First Recordings (1976-1978)

by The Klezmorim

Overview

First Recordings collects works from the first three years of recordings by the Klezmorim, one of the founding groups of the modern klezmer revival. Taking the whole of their second album, Streets of Gold, there are five or six tracks added from the time of the East Side Wedding sessions. The sound is mostly reminiscent of the earlier days of klezmer, with small amounts of forward directions present here and there. As it happens, the concept was to work solely with the traditional forms, so the modern elements were phased out over time (as one might note a bit as the album progresses, though not so noticeably). It's enjoyable klezmer, with much of the fire of the old days of the genre, but without so much of the intensity of the newest generation of players and fusionists. The band is at its best when stripped down to a large horn section and pounding through the layers of ageless klezmer. As an added bonus, Robert Crumb provides the cover art. Give it a listen for the exuberance of the music and as a piece of musical history signaling the revival of klezmer and heralding its move into the avant-garde and jazz domains. ~ Adam Greenberg

Product Details

Release Date:	02/17/1993
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297030929
Rank:	137384

Tracks

1. Di Zilberne Khasene
2. Cintec de Dragoste
3. Hora Lui Damian
4. Thalassa
5. Fidl Volach
6. Medyatsiner Waltz
7. Sherele
8. Mayn Rue Plats
9. A Gleezele Vayn
10. Baym Rebns Sude
11. Lebedik un Freylekh
12. Medley
13. Doina
14. Papirosn
15. Firen di Mekhutonim Aheym
16. Medley
17. Af Shabes in Vilna
18. Taxim

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Klezmorim   Primary Artist
Klezmer Conservatory Band   Primary Artist
Susie Rothfield   Violin
David Julian Gray   Lauto,Violin,Clarinet,Mandolin,Sax (Alto)
John Raskin   Percussion
Nedezhda   Baraban
Miriam Dvorin   Violin,Vocals
Lew Hanson   Accordion
Rick Elmore   Tuba,Drums,Cymbals,Trombone,Drums (Bass),Trombone (Bass)
Brian Wishnefsky   Trumpet
Laurie Chastain   Violin
Greg Carageorge   Double Bass
Stuart Brotman   Bass,Horn
Lev Liberman   Flute,Dumbek,Sax (Alto),Whistle (Instrument)
David Skuse   Violin,Accordion

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
The Klezmorim   Producer
Chris Strachwitz   Producer
Lev Liberman   Liner Notes