The first thing you’ll notice about this album is that the mixing and arrangements aren’t top notch. It seems like it was a low budget cd, which in understandable in these tough economic times. However, I’m here to tell you not to overlook this album, because you could be missing out on the album of the year. Sure, it didn’t have a crazy amount of advertising or a flashy cover, but what it does have is raw talent when it comes to vocals. Yoni Stern is by far my favorite child soloist period.

The album was made in Toronto and features some great Toronto based singers, such as Abie Rotenberg, Shlomo Simcha, ABD, and Yonatan Shlagbaum. Promise me you won’t overlook this album, it is seriously a solid album.

FYI, for all you doubters out there, listen to how good Yoni’s voice, despite not having music behind him. LINKY

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Yosis Olayich – I don’t think I’ve ever heard such a catchy, upbeat Yosis Olayich before this song. It’s a very happy song. There’s really no other way to describe it. The mix of the upbeat notes and Stern’s gorgeous, angelic-like voice is incredible. This is also the first time I’ve heard a Yosis Olayich with a hora beat. This song happens to be a great opener and is really the signature for what lays in store for you throughout this album. Yummy, chocolatey goodness (minus the chocolate of course).

Ashira Lashem – There are so many good slow songs on this album, but this one is definitely in my top two, it’s really too close to tell. From the beautiful refrain which makes you close your eyes and sway your head back and forth softly, to the high part that makes you sing along, this song has footing. It’s easily one of the best slow songs I’ve heard this year and it definitely helps that the vocalists are Stern and the sweet, cantorial-like voice of Shlomo Simcha. A+ job.

Hodur Noeh - Insert ABD. The group that featured Yoni Stern on their album. By no means was the ABD album a knockout album like this one, but it was a solid album and the free download they had of Oleinu, which featured Yoni Stern has been on the top of my acapella playlist since it came out. This track is another beautiful song. It’s a bit long (7 and a half minutes), but you don’t notice it as much as you do other songs that are the same length. It’s just a solid, all-around, great song.

Kulom – Yeehaw! I dare you to think anything else when you first listen to this song. The entire track sounds as if it were something off a country music album, without all the losing your house, spouse and car stuff… The lyrics are a bit weak, but the composition itself is nice, which makes up for them.

Ezras – Just when you thought it couldn’t get better then the duo of Yoni Stern and Shlomo Simcha, in comes Abie Rotenberg, the other part of Aish (Abie and Shlomo Simcha). Abie’s soothing voice brings out this gorgeous melody and makes it one of my top 3 favorite slow songs on this album. Of all the songs, I think Stern sounds best on this one. The song packs a lot of depth to it, which he brings out with his powerful, yet sweet voice.

Mimamakim – When I first heard this song, I was a bit turned off. There is just a lack of solid music in this track. The whole first part of the song sounds like an acapella song, but it doesn’t have enough vocals to fill it. Once I heard the choir the second time around, it clicked. It has a great campfire or camp alma-matter feel to it. Overall, not one of my favorites on the album.

Pesach Libi – This is the third slow song in a row. It’s apparent that Yoni’s strong point is when he sings a slow song, allowing you to hear the sheer power and beauty of his voice. Still, it’s a bit of an overdosage of slow songs. I hope you’re relaxing when listening to this album, because exercising is not an option.

Yonatan Shlagbaum is the guest vocalist on this song. He was the Oorah contest winner of 2009. He sounds great and I hope to hear more from him in the future. I spoke to him about a year ago at a wedding and he said that he had something in the works. Let’s hope to hear more from him soon.

Although this is not one of my favorite songs on the album, it features my favorite part of any song on the album. Listen to 6:55 on this track to hear what I’m talking about. Last thought. Does anyone else think the low part of this song sounds a bit like Psach Libi from the Miami Boys Choir?

Tzur Mishelo – I absolutely love this song. I sing it every week at my shabbos table since it came out. So glad it’s a Friday night zemer, because I needed a good one; there aren’t enough of them. The harmonies, the music, the song itself, they all sound great. Tzur Mishelo is one of my favorite songs of the year and my favorite song on this album. Do not overlook this one.

