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In summer camp we sang a song that ended with the line (translated from Hebrew), “the song doesn’t end, it is just beginning.” We sang after every meal, even when we were so tired we could barely open our eyes. This line holds true for what is happening today in the Jewish music world: Jewish music can now be found almost everywhere. Thanks to the ease with which people can record digitally on home computers, the numbers of musicians who are now producing CDs has grown exponentially, and Jewish music is booming with fresh sounds that run the gamut of style and content. With elitism passé, the new Jewish music seeks to blur the lines that separate us. It reaches into the hearts of people, providing them with a means of soulful expression and communal connection. Jewish music has become a means of spiritual “calisthenics,” strengthening us, replenishing us, ensuring our personal growth and helping to reinforce our commitments. It unifies us in all our wonderful diversity. And the song doesn’t end…it is just beginning. —Debbie Friedman
Click here to read music stories from Moment's archives.
The Afro-Semitic Experience 
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
(203) 287-5446, dchevan@snet.net, chevan.addr.com
The Alexandria Kleztet
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 draw upon jazz, classical, world beat, rock and other genres. The Kleztet has performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including regular appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and 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 13 Washington Area Music Association Awards, including outstanding world music instrumentalist, group and recording. The Kleztet recently released their fourth 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) 602-8212, kleztet@gmail.com, kleztet.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, celebrating its 27th 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
This high-energy husband and wife duo “packs a spiritual punch that stands out as different from standard Jewish musical fare,” reports the Atlanta Jewish Times. Singer Helene Kates is a dynamo on the stage. “I’ve never seen anything like it; she has a gift from G-d,” says entertainer Craig Taubman. Together they weave a variety of musical genres with unique melodic crafting and compelling rhythmic grooves, delivering emotionally potent songs that stay with you long after listening. Visit the web for more information on The Baal Shem Tones’ music and educational programs. Contact Peradam Productions by phone or email to book concerts, Shabbatons and workshops for all ages.
(404) 256-0400, info@peradam.com, baalshemtones.com
Beth Schafer
She played at center court for the Orlando Magic. She won the 2006 American Idol Underground Faith-based competition. She played a concert for and met President Obama during his historic campaign. Now Beth Schafer would like to take her inspirational music to your community. Luscious harmonies, tasty guitar playing and insightful writing will grab the attention of anyone looking for great music with great meaning. This guitar-slinging folk-rocker who fronts an all-star band joyously and generously offers music that uplifts, excites and leaves behind a definite feel-good. Her music has been woven into the worship repertoire of many congregations, but Beth’s music also reaches outward beyond the Jewish community. Her 6th CD, Build That Bridge, is chock full of anthems that have built bridges of peace among people of many faiths. The band’s new CDs, Raise It Up and Bring it Down, due out this fall, feature secular rock with positive messages as well as new Jewish music ranging in styles from Folk to Reggae to R’n’B. Bringing her in to lead one of her Shabbat Groove services or to play a concert will let her music and messages refill the spiritual tank of your community.
(407) 342-2027, info@bethschafer.com, bethschafer.com
Consuelo Luz
“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
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.
(301) 231-9067, rebdavids@aol.com
Diwon
Diwon (Erez Safar) is a musical mystic, multi-genre producer who travels the globe performing, producing and researching sounds. His styles range from Yemenite music blended with electro hip hop beats to cinematic psychedelia. Throughout Diwon’s albums, remixes, singles and mixtapes, one can hear the influence of his family’s migration from Yemen to Ethiopia to Israel. This past year Diwon has released “The Beat Guide to Yiddish,” “Rarities & Remixes”, “I Heart Mixtape” and “Shir Ha Shirim” (The Song of Songs)—an hour long meditation mixing emotive Moroccan singing with hypnotic hip hop, rock and mizrahi sounds. Currently, he is finishing Dreams in Static, a cinematic record with guitarist Dugans, as well the revolutionary hip hop record, This is Unity with Y-Love. URB Magazine listed Diwon among their NEXT 1000, The Forward listed him as one of the Top 50 “most influential Jews of 2007;” and The Village Voice stated that his work “as producer and DJ is among the most adventurous and banging on the new Jewish music scene.” Diwon is also the founder and director of Shemspeed (largest, most diverse Jewish music site), Modular Moods (an independent record label) & The Sephardic Music Festival.
