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By Paul Wieder
WHEN YOU'VE LISTENED TO ENOUGH ALBUMS, you begin to recognize
record labels: Tuff Gong for reggae, Deutsche Gramaphon for classical,
Sanachie for ethnic sounds.
One of my favorites is Rhino, for oldies
anthologies by artist, musical style, or era. They have even created
anthologies of recordings published by other labels, like Sugar Hill (hip-hop),
Sun (early rock), and Excello (blues and R&B).
This time, Rhino has collected Jewish holiday songs. Their latest
release is
"To Life! Songs Of Chanukah and Other Jewish Celebrations".
"At first the idea was to license, in typical Rhino fashion," says
executive producer David McLees, "a compilation of essential repertoire
from a variety of sources. But my search through the bins produced bubkes.
We soon found that most of the ‘standards' had not been recorded or
recorded well. That didn't stop us."
The album contains songs by classic Jewish performers Theodore
Bikel ("Chanukah, Oh Chanukah," and a "Fiddler" medley) and the Barry
Sisters ("In Meina Oigen Bistie Shain" and "Hava Nagila") as well as a cut
from Mandy Patinkin's new "Mamaloshen" album ("Reb Elimeylekh").
There's also a rousing "Tzena Tzena Tzena" by the Weavers.
Still, a vast majority of tracks are performed by the album's
producer, Jay Levy. "I was given the opportunity to bring my two great
passions" producing for artists across the spectrum and Jewish
music "together." His backing band or "Klezmer wrecking crew," as they
kiddingly came to call themselves, includes Brave Old World bassist Stuart
Brotman, Springsteen drummer Gary Mallaber, and Zinovy Goro's Russian
emigre band.
On one track, "Maoz Tzur/Rock of Ages," Levy is joined by Nell
Carter. Famous as the nanny on the ‘80s TV show Gimme a Break. Carter led the chorus in the
movie version of Hair, and recently played Miss Hannigan in a revival of
Annie. What results may be the first gospel song recorded by two Jews
(Yes, she says she is!).
The generous 27 tracks include six selections for Hanukah, five for
Shabbes, and a couple each for Passover, Purim, Rosh Hashana, and Simchas
Torah. These last two holidays are served by well-arranged medleys of the
kind of Jewish songs that consist of one endlessly repeated phrase.
Most of the tracks by major stars are grouped in the largest
category, General Celebration. The songs are predictably outstanding,
especially the Barry Sisters' rousing "Hava Nagila." The two pieces by
Yiddishist Alex Shub are the aural equivalent of Roman Vishniak's
photographs, more piquant than merely nostalgic.
Levy's own vocal and guitar contributions are solid and very
listenable. His voice is warm and pleasant, like James Taylor's. He does
admirably on what might have been the most challenging, the Sephardic
"Ocho Kandelikas," which features convincing flamenco guitar work. His
best tracks are children's songs like "The Dreydl Song," "Dayenu," and
"Chag Purim", I can hear them coming from a Jewish classroom, the kids
singing along.
Even the packaging is excellent. The liner notes come with the
complete lyrics to most of the songs, in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English. They
even include holiday recipes. The whole package is illustrated with lovely
works of Judaica, and the CD itself looks like a kippah --- which, when
removed, reveals something that will make you chuckle.
So skip the video-game cartridge this year and get your kids "To
Life!" for Hanukah. You'll be giving a present to the whole family, and one
that will last all
the Chanukah Rhino
Paul Wieder is a correspondent of JUF News, a monthly published by the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Contact the magazine by either
clicking here, or calling (312) 444-2853.