Profile - The Klezical Tradition

Purchasing Info

The Klezical Tradition is a small (but perfectly formed!) klezmer band of five core members, augmented to seven when needed. They are especially noted for their authentic period style of performance, covering the period of roughly the late 19th century to the 1930s which they bring alive brilliantly with their music. Their repertoire covers klezmer tunes as well as Yiddish folk, theatre and cabaret song.

Led by its music director Adrianne Greenbaum, one of the most gifted and outstanding flautists in any genre of our time, renowned both for her classical as well as klezmer performances, and also an accomplished pianist and tsimblist, The Klezical Tradition is a tight, finely tuned ensemble. A great musical intimacy is evident among the group members. Adrianne Greenbaum and her fellow "Klezicals", Fraidy Katz (vocals), Walter Mamlok (clarinet), Cookie Segelstein (violin), and Gary Ribchinsky (drums), just "gel" uncommonly beautifully. Each of these players is a virtuoso of superb musicianship in his or her own right, but together the ensemble exceeds the sum of its parts.

The Klezical Tradition's music is vibrant with all the emotions that are so particularly important in klezmer, Yiddish song, and Jewish music in general, covering the whole spectrum from deep sadness to supreme exuberance. Even through the basically sterile medium of recording, The Klezical Tradition manage to reach out and engage the listener almost on a one-to-one level, in some kind of musical/spiritual dialogue. And they obviously hugely enjoy themselves in what they do.
 

© 2003 Rainlore's World of Music/Rainlore

Other Info

See also separate profile of Adrianne Greenbaum