B’sheim Hashem – While I said I hadn’t claimed a favorite slow song on the album, I really think this one is the best and the simplest of them all. Actually, it’s the simplicity that attracts me to it. The lyrics are beautiful and the tune and music fit them like a glove. If you can get by all the extra music on this track (which there is), and listen to the beautiful words, I guarantee you’ll be blown away.

Oleinu – I don’t think any review is necessary for this track. We’ve all heard it before. We’ve all downloaded it prior to buying this album. I wish they would put another new track on this album and not a repeat. Usually, the minimum requirement for tracks on an album are 10, and if you want to throw a previously released track on the album, then you would give it as the 11th track. It’s a gorgeous song, but I’m a bit disappointed.

Here’s a link, go buy it now – LINKY

Some more links to videos of Yoni Stern singing.

Yoni Stern and Baruch Levine LINKY

Yoni Stern singing at a wedding LINKY

Yoni Stern singing Miami’s Yaaleh Veyavoh LINKY (listen to his power in this one).

It’s been a while since I posted. I know, I know, shame on me. It’s been a hectic summer, which lead right up until now, the chaggim. I hope this article settles your reading hunger for the time being. And look, I even drew a little cartoon for you above to show that I’m sorry for the wait.

Let’s face it, we’re in the generation of the mp3 player.

There’s the iPod and all of it’s copycats out there. It’s in your co-workers purse, in your kids dresser drawers (or more likely, on the floor where it shouldn’t be) and I’ve even seen a mailman strolling down the block with his mail cart bopping his head to the music blaring from his mp3 player. And don’t forget about the stroller pushing stay-at-home mom; nothing like listening to a new cd (how much longer will that term last?) and getting herself and the baby out of the house. Kill two birds with one stone anyone?

My point is that mp3 and downloading have become mainstream. But what about the Judaica stores who received the profits that kept them open from selling cd’s?

Tough luck, right?

Maybe. But I’ve had this plan in the back of my mind for some time now. I don’t know if it’s at all possible, but why not?

Perhaps Judaica stores could install MP3 booths? Sounds stupid, I know. People can just download the songs from the comfort of their own home, why go out to do something you can do at home? What if the Judaica store had its very own “JMR” reviewer or any knowledgable Jewish music listener as an employee there. Then it could be worth it.

I’ve seen it before and I’ve seen it almost every time. The majority of Jewish music buyers, or perhaps even all music buyers, don’t know what to buy. Sure, we can go on mostlymusic.com and listen to the preview and read the beautiful write up on the upcoming cd, but does that really compare to a knowledgeable person or friend’s opinion? Whether or not the preview or the write up is true, in the back of our minds, we’re thinking that of course the preview sounds good, they selected the best 8 seconds of each song and tried to push that; or, of course the write up looks great, the writer was probably paid to write it (which, by the way is what is so great about JMR for the readers, we don’t get paid a dime. Trust me, you should see my bank account, we just love Jewish music… a lot.

The fact is, it would be super cool to have an ATM-like machine in Judaica stores with a list of downloadable music available. You could swipe your card, plug in your flash drive and download the music. How great is that? That’s not all, like I said before, you would be able to ask a employee of the store for his opinions on albums. Of course you would be able to listen to the full songs from the mp3 list (the terms cd and album have really become obsolete…) in the store on the cd racks next to the machine. You know what you’re getting. No more, would be the days of listening to 8 sec previews. We want to listen to the full song before we buy it, right?

What would be even cooler is a review button on the machine that shows reviews from your very own JMR. Not only do you get to listen to the full cd before buying it, you get to read full length reviews, ask questions from a knowledgable employee, and take in the whole being in the outside world experience. Remember the outside world? The days before the internet? Go listen to music at the store, shmooze with the other people listening. Communication is a wonderful thing.

I know this article is a little outside the box, but that’s probably because I’m a little outside the box. Hope you enjoyed it, and I would love to hear some feedback. Just drop me a comment below.

Have a great new year!

I reviewed Yavoh, which seemed liked yesterday to me, I’m surprised how fast this new album came out. I know it’s been two years, but after a successful album, you usually want to take your time and really tweak the follow up album so that it has much success as the previous one.

I see that Yerachmiel Begun followed the same format as the last album except for one slight mistake. Miami Yavoh had a killer 1-2-3 punch with Ayoim