Search - Andy Statman :: Andy Statman Klezmer Orchestra

Jewish Joy

Edward R. Burns MD | Flushing, NY United States | 10/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is vintage Statman Klezmer music. Unlike his recent contemplative and spiritual albums like the Hidden Light and Between Heaven and Earth, here Statman and Company have a great time updating the abandon and raucousness of classic European Klezmer to a finely honed musical tribute to Jewish simcha music. Simcha means celebration, and each of the pieces on this album is a jewel like concerto revolving around the weddding ceremonies of different Eastern European contries. The musicianship is outstanding. Statman extends the lessons he learned from the legendary clarinetist Dave Tarras to make the music sound contemporary. The french horn, guitar and bass of the quartet's gifted performers rounds out Statman's mandolin and clarinet with an exuberance and full body that makes the music sound as if it's coming from a full orchestra.This music is fun, joyous, uplifting and complex. Recorded in the heyday of the modern Klezmer revival era, it is filled with musically enjoyable and hummable melodies and devoid of self conscious attempts to be avante garde or pretentious. One of Statman's and Klezmer's most enjoyable albums."