diwonmusic.com, myspace.com/diwon
Debbie Friedman
Over the course of her distinguished career, legendary American Jewish composer, singer, and recording artist, Debbie Friedman, has released over 20 albums and performed in sold out concerts at Carnegie Hall and in hundreds of cities worldwide. Her work has been lauded by industry critics and she’s been honored by numerous national and international organizations. Debbie is credited with creating a whole new genre of contemporary, accessible Jewish music. From the beginning of her career, she’s taken the prayers, teachings and melodies of the Ancient Jewish Texts and set them to contemporary music. The music and prayers she writes reflect her personal philosophy of inclusiveness and, as such, are not reflective of any specific denomination. In fact, her melodies are used by every Jewish denomination. Indeed, Debbie’s music is now performed in more synagogues around the world than any other living composer and her impact is such that, in 2007, she was appointed to the Faculty of HUC’s School of Sacred Music. Her latest release, As You Go On Your Way: Shacharit–The Morning Prayers (2009), provides the opportunity to pray in an intimate and personal way with the goal of helping listeners get through these difficult times.
debbiefriedman.com
Elaine Serling
ASCAP Award-winning singer, songwriter, children’s author and Jewish music educator, Elaine Serling inspires, charms and connects with audiences young and old. Her sheer love of sharing and celebrating Jewish traditions and values through music and dance, makes her original songs and performances unforgettable. Elaine’s adult audience repertoires visit Yiddish standards, Israeli favorites, Broadway tunes and more. Her creative children’s concerts exude excitement and encourage spontaneous singing, dancing and learning. Both audiences respond to her palpable passion for the combination of “Yiddishkeit” and musical enthusiasm. Its joyous impact is contagious and everyone leaves the concerts feeling inspired after having shared in a “special Jewish moment.” Honored with the prestigious “Jewish Women of the Arts Award” for achievement in Jewish music and education and winner of four “Children’s Music Web Awards,” Elaine continues to touch hearts with Bubbie’s Baby, a CD sing-a-long musical story, and her popular Join the Circle CD and Sing and Celebrate CD.
(800) 457-2157, elainekay@aol.com, elaineserling.com
Eprhyme
Eprhyme spits rhymes designed to refine the mind of the listener. Kabbalah, psychology, politics and party rocking are intertwined with elements of jazz, funk, klezmer and Middle Eastern music to create a powerful and poetic plea for peace, justice, joy, and unity. Eprhyme’s debut solo album, WAYWORDWONDERWILL, is a kaleidoscopic counter-cultural exchange program for mystics, punks and b-boys. The album features two 7in. singles released by indie-pop icon K Records as part of its International Pop Underground series. Lyrically, Eprhyme is a well-versed tour guide who owes as much to Noam Chomsky and Robert Anton Wilson as he does to Nas and Aesop Rock.
www.myspace.com/eprhyme, shemspeed.com/eprhymepresskit
Joshua Nelson
When Joshua Nelson sings his Kosher-Gospel music, he commands attention. It’s not just because of his fire-and-brimstone voice, the comparisons with the late Mahalia Jackson or even his discovery by Oprah Winfrey who called him “The Next Big Thing” in music, and whom he also counts as a friend. It’s the places he performs, mostly synagogues, JCC’s, concert halls, outdoor festivals, and national television. Joshua, who is black and Jewish, has combined the sounds of soul with Jewish liturgical music and first appeared on the Jewish music circuit several years ago with the release of the national PBS special about his life, Keep on Walking, which has been a big hit at Jewish Film Festivals around the globe. Joshua’s appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show catapulted his career nationally and internationally. He and his Kosher Singers have performed with such notables as Aretha Franklin, Jamie Fox, Maya Angelou, Ashford & Simpson, Cicely Tyson, Harry Belafonte, Billy Preston, Wynton Marsalis, Stephanie Mills, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick, Melba Moore, The Klezmatics, Former President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, European Royalty and at the funeral of jazz legend Sarah Vaughan.
