Record Reviews

KLEZMATICS ~ WE WERE MADE FOR THESE TIMES ASPHALT TANGO 9726 (Barcode: 4015698610116) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Klezmer Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2026 This is an album by the iconic American Klezmer ensemble The KlezmaticsFind albums by this artist, which celebrates their 40th Anniversary. Founded in NY in 1986 and still featuring two founding members: trumpeter / composer Frank LondonFind albums by this artist and accordionist / guitarist / pianist Lorin SklambergFind albums by this artist, alongside longtime members: violinist Lisa GutkinFind albums by this artist, clarinetist / saxophonist / caval player Matt DarriauFind albums by this artist, bassist / tsimbl (Jewish hammered dulcimer) player Paul MorrissettFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Richie BarshayFind albums by this artist. All of the ensemble members contribute also vocals in several languages, primarily Yiddish but also others. They are supported by no less that nine guest Artists, including the celebrated Jazz vocalist Janis SiegelFind albums by this artist, Jazz bassist William ParkerFind albums by this artist and a Gospel choir. The album presents twelve tracks, several original compositions by London and Sklamberg and the rest from different sources around the world. The attached booklet offers the lyrics to all the songs, both in original languages (using Latin letters in case of Yiddish, to make it easy for the goyim) and English translations. The music offers a stupendous kaleidoscope of cultural / musical sources, spanning Eastern Europe, Middle East, Balkans, Caucasus and American Folklore, spiced generously by Jazzy ornamentation, great sense of humor and a big portion of Jewish neshume (soul), which have been the Klezmatics trademark for the last four decades. The intricate arrangements and fiery performances take no prisoners and one has to be either deaf or soulless not to be deeply moved by this music, even if one has no Jewish roots, since this music is completely universal and deeply touching to every human being. Although this music is not meant specifically for Jazz lovers, a diligent Jazz loving listener will surely find many delicious Jazzy accents, including a brilliant, almost Free Jazz improvisation hiding inside. A couple of months ago I had the immense pleasure to meet Frank London in Lublin, Poland, where he performed with his ensemble as part of the Jewish Culture Lubliner Festival. It was a great opportunity to hear him perform, but more importantly to converse intimately, reminiscing about our earlier encounters, music which we love, the state of the World, in short something two old Jewish friends do, when they meet, throwing Jewish proverbs at each other. It was truly heartwarming and yet also somewhat heartbreaking, considering Frank´s health problems, which sadden me deeply. Mayn tayerer fraynd, Got zol dir gebn gezunt un koyekh, un a dank far der matone fun muzik. Overall, this is a delightful piece of music and beyond, for music lovers who are able to embrace cross-genre / cross-cultural journeys, which unite us all as human beings. It takes a very special people to create such universal musical experience, like the one this album offers, and hopefully while enjoying the music listeners will also reflect upon the state of our times.

Updated: 17/10/2026Posted: 17/10/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MANHATTAN TRANSFER ~ FIFTY CRAFT 888072464032 (Barcode: 888072464032) ~ USA ~ Vocal Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by the legendary American Jazz vocal quartet Manhattan TransferFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist / Orchestra, called WDR FunkhausorchesterFind albums by this artist for the occasion. As the title suggests, the album marks the Manhattan Transfer’s 50th anniversary, celebrated in 2022. Due to the Covid pandemic, the recordings of the vocal and orchestral parts were done separately. The Manhattan Transfer lineup includes Cheryl BentyneFind albums by this artist, Janis SiegelFind albums by this artist, Alan PaulFind albums by this artist and Trist CurlessFind albums by this artist, and the quartet’s musical director since 1979 the Israeli pianist Yaron GershovskyFind albums by this artist. The album was produced by Dave ThomasFind albums by this artist of the vocal group Take 6Find albums by this artist fame. The album presents ten tracks, which represent the groups repertoire over the five-decades span, and it appears to be the last album they recorded. Although Manhattan Transfer were always only partially dedicated to Jazz and often flirted with Pop and commercial music, they were always highly professional performers and continued the vocal Jazz Art tradition, staying firmly in the mainstream. Over time they won eleven Grammy Awards and recorded two dozen albums, some of which are considered classics. Overall, although strictly mainstream and never innovative or groundbreaking, Manhattan Transfer were a class of their own and deserve recognition for they contribution to popularizing Jazz and Jazz vocal Art, and this album is an excellent summary of their achievements, with a superb orchestral arrangements and performances as a bonus!

Updated: 13/09/2026Posted: 13/09/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MANHATTAN TRANSFER ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 081227983697 (Barcode: 081227983697) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1975 - 2000 Released: 2009 This Box Set collects five (seemingly randomly selected) albums recorded by the American vocal quartet The Manhattan TransferFind albums by this artist and released on the AtlanticFind albums on this label Records label between 1975 and 2000. The group was founded in 1969 by vocalist Tim HauserFind albums by this artist, who was the quartet´s leader for many years until his death in 2014. They recorded their debut in 1971 for CapitolFind albums on this label Records, which made little impact, and their career took off after switching to Atlantic Records and releasing their second eponymous album, included here. By 1978 the quartet´s stable lineup, which lasted until Hauser´s death, was established and included Hauser, Alan PaulFind albums by this artist, Janis SiegelFind albums by this artist and Cheryl BentyneFind albums by this artist. Israeli pianist Yaron GershovskyFind albums by this artist serves as the quartet´s musical director since the late 1970s. Although similar to the European vocal Jazz ensembles like the Les Double SixFind albums by this artist, The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist or the Polish NOVIFind albums by this artist ensemble, which revolutionized the vocal Jazz scene in the late 1950s and 1960s, Manhattan Singers were much closer to the American vocal tradition, which includes Gospel and Soul, rather than Jazz. As a result their music was always closer to Pop than to Jazz, which is plainly evident by listening to the albums in this Box Set. Although they do use vocalese and some improvisation, their arrangements and performances are always polished and round, avoiding risks and exploration. Nevertheless they do what they do highly professionally and always sound exactly as what is expected of them, which makes them very popular worldwide. Overall this Box Set includes very nice vocal music, which is very easy to be loved, but has almost nothing to do with Jazz per se. It is of course great fun to listen to, especially while your brain is comfortably numb… Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend