Music » Klezmer Folk Music

It would be impossible to overstate Abe Schwartz's influence on the development of klezmer music in America. He was a fine violinist and pianist, an excellent composer, an arranger who added modern instruments like saxophones and banjos to the Old World sound, and a bandleader with a nose for talent who helped launch the careers of Dave Tarras and Naftule Branwein, among others. The Klezmer King collects 25 tracks from the 75 or so sides that Schwartz recorded for Columbia between 1917 and 1935. Schwartz was remarkably versatile, and the selections include traditional dance tunes like "Roumanian Doina," Yiddish pop tunes such as "Die Greene Cousine," which was later a hit for Benny Goodman as "My Little Cousin," and sly social commentary like "Der Automobile." Also here are three versions of the old melody "Russian Sher," which were recorded in 1917, 1927, and 1935. Listening to them, you can trace Schwartz's style as it evolves from its European roots to a more American version of klezmer. The sound quality of these rare recordings is outstanding; there are almost no clicks, pops, or hiss to mar the music. The Klezmer King is an essential recording from one of the pioneers of New World klezmer. --Michael Simmons

Release Date: 1997-10-07, Audio CD, Sony

When Tanz! was released in 1955 its revolutionary blend of klezmer and swing failed to excite fans of either style and the LP promptly disappeared without a trace. Which was too bad because the record not only offered an intriguing vision of what klezmer could have become, it featured some of the finest playing by two of klezmer's most important figures, the legendary clarinet players Dave Tarras and Sam Musiker. The 14 tracks were arranged by Musiker, a Gene Krupa Band veteran, who skillfully combined the wild melodic flights and rhythmic drive of klezmer with the sophisticated harmonies of jazz. Tarras is one of those musicians whose playing is always wonderful, but on tracks like his composition "Tango," or the traditional tune "Gypsy," he seems particularly inspired by the innovative settings. Tanz! was unjustly ignored when it was realized in 1955. Don't make the same mistake with this reissue. --Michael Simmons

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KLOTZ (MZZ-SOP) / LEIPZIGER-JEWISH CHANTS AND SONGS

Release Date: 2003-09-30, Audio CD, Supraphon

Audio CD, Alpha Productions

Release Date: 1995-04-16, Audio CD, Ars Musici

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