Klezmer/Ladino by: Nikitov kwartet + Koby Israelite + Roberto Juan Rodriguez, produced by Cobie Ivens
I– Nikitov kwartet.
New York-based guitarist Adam Good adds his musical expertise to the Nikitov Quartet, skillfully combining his acoustic guitar with bassist Jason Sypher’s powerful arco bass, managing to capture both soul and fire.
Netherlands-based violinist Jelle van Tongeren amplifies or unleashes fire from his violin, resulting in a gloriously clear and pure sound—an elegantly malleable sound that, while certainly not as cacophonous as a brass or electric jazz/klez fusion, retains the powerful and inspiring core of its musical roots.
It also pairs perfectly with the emotional Yiddish vocals of Dutch-born Niki Jacobs, lending the project a distinctive authentic feel; and although traditional melodies are prominent, the album sounds fresh and features both newly composed music and interpretations of classics.
CD. Vanderlust – Nikitov. LABEL: Chamsa (2007) code: CD0006. VIDEO
II– Koby Israelite.
He is an Israeli-born Londoner whose music defies categorization. On this album, you will find American rock, blues, and country music, complemented by Balkan and Jewish influences and an abundance of fiery accordion playing. He connects American folk music of blues, bluegrass, and country ‘n’ western, subsequently balancing it with the immigrant sounds of Eastern European and Balkan melodies. He brings out the Eastern European and Balkan elements and elevates them to a higher level with American rock, blues, and folk. As a multi-instrumentalist, his skill and virtuosity are evident throughout. Sometimes sparkling, then reflective, but always expressive. What remains is his distinctive style, where the accordion swings and sways with the whirlwind of a circus.
CD. Blues from elsewhere – Koby Israelite.
LABEL: Asphalt Tango (2013) code: CD-ATR 3513. VIDEO
III– Roberto Juan Rodriguez.
The dynamic Latin American percussionist for Joe Jackson, Marc Ribot’s Postizos, and various other groups dives here into the fascinating world of the little-known Jewish community in Cuba. Roberto’s direct experience with both Cuban and Jewish traditions (he played in synagogues in Havana in the 70s and encountered the radical Jewish cultural revolution in the New York community in the 90s) has resulted in a brilliant recording that seamlessly combines the two into a new musical style. Featuring a star-studded lineup, El Danzon de Moises is an album that makes you think, makes you laugh, and makes you dance.
CD. El danzon de Moises – Roberto Juan Rodriguez.
LABEL: Tzadik (2002) code: TZ 7158. VIDEO
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