Customer Reviews

Art of Klezmer Clarinet

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think Margot Leverett really understands the Klezmer tradition at a very deep level. When I first heard this recording I was reminded of those scratchy 78 transfers of early Klezmer that I have been listening to. Her playing and the arrangements on the CD show a careful and studied analysis of the practice of the earliest known Klezmer recordings. She is clearly aware of the way Klezmer musicians arrange and perform the music and she is especially in touch with the old Eastern European approaches to the music. She captures the feel, the essence of those recordings in a way that not too many other contemporary Klezmer artists have (Budowitz is another group that has done this historical re-creation well). The big plus here is her sound. Her clarinet technique is quite impressive. Her tone, phrasing, and attack are gorgeous and, once again, in line with what many of the earliest Klezmer clarinetists practiced. As for the recordings, what I like is that she makes medleys out her tracks, also a typical traditional Klezmer practice. She begins the album with a slow free-rhythmic doina. This allows her to express herself and set a mood. She then brings the band into time with the Gasn Nigun, a classic Klezmer Hora. Listen to how the band feels that 3 pulse. The band then leaps into a Bulgar which is a typical Klezmer 2-beat groove. The band that accompanies Leverett really locks in with her and gives the music a terrific Klezmer lilt. If I have one complaint about this recording its that it is clearly a soloists album. Leverett doesn't give a heck of a lot of room to feature the other players. They get their moments in the cracks between her phrases or in subtle ways behind her. I suppose that this is understandable, given that the album is called The Art of Klezmer Clarinet and is designed to be a feature for Leverett's playing. Nevertheless, she has such an incredibly hot group of players with her that I wish I could have heard more of them. After the Bulgars comes another hora and then a frenetic piece called Oy Tate S'iz Gut. This piece has some great Klezmer drumming on it. In fact, the accompanying ensemble, as I've indicated, gives Leverett an enormous amount of energy and drive to play off of. It's a perfect set of music for anyone first getting into the music or who has a deep appreciation for the earlier European style of Klezmer.

This CD is a beautiful presentation of the klezmer style, especially as it's expressed through the clarinet. Margot's playing is exquisite as well as her accompanying musicians. Can hardly wait for her next release.....

If you are on a desert Island and have to choose only one recording to summarize Yiddish klezmer, may I suggest this outstanding disc. It somehow serves as a metaphor for what Jewish means.

Anyone who loves the early American klezmer genius of Abe Schwartz, Naftule Brandwein or Dave Tarras will also love this CD. Clearly, Margot Leverett has studied them all, and she includes many of their favorite numbers in her medleys.

There is passion in these notes, which emulates the old style but incorporates the phrasing and art of the American klezmer greats as well.

Of course, listeners with no knowledge of the greats will love this music too. It's simply fabulous. And no prior understanding is required to recognize the gift of this clarinet artist and her group.

This CD is good for those who like clarinet music. There are a few annoying songs, but besides that it is OK. I give it 3 stars, no more, no less. I apologize for not having any comments, but I guess all you can do is buy it and see what it's all about for yourself.