This is an album that does pretty much what it promises, and highlights a number of the main players in the klezmer revival that's now been going on for a quarter of a century. So, along with the Klezmatics, who are committed to a new klezmer sound, there are acts like Budowitz and the Klezmer Conservatory Band, who looks back to more classical 19th century klezmer -- before it crossed the Atlantic and grew wild and jazzy in America. There's plenty of variety, like the mandolin of "Flatbush Waltz," but throughout there's a strong sense of Jewish identity and some superb playing (kudos to many clarinet players). A couple of omissions -- David Krakauer and Kroke -- stand out, and at times the compilation seems to be stretching a bit with major names in the field, although perhaps that's more an indication that it's a very small field. Still, for anyone interested in discovering klezmer, this is a fine place to begin. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 –German Goldenshtayn : Moldavian Freylakhs
2 –Chava Alberstein, The Klezmatics : Ovnt Lid
3 –Joel Rubin Jewish Music Ensemble : Vinnitsa
4 –Brave Old World : Makh Tsi Di Eygelekh
5 –Di Naye Kapelye : Schwartz's Sirba/A Briv Fun Yisroel
6 –Giora Feidman : Dancing With The Rabbi
7 –Sid Beckerman, Howie Leess : Ot Azoy
8 –Zmiros Project : Veshomru
9 –Konsonans Retro : Khasitsky Tanets And Horo
10 –The Kharkov Klezmer Band : Belkele
11 –Steven Greenman : Odessa Freylekhs
12 –Yale Strom, Hot Pstromi : Cafe Jew Zoo
13 –Veretski Pass : Tatarisher Longa
14 –Budowitz : Tsu Der Khupe
15 –Klezmer Conservatory Band : Mayn Ershte Vals
16 –Andy Statman : Flatbush Waltz
17 –Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars, Kol Isha : T'hay Yeshua Zoys
18 –Merlin Shepherd Kapelye : Ode To Favouritism And Corruption
