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Metropolitan Klezmer

Metropolitan Klezmer, founded in 1994, is the collaborative adventure of eight exceptional New York musicians creating inspired interpretations and original compositions around a panorama of traditionally eclectic Yiddish repertoire. The band was formed by drummer/Yiddish film scholar Eve Sicular with multi-talented world music artists Ismail Butera (accordion) and Michael Hess (violin, ney flutes, kanun zither) plus ubiquitous downtown bass and tuba treasure Dave Hofstra, and originally featured klezmer legend Howie Leess (b. 1920) on clarinet & tenor sax. Since their debut at John Zorn's New Jewish Music Fest, the group has expanded to include vocalist Melissa Fogarty and a dynamic horn section: Debra Kreisberg (clarinet/alto sax), Pam Fleming (trumpet/fluegelhorn), and Reut Regev (trombone). Karen Waltuch plays viola. Former members also include Steve Elson (reeds) and Rick Faulkner (trombone). Collectively, their experiences span genres from Albanian to Zydeco as well as jazz, Latin, classical, funk, ska and many other styles. Individually, Metropolitan Klezmer players have worked with such diverse artists as Bonnie Raitt, The Toasters, Bill Frisell, Toshi Reagon, Juan Carlos Formell, Indigo Girls, Burning Spear, Amy Sedaris, Max Roach, Rufus Wainwright, Nora York, and the Microscopic Septet, as well as Jewish music performers from the Klezmatics and Andy Statman to David Krakauer, Sephardic stars Alhambra and SF's Charming Hostess. To quote Seth Rogovoy (The Essential Klezmer), Metropolitan Klezmer is "distinguished by just plain great, versatile ensemble playing... exuberant spirit and wit."

The band's CDs have enjoyed excellent reviews, awards, and worldwide airplay. Their vibrant array of songs includes rollicking wedding dances, soulful folk tunes, modal slapstick, revved-up odd meter Hanuka fare, postwar Yiddish poetry, irresistible Turkish- and Arabic-tinged klezmer traditionals, Hungarian Jewish prayer melody, labor protest hymn, Second Avenue swing classics, vintage Yiddish film soundtrack tangos, love ballads, and originals. Their latest CD, TRAVELING SHOW (2007), was recorded live in concert at Mason Gross School of the Arts/Rutgers University and at Riverspace Arts/ Nyack, and includes a 'Klezbonus' studio track by the group's sister sextet, Isle of Klezbos; according to Belgium's MazzMusikas, this is the band's best disc yet. Metropolitan Klezmer's 2003 release SURPRISING FINDS, an OutMusic awardwinning CD, includes haunting original composition as well as jump swing injected into a tailor's chant, intricate and dynamic versions of 19th-c. underworld tunes, adaptations from 1920s Soviet Moscow Yiddish theater, a Balkan styling of Fagin's "Pick a Pocket" from Oliver!, and archival cameo gems from klezmer legend Howie Leess, Yiddish stage/acreen star Maurice Schwartz, and, as recorded on reel-to-reel, Phillip Karpel (grandfather of vocalist Deborah Karpel, excerpted from beautiful 1960s home audio) MetroKlezmer's MOSAIC PERSUASION (2001) joint project with the all-female Isle of Klezbos sextet, is an OutMusic Award winner featuring "fantastic players... excellent vocals... strength and diversity" (- Roots World). The Forward acclaimed its "terrific... snazzy mixture of upbeat Eastern European dance tunes, Middle Eastern-influenced improvisations, and luscious Yiddish theater tunes delivered by vocalist Deborah Karpel with just enough of an edge." Jewish Week's George Robinson noted "wildly variegated flavors... a tighter, more unified sound than ever... Five stars [highest rating].... one of the best traditional klezmer bands around.... [They] can handle any tempo and a wide range of moods with equal mastery." Germany's Virtual Klezmer says, "Extraordinary. In every regard... Simply one of the most outstanding recordings of Jewish music." Their debut disc, YIDDISH FOR TRAVELERS (Rhythm Media Records, 1998), was cited by The Village Voice's Richard Gehr for "excellent klezmer... impeccably arranged yet electrifying renditions." Folk Roots (U.K.) found "subtle but ear-catching arrangements... fire, substance, and rhythm," while CMJ called it "easily one of the most significant klezmer discs in some time."

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Tags

"One of the finest American klezmer bands" - SONGLINES MAGAZINE [U.K.]

"Led by drummer Eve Sicular, of Isle of Klezbos fame, Metropolitan Klezmer takes a scholarly approach to the genre's history, yet never skimps on the exuberance at its core." - TIME OUT NY

"Excellent klezmer...impeccable yet electrifying arrangements" "delightfully rambunctious... klezmer octet inventively mixes Yiddish media..." - Richard Gehr, The Village Voice

"Metropolitan Klezmer is an accomplished eight-piece band based in New York City whose repertoire ranges from traditional folk songs to klezified jazz tunes with a healthy dose of material drawn from Yiddish theatre and cinema. Utilizing tight arrangements borne of many years of playing together, with a healthy dose of improvisation to keep the material fresh, this engaging live set is highlighted by a moving rendition of "Mayn Rue Plats," Morris Rosenfeld's classic laborsong, and an exciting final medley of Rumanian tunes." - "Sing Out!" magazine, Vol. 51 #3, Autumn 2007

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Mazel Means Good Luck

Rhythm Media Records
2015

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Traveling Show

Rhythm Media Records
2007

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Videos

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