joshuanelson.com
Judith Cohen
Judith Cohen is a singer and a scholar, specializing in the oldest Ladino songs and music of the Sephardic diaspora. Based in Toronto, where she lectures part-time at York University, she offers lively concerts, talks and workshops, often together with her daughter Tamar Ilana, herself a flamenco singer and dancer. As an ethnomusicologist (Ph.D.) and medievalist (M.A.), Judith works directly with the Crypto-Jews of rural Portugal and lectures on the music in their lives. Judith and Tamar Ilana regularly give concerts in Spain; their recent performances also include Czech Republic, Croatia, Israel, Turkey, Bosnia, Portugal and, in North America, the Berkeley Jewish Music Festival and Toronto’s Ashkenaz. Judith and Tamar Ilana also sing in Yiddish, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Bulgarian and other languages. Judith plays the medieval fiddle and the Middle Eastern oud; both play a wide variety of traditional women’s hand percussion, and musicians can be included if requested. Concerts can be presented in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
(N. America) (416) 272-6410; (Europe) (+34) 606 261683
www.yorku.ca/judithc, judithc@yorku.ca
Listen Up! A Capella
Nu? Are you kidding me?! Four guys, no instruments on stage. And a big band sound?? Delivering knock-your-socks-off vocal harmony, toe-tapping percussion, and heimishe Jewish humor, Listen Up! A Cappella is sure to please. Who else could perform Broza, the Barry Sisters, and the Beatles in the same show? Catch the “band” in action and purchase their new CD, Day Job at www.jewishsong.com. Book ’em, Dan-O. “Chicago’s uniquely compelling Jewish vocal band”—Chicago Tribune. “A perfect outdoors concert for our Jewish Community!”—Indiana Federation. “Thank you for a wonderful performance at our son’s Bar Mitzvah. Your beautiful zemirot really rocked. You gave our simcha a heimishe feel.”—Erenberg family. “What a performance Listen Up! gave at our annual concert—a real crowd pleaser working the audience. We look forward to working with them again.”—Ida Crown Jewish Academy. “A great addition to our soundstage-over 700 people enjoyed the extraordinary sound and spirit of your talented ensemble.” —Chai Lifeline. “I had so many people come up to me saying how wonderful the concert was. We had very young children all the way up in age, and all were entertained.”—Congregation Beth Israel
jewishsong.com; (773) 973-3375
The Lori Cahan-Simon Ensemble
“Cahan-Simon’s rich voice and expertly expressive Yiddish ranges far and wide through heartfelt cantorial emotion, playful phrases and swinging exhortations that will have the whole family singing and dancing.—Elliott Simon, All About Jazz, New York Magazine. “Cahan-Simon is a compelling, theatrical vocalist, entertaining and educational”—Seth Rogovoy, author of The Essential Klezmer, Sing Out! Magazine. Lori’s transcendent, expressive and changing voice is joined by musical partner, Walt Mahovlich (Harmonia), as well as other internationally renowned musicians, to produce a unique and unforgettable music that you will want to hear again and again. From a duo to a sextet, The Lori Cahan-Simon Ensemble performs Yiddish songs, stories and klezmer music in concerts, special programs, and simchas, as well as the new and exciting interactive synagogue program, Klezmer Shabbes. Other offerings include programs for each holiday, children’s programs with storytelling, songs, dancing and art; Yiddish Nostalgia, from Shtetl to Stage, and others. The ensemble can be expanded for your simchas.
(216) 283-2228, Lorelecs@gmail.com, cdbaby.com/lcahan
Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys
Klezmer meets Bluegrass! Klezmer clarinetist Margot Leverett joins forces with today’s stars of klezmer and bluegrass to explore the shared musical spirit of two genres literally worlds apart. Appalachian and southern fiddle tunes by Bill Monroe meet klezmer melodies from pre-war Russia and Eastern Europe, some newly discovered. The resulting medleys and improvisations are at once raw, funny, soulful and foot stomping. In addition to concerts the band teaches instrumental workshops in bluegrass and klezmer and presents stories and demonstrations that link the two kinds of music. Bluegrass/klezmer medleys are great for dancing and a favorite at weddings. The music of the Klezmer Mountain Boys has been featured in film, theatre and dance, most notably in a piece by the Paul Taylor Dance Company entitled Klezmerbluegrass. Margot Leverett was a featured guest soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra this year. “Leverett is one of the top clarinetists in New Klez, and the idea of a klezmer-bluegrass fusion is an original and striking one. A very entertaining record and the band is top-notch.”—The Jewish Week.
(718) 545-9404, info@klezmermountainboys.com, klezmountainboys.com
Click here to watch a performance.
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.
The Heritage Chamber Music Society, (732) 828-1812, HeritageCMS@aol.com
Neshama Carlebach
Neshama Carlebach, one of the leading superstars in Jewish entertainment, is continuing the legacy established by her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Like Shlomo, Neshama’s talent and charisma captivate and endear her to people of all ages and backgrounds as she performs in cities all over the world. Her upcoming release on Sojourn Records combines Neshama’s unique brand of Jewish soul with the Gospel talents of the Green Pastures Baptist Choir. Whether an intimate acoustic trio performing in someone’s home, or a full scale concert with the band and choir, Neshama’s live shows honor the legacy of her father’s music and allow her to express her own sense of spirituality, unity and hope.
(718) 360-9925 ext.1, booking@sojournrecords.com, www.sojournrecords.com
Pharoah's Daughter
This earthy, soulful and beautiful voice rings out over the oud, saz, keys, neys and strings that all blend together to form a vibrant artistic vision of a new Middle East. Pharaoh’s Daughter sounds out of this world—far, far away from the autotune-drenched pop pouring over the Billboard charts. Instead, the familiar echoes of the Mediterranean are mixed in with flashes of Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic chants. Neo-chasidic stories from Basya Schechter’s childhood meld with six intuitive passionate musicians who create an orchestrated, yet spontaneous modern psychedelic world experience. Besides touring U.S. and appearing at Central Park’s Summer Stage and Lincoln Center’s Damorsch Park, Pharaoh’s Daughter has been seen on the frontiers of Brazil, jazz clubs in Athens, theaters in Jerusalem, festivals in Poland, and cultural centers in Germany. She has released five albums and is now working on a number of new projects that will be released over the next few years.
pharaohsdaughter.com, myspace.com/pharaohsdaughter
Shir Synergy
Lisa Baydush, Audrey Katz and Barry Astrow are Shir Synergy, a Jewish music trio whose synergistic efforts yield a dynamic and sunshine-y sound! Shir Synergy has produced two albums of original songs by Lisa Baydush: “Find the Sunshine” and “Sing a Song.” Lisa’s passion for Judaism and Jewish music has led her to compose over 70 songs and travel a new career path as a Jewish music educator in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Singing with children is one of Lisa’s very special joys, which is obvious to all who see her surrounded by her littlest fans. Audrey is also a Jewish music educator, as well as talented singer who has been song-leading since she was a teen. A dynamic performer, Audrey has an effervescent personality that makes her very beloved by students and parents alike. And Barry is a software engineer with a velvet voice who began in high school choir, and progressed to a cappella groups, the Binghamton Crosbys and Take Note!, and Beth El Hebrew Congregation’s monthly Shabbat services with Audrey. His flair for harmony and counter-melody arrangements enhances every Shir Synergy song.
ShirSynergy.com
Tim Sparks
Guitarist Tim Sparks draws on a deep background in American, Balkan, and Middle Eastern musical traditions. He has taken his status as a cultural outsider and used it to his advantage. Unburdened by the perplexities of contemporary Jewish identity or the debates over how to properly define Jewish music, Sparks simply listens to the voices of the tradition with fresh and open ears. He concentrates on the jewels of melody that speak to him from all over the Jewish musical sonic universe. As such, he gravitates towards the most distinctive and beautiful melodic gems, be they a Ladino ballad from 15th century Jewish Spain, a Judeo-Tat theater song from Soviet era Dagestan or a post-modern Holocaust lament by New York composer John Zorn. His first album for John Zorn’s Radical Jewish Culture series on Tzadik Records, Neshamah (1999) achieved breakthrough success. Then, joined by Greg Cohen and Cyro Baptista, he recorded Tanz (2000) which merited 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine. This was followed by At The Rebbe’s Table (2002) with Marc Ribot and Erik Friedlander, Masada Guitars (2003) with Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot and his latest, Little Princess (2009), devoted to the music of Klezmer Legend Naftule Brandwein.
(218) 841-3112, myspace.com/timsparks
