Customer Reviews

Goyrl: Destiny

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This cd defies all categorization and all expectations. Wolf Krakowski uncovers early 20th century songs written out of passion, desparation, and joy -- and sung in Yiddish. Krakowski is a bluesy rocker, so both musically and lyrically these songs speak directly to us, in 21st century. His voice is sometimes smoky, sometimes plaintive, and often balls-out belting. He assembled top musicians from New York and all over New England. Listen for great Hammond B3 from Brian Mitchell (played for Bob Dylan), sax solos from rhythm and blues master Charles Neville, and a rhythm section that will get you out of your seat dancing from the second the laser hits the disk.

I saw Wolf Krakowski, the Lonesome Brothers and his backup singers in concert in Gainesville FL. It was like entering a strange and spooky world - the voices of a language almost never heard anymore, set to bluesy rhythms that rock gently. Now I own this album and the translation in the liner notes are testament to the pain, sadness and regret that are heard so plainly in Krakowski's voice. Songs of regrets over the loss of family, of parents treated badly, a calf on its way to slaughter, a thief who longs to change. Folk songs of enforced poverty and conscription. I love this album, and every time I listen to it, Krakowski's voice seems more expressive. This album is a labor of love, made in defiance against a world that may soon forget the circumstances that produced it, but the spiritual longings are still relevant and beautifully expressed.

I'm willing to experiment with non-traditional music, and recognize that not all the talent is mainstream big label. Stumbling on Krakowski was a big reward. He sings with a unique sentimentality - that after reading his bio, I understand. The instrumentals are great - I just wish Wolf had shorter hair, a yarmulke and tzitzis - I could also do without the female backups etc, which I end up skipping - oh well, maybe in the next Gilgul! I definitly recommend this CD - it is beautiful artistry - and music that touches the soul.