Customer Reviews

At the Village Gate

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I highly recommend this CD to Carlebach fans, or those who want to hear what he was about (musically, at any rate). There are no stories on this album, which is actually OK with me because I only like to hear a story once or twice, whereas good music I'll replay over and over. This is also one of his earliest recordings, made when his voice was in much better shape than it was toward the end. But there are two reasons I strongly recommend this album, along with his other Vanguard recording "In the Palace of the King" over many others. One, is they are the only Carlebach recordings I've heard, having sampled about a dozen, that are recorded in first rate high fidelity. On a good system, he's practically in the room. Second, neither is plagued by the poor musical arrangements and wedding-band-quality studio players that spoil some of his later discs. The In the Palace disc is with full orchestra, perhaps a bit to lush and complex for the folky songs, but at least well executed. The present disc is mostly accoustic guitars and handclapping along with plenty of 1960s Village Gate ambiance that had me singing and stomping right along (thankfully no one else was home).

At one point in this marvelous CD, Reb Shlomo cries, "Let's tear a hole in heaven and let our souls rise up through it!" That's exactly what he, in collaboration with an extremely enthusiastic audience, proceeds to do. If your soul isn't moved by this recording, you may not possess one.

I literally wore out my old 33 1/3 record album of this live concert, and was delighted to find it re-issued on CD. This is early Shlomo at his exhuberant best, in the days when he was just beginning to reach out to alienated Jews back in the mid-60's. Granted, it lacks the polish of his later concerts in the 80's and 90's when he was being booked for more mainstream gigs in suburban synagogues -- but if you want to experience how it all started, then buy this CD!

I grew up with this album on reel-to-reel tape and never thought I'd find it on CD. Carlebach is one of the most profoundly moving singers to bring Jewish folk songs to the masses; his unpolished yet heartfelt style not only makes the songs accessible, but actually elevates them to folk art. An essential part of any collection.

This is one of the first and arguably among the best of the Shlomo Carlebach albums. It is, however,an early recording. As such, it does not include many of the stories or narratives that find their way, so beautifully onto the later albums. Still, however, it is a wonderful first taste- of what ultimately developed into a World wide revolution within Jewish music. It is an important album in every sense of the word, and should serve as a first installment on a collection. Those who are interested in further information and further exposure can and should contact any local Jewish book store- where they will also find copies of several related books-"Holy Brother," and "Shlomo Stories." An additional source of information if the Carlebach synagogue, Kehillat Jacob in Manhattan.

I like this cd very much. Songs are simple but very beautiful.

Athmospehere is emotional and real. Songs come from singers heart, really.

This is an upgrade from a vinyl LP to a CD. The record is warp and scratchy so buying this CD and hearing the music without distortion was wonderful. This has been a favorite for a very long time, the songs old friends. I bought a record player last year so that I could listen to my LP but there's nothing like a CD. I like to get up in the morning and start my day with a spiritual twist. I sing along and know the songs well since I have been enjoying Village Gate for a long time. My very favorite track is #8, V'Zocher because I feel the soul of Shlomo's voice. I like the voice range of this song and the tambourine sounds. Sholmo is happy and bouncy, if I'm allowed to say a Lubavitch Rebbi can be bouncy. Yeah! he definitely has kavanah and his music makes it possible for me to start the day in a joyous frame of mind. The music on this CD is happy, fun and spiritual.

Shlomo has become the heart and soul of Jewish music, even in the synagogue. His melodies are now 'davvaned' in places which once cursed him.

He was without question a musical genius whose depth of soul is reflected in every note and word he sings. In this early music one can already hear that longing, that love which so touches the listener. His voice is not great, but the feeling it conveys goes well beyond what is ordinarily given in most singing. He has the holy in him, the nearness to and longing for G-d. And he conveys that to us, so sweetly, so beautifully.

Oy heilegen Shlomo what would we do without your music?