Tramp Steamer: The Klezmatics and "Going Away to Sea"

Today's song is a klezmer song set to the lyrics of an American folk icon. Going Away to Sea is a song by The Klezmatics, written to match lyrics penned by Woody Guthrie but never set to music. Based in New York City and formed in 1986, The Klezmatics are a Grammy award winning group that mixes older Yiddish tunes with contemporary styles of music. They have also recorded songs in Aramaic and Bavarian. Going Away to Sea is from their album of Woody Guthrie lyrics with original music titled Wonder Wheel (2006).

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klezmer

May We Be Happy: Golem and "Tum Balalaika"

Today's random song is presented by rock-klezmer band Golem, which was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. This song, Tum Balalaika, can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz. The song chronicles the uncertainty that comes with beginning new love, and a young man asks "Young lady...what can grow without rain? What can burn and never be consumed? What can yearn, cry without tears?" And she answers "Foolish boy, why do you have to ask? A stone can grow without rain. Love can burn and never be consumed. A heart can yearn, cry without tears."

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golem_(klezmer_band)

And Make It Snappy: The Klezmatics and "Come When I Call You"

Today's song, at least the lyrics, were penned by the great American songwriter and performer Woody Guthrie. The lyrics never had music to go with it until The Klezmatics came along. Based in New York City and formed in 1986, The Klezmatics are a Grammy award winning group klezmer group that mixes older Yiddish tunes with contemporary styles of music. They have also recorded songs in Aramaic and Bavarian. This song, Come When I Call You, is from their album titled Wonder Wheel (2006).

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Klezmatics

Tis the Season: Ot Azoj Klezmerband and "Channukah, Oy Channukah"

Okay, so it's a little early in the season, but today's song is a holiday number by the Ot Azoj Klezmerband. Founded in 1994, the band plays music from the fictional country of Molvania, which consists of a blend of klezmer, Balkan, Turkish and Greek musics, as well as a sprinkling of Polish and Latin. The band was formed in 1994 in the Netherlands and is known for energetic performances using only acoustic instruments. They have released ten albums. This song, Channukah, Oy Channukah, can be found on their 1999 album Channukah - Festival of Lights.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Purified: Golem and "Mikveh Bath"

Our song today, called Mikveh Bath, references the traditional Jewish bath taken by women to purify themselves after menstruation and before marriage. The song is presented by rock-klezmer band Golem, which was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. Mikveh Bath can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Supposed to be Beautiful, But...: The Klezmatics and "Mermaid's Avenue"

Woody Guthrie, a great American songwriter and performer, wrote the lyrics to today's random song. The lyrics never had music to go with it until The Klezmatics came along. Based in New York City and formed in 1986, The Klezmatics are a Grammy award winning group klezmer group that mixes older Yiddish tunes with contemporary styles of music. They have also recorded songs in Aramaic and Bavarian. This song, Mermaid's Avenue, is from their album titled Wonder Wheel (2006).

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

The Beauty Inside: Golem and "Miskayt"

So what happens when two people, unfortunately challenged in looks, happen to meet? Today's song, called Miskayt, answers that question. The song is presented by rock-klezmer band Golem, which was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. Miskayt can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

Slithering: Golem and "I'm a Snake"

Wow, a song out of low self-esteem! Today's song, called I'm A Snake, is brought to us by Golem. A rock-klezmer band, Golem was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. I'm a Snake can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

Okay, I Get It: Golem and "Love You All The Time"

Golem brings us today's random tune, called Love You All The Time. A rock-klezmer band, Golem was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. Love You All The Time can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

I'm Barely Awake If It's Morning: Golem and "7:40"

Today's random tune is from the band Golem and is called 7:40. A rock-klezmer band, Golem was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. 7:40 can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz. This is a live version of the song performed in New York.

Remove Your Shoes: The Klezmatics and "Holy Ground"

Our random tune today is penned by a legendary American musical icon, and put to music by a klezmer band. Holy Ground is a song by The Klezmatics, written to match lyrics penned by Woody Guthrie but never set to music. Based in New York City and formed in 1986, The Klezmatics are a Grammy award winning group that mixes older Yiddish tunes with contemporary styles of music. They have also recorded songs in Aramaic and Bavarian. Holy Ground is from their album titled Wonder Wheel (2006).

Shipping Out: The Klezmatics and "Going Away to Sea"

How about some klezmer to the lyrics of an American folk icon for your day? Going Away to Sea is a song by The Klezmatics, written to match lyrics penned by Woody Guthrie but never set to music. Based in New York City and formed in 1986, The Klezmatics are a Grammy award winning group that mixes older Yiddish tunes with contemporary styles of music. They have also recorded songs in Aramaic and Bavarian. Going Away to Sea is from their album of Woody Guthrie lyrics with original music titled Wonder Wheel (2006).

Tanz the Night Away: Golem and "7:40"

Today's random tune is from the band Golem and is called 7:40. A rock-klezmer band, Golem was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. 7:40 can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

Oi Vey!: 8th Day and "Ya'alili"

The random tune is a fun pop tune by a band called 8th Day, an Hasidic band from Los Alamitos, California formed by brothers Shmuel and Bentzion Marcus in 2004. The brothers grew up in a musically inclined, ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish home and the original band was formed as a fun family project. However, the band has since become a favorite on the Jewish music scene. The group draws its inspiration from traditional Jewish music, but also incorporates other styles such as power pop, blues and reggae. Bentzion Marcus describes his band as klezmer-funk-rock with additional styles ranging from Middle Eastern, rock, folk, country, jazz and blues. The band has released five studio and one live album. This song, Ya'alili, became a minor YouTube viral hit on its release, and can be found on the band's 2011 album Chasing Prophecy.

One of a Different Color: Golem and "My Horse"

For the next two weeks I will be in California helping care for my mom. However, because I am a fayner mensch, I have put together two weeks of random music to cover the daily song.

Today's random tune is from the band Golem and is called My Horse. A rock-klezmer band, Golem was created in 2000 in New York City by Annette Ezekiel Kogan, who serves as bandleader, vocalist and accordionist. The band describes their music as Eastern European Jewish folk-rock, and combines elements of rock, punk, and klezmer with lyrics in mainly English, Yiddish and Russian. The name of the band refers to the monster created out of clay to protect the Jewish people, and turned back to clay when it got out of control. The band calls themselves a collective monster that approaches traditional music with respect, but without timidity and resistance to change. My Horse can be found on Golem's 2014 CD Tanz.

Craving: [dunkelbunt] with Raf MC and Fanfare Ciocarlia and "The Chocolate Butterfly"

Today's random tune is by Ulf Lindemann, who goes by the stage name [dunkelbunt]. A German freelance musician, producer, bandleader and DJ, he is considered a pioneer in the fusion of electronic music with South European music, klezmer, jazz and swing. He is joined by Tanzanian artist Raf MC and Fanfare Ciocarlia, a 12 person Roma brass band known for their rendition of Born to be Wild on the film Borat. You can find this song, The Chocolate Butterfly, on the CD The Balkan Club Night (2011).

Globalquerque Video 8: Golem (Klezmer, United States)

Today's video captures a performance by klezmer band Golem from New York City, performing on the Plaza Mayor stage at the National Hispanic Cultural Center during Globalquerque 2014 on September 20th in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Golem was founded in 2000 by Annette Ezekial Kogan. They perform what they refer to as Eastern European folk punk, and their song are sung in Yiddish, English, and various Slavic languages. You can get a sense of their kinetic performance here.

I shot this on my Samsung Galaxy - good sound and video.

Renegade Violin: Nigel Kennedy with Kroke and "Kukush"

My day escaped from me today so I won't be able to give you a thoughtful essay related to today's artist and song. However, perhaps I will get a chance to explore the idea of being a renegade and rebel in the near future on another post. In the meantime, please enjoy today's tune, Kukush by Nigel Kennedy and Kroke.

Nigel Kennedy is a British violinist and violist who started in the classical tradition and later took up jazz, klezmer and other genres. As a child musical prodigy, he was invited to play with Stéphane Grapelli in a concert at age 16. He later played with classical luminaries Fritz Kreisler, Jascha Heifetz and Arthur Rubenstein. He recorded classical music based on rock songs by Jimi Hendrix and The Doors, and in the early 2000s began exploring klezmer music with the Polish band Kroke. He is often criticized for his approach to classical music and for what some see as an abrasive personality.

He plays this song with Kroke, a Polish band founded in 1992 that started as a klezmer band with strong Balkan influences and which currently draws on a variety of ethnic music and sounds of the Orient. Their music has brought them to the attention of people like Steven Spielberg, Peter Gabriel and Nigel Kennedy, with whom they wrote and recorded this song, Kukush, for their collaborative album East Meets West (released 2003), which consists of traditional material and original compositions drawing from Central and Eastern European traditions and Arabic influences.

Kukush showcases Kennedy's electric violin playing. Take a listen and feel like a renegade or rebel yourself!

Klezmer? I Hardly Know Er'! Sherele Klezmer Jazz Band Innovators and "Polka Dot Blues"

In my formerly limited world of music, I know that I heard klezmer music before.  But, I didn't know it had a name.  I had heard some of the Jewish traditional music from Eastern Europe, or fancied I did, through such things as Fiddler on the Roof, occasional holiday songs, and in other places.  In New Orleans I think I first heard the word klezmer, and it took me a while to associate it with those types of music, full of clarinet and violin and brass and performed in minor keys, that I thought of as Jewish.

The interesting thing about klezmer is that this traditional music originating mostly in Romania but also other eastern European areas and originally termed for its instrumentation, and then later used as a pejorative for the performers, came to the US shores and assimilated American jazz styles.  Much of the klezmer music we hear now in the US is this hybrid form of the traditional music and jazz.

So today's randomly selected song, and the group that performs it, is doubly interesting.  The Sherele Klezmer Jazz Band Innovators hail from Guadalajara, Mexico.  The ethnic makeup of the band is French, Mexican and Argentine and therefore they stand somewhat unique in the musical landscape of Mexico.  As such, the band feels that it represents the universality, diversity, and strength of human values and cultures through their music.  While starting from a traditional klezmer base, they incorporate jazz, Central and South American folklore, and rock music into their music, much as the first klezmer artists in this country coupled jazz with their traditional styles.

This song, Polka Dot Blues, is on the group's 2009 CD release Oy Mame Shein, Pickles Chiles and Jrein.  It was also included on the compilation CD Putumayo Presents: Jazz Around the World.