Tsuker-zis

Lorin Sklamberg (The Klezmatics) and Frank London (Klezmer Brass Allstars) collaborate here yet again, on Tsuker-zis (Sugar-Sweet). Both musicians have been central to developments in contemporary Jewish music over the last decades. This is their third recording (after Nigunim and The Zmiros Project) celebrating the Jewish spiritual tradition. The CD explores the repertoire of Jewish festival songs with an emphasis on the Hasidic tradition. Most tracks are in Hebrew, while some are in Yiddish.

Sklamberg (on vocals and accordion) and London (trumpet, horns and harmonium) are joined by Ara Dinkjian (oud, saz and cumbus), Deep Singh (tabla and dhol) and Knox Chandler (guitar, electronics). The expression of devotional joy in many tracks, particularly in the more contemplative pieces, is enhanced by the East-meets-West instrumental range of the musicians. The music alternates between more traditional-sounding or folk-like East European Jewish music and Eastern influences, resonating with an atmosphere of ancient cultures. The tasteful electric and eclectic sounds marry tradition with modernity.

Sklamberg’s warm vocal tones predominate while each musician displays his particular expertise. There are brief, wonderful instrumental solos throughout, although I found myself wishing for a little more oud and tabla. Some of the Yiddish variants of Jewish festival material here are particularly delightful, and the alphabetical, acrostic Hasidic song featured – in which the utterance of words contributes to the rhythmic lines – is especially exuberant. It is a pity that the liner notes are not more extensive given both the complexity of sources and tradition that the material draws upon. Tsuker-zis honours Jewish traditional musical treasures while sweetly and intuitively offering interpretations for a wider, contemporary audience.