see what the band had came up with and whether the music would live up to the title.

The opening track, Waiting, sums up my feeling of having missed out on Oi Va Voi for the 10 years they have been together, since their days at Oxford. The song has a feeling of anticipation, with a good hook and a nice background of pizzicato strings and smooth horns. And we are introduced to the lush vocals of Bridgette Amofah.

I Know What You Are switches gears and shows how the band starts to mix world styles with pop lyrics. The song starts with a Klezmer Clarinet in a slow hora tempo with Accordion providing the rhythm. Amofah sneaks in with the vocal in a subdued low key. The song builds from there with the addition of drums, horns, and more strings. A Cantorial interlude keeps the Jewish feeling going as the song builds in intensity then drops suddenly back to the simple, quiet ending.

The title track, Traveling The Face Of The Globe, starts out again with a Klezmer-style intro using a Bulgar rhythm, then switches abruptly to the pop vocal of Amofah, yet is sprinkled with Klezmer fills from the horns. This song speaks of travels around the world and mentions a number of sites and countries. A hot Trumpet solo break from David Orchant adds to the excitement and leads back to the vocal.

Every Time is my favorite track, and shows a different side of the band. A mellow intro leads to the smooth, airy vocal of Stephen Levi, who adds a bit of Cantorial improvisation along the way. Later, the song shifts character in true Oi Va Voi fashion. A haunting Klezmer Clarinet break leads into a high energy vocal from Amofah with a pop style background. Then Levi returns with the opening theme overlaid. I really like the way these two different melodies mix, the mellow with the energetic. It’s a very interesting bit of arranging.

S’Brent features guest Yiddish Vocalist Agi Szaloki in a slow ¾ tempo. A solo from Violinist Anna Phoebe adds to the cultural authenticity of the song, before moving to a heavier pop instrumental through to the end.

Magic Carpet takes us a bit further afield on the world music stage, starting in a Latin electronic feel and ending in a Middle Eastern String/Percussion vibe. As the band’s only instrumental track, it serves as a showcase for the great musicianship and arranging talent of the band. I really like the way the Trumpet and Clarinet sound together on this track.

Dusty Road is another feature for Amofah, slightly reminiscent of American Folk music. But then a Jazz Trumpet comes along to mix things up. Adding an Electric Guitar and Violin break changes things yet again. And check out the Jew’s Harp and Whistling at the end adding a cool effect.

Foggy Day is my second favorite song. Opening with solo Acoustic Guitar, Amofah again treats us to her heartfelt Vocal and her ability to convey a feeling of isolation in a small town shrouded in fog and gloom. She walks the streets in anonymity, unseen, and nobody knows her name. Then she sings of climbing above the city to a dreamy place in the sun with bight water and clear skies. In true Oi Va Voi fashion, they sneak into a Flamenco Percussion rhythm which somehow is a perfect juxtaposition to the slow Vocal.

Wonder is a nice ¾ tempo pop ballad with an airy Vocal by Amofah accompanied by Acoustic Guitar and Violin.

Long Way From Home is another favorite of mine. A memorable Vocal melody mixes with a great rhythmic rock accompaniment from the Guitar and Bass, as well as Klezmer fills from the horns.

Stitches And Runs is a fun song that starts with strings and drums and moves to Clarinet and Vocal. The middle section changes character with a slower tempo, then picks back up for the ending.

The final track, Photograph, features guest Vocalist Dick Rivers with a French monologue and English Vocal. The weary sound of his voice perfectly fits the reflective and somber feeling of the song. The subdued accompaniment from the band lets the voice carry the song, giving a final farewell to our global travels.

The mix on this CD is excellent, with each instrument clear and distinct, and just the right amount of processing on the vocals. It sounded great on everything from earbuds to my home theater. Since I had only a promotional copy of the CD I do not have a full list of credits or complete liner notes. The packaging was minimal. I will update this review if I can get a full production copy of the album, which has a release date of 11 May, 2009.

It is clear that Oi Va Voi have established themselves as a force on the worldwide pop scene, and adds a twist by adding ethnic influences to their original compositions. I love the sound of the group and look forward to seeing what direction their music will take next. I highly recommend this album to both those who are already Oi Va Voi fans and those that are seeking out new music. Oi Va Voi have won me over and I will be following them closely.

As a suggestion for anyone who for whatever reason doesn’t want the entire album, I would recommend that you at least purchase my favorite tracks: Every Time, Foggy Day, and Long Way From Home.


Keith Wolzinger
Klezmer Podcast

Traveling The Face Of The Globe
Oi Va Voi
Oi Va Voi Recordings OiVaVoiCD2
2009

Band Members:
Nik Ammar (Guitar, Vocals)
Bridgette Amofah (Vocals)
Josh Breslaw (Drums)
Stephen Levi (Clarinet, Vocals)
David Orchant (Trumpet)
Anna Phoebe (Violin)
Lucy Shaw (Bass)

Track List:
Waiting    4:10    
I Know What You Are    
Travelling The Face Of The Globe    3:48    
Every Time    5:36    
S'brent    3:56    
Magic Carpet    4:34    
Dusty Road    3:17    
Foggy Day    3:36    
Wonder    3:16    
Long Way From Home    
Stitches And Runs    3:38    
Photograph    3:43   

Links:
Oi Va Voi MySpace
Facebook
Oi Va Voi Interview on Klezmer Podcast







2:01 AM 
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009 

Category: Music

Hosted By:
Romani Yag

When:
Friday, April 17, 2009

Where:
Palais des Beaux-Arts
23 Rue Ravenstein
Brussels
1000

Description:
This year, Bozar and 1001 Valises have joined forces with Romani Yag to present the ROMA TOUCH at the Balkan Trafik festival… That special touch that the Roma (known as « Gypsies ») bring to all cultures of the Balkans, as well as their rich traditions that they perpetuate through the centuries. In partnership with the Open Society Institute and Roma Decade.

Click Here To View Event
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Friday, April 03, 2009 

Category: Music

Hosted By:
Anakronic Electro Orkestra

When:
Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Where:

Description:
new single : Anakronic Electro Orkestra with SoCalled & Mangu.

Click Here To View Event
8:19 PM 
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 

Category: Music

YOM, NEW KING OF KLEZMER CLARINET
EN CONCERT AU NEW MORNING
LE 9 AVRIL 2009 A 20H30
+ invités (Wang Li et Farid D.)





BÉNÉFICIEZ D'UN TARIF RÉDUIT: 15 EUROS AU LIEU DE 20 EUROS SUR PLACE EN CONFIRMANT VOTRE RÉSERVATION À L'ADRESSE MAIL SUIVANTE:
jean-guillaume@dunose.com



Présentation :
Reconnu comme un des grands Virtuoses de la clarinette
Klezmer, Yom rend hommage dans son premier album solo au pionnier
génial et mégalomaniaque du klezmer new-yorkais dans les années 20,
autoproclamé "King of Klezmer Clarinet"; Naftule Brandwein.

Le quartet (Denis Cuniot, piano; Alexandre Giffard, Tapan et Benoît
Giffard, Trombone) se pose comme une des grandes références,
virevoltant entre une écriture débridée et l'improvisation constante
des thèmes, entre virtuosité, spiritualité, émotivité et une vélocité à
toute épreuve; l'essence du klezmer.

Remarqué avec la sortie de son premier album ainsi que par son passage
à Nanterre avec l’ « Empereur » de la clarinette Giora Feidman, on le
verra cette saison au Orientales de St-Florent le Veil, à Jazz Sous les
Pommiers, Sziget Festival, Crest Jazz Vocal, Les Nuits Européennes et
les Nuits du Sud entre autres.

Avide de rencontres et de Création, c’est en compagnie de Wang Li
(Flûtes et Guimbardes chinoises) et de Farid D. (Violoncelle
Electrique) que Yom ouvrira en Duos intimistes les frontières du
Klezmer vers des horizons improbables et remplis d’une magie nouvelle.


Liens :
Yom :
http://www.myspace.com/klezmerking

Pour les invités :
http://www.myspace.com/wanglimusic
http://www.myspace.com/devillemusic


Quelques extraits de presse :
"(...)Une tempête de virtuosité débridée et d'exubérance iconoclaste. Vive le roi, vive Yom, vive le roi Yom" Les Inrocks
"Des qualités, il en a. Souffle, swing, feeling, fidélité aux racines (...)" Télérama
"Drôle et furieusement émouvant: royal!" Mondomix
"Et c'est magnifique, d'une santé, d'une verdeur, d'une pétulance délirantes" Bertrand Dicale
"It's a tour de force" Songlines
"Le nouveau roi mérite amplement sa couronne" World Sound


CONTACTS:
LE NEW-MORNING : 7/9 rue des petites écuries – 75010 Paris
M° Château d’eau ou Strasbourg St-Denis
Billetterie points de vente habituels – 20 Euros (hors frais de location)

si vous ne désirez plus recevoir nos offres, merci de mettre désinscription dans l'objet.


5:38 PM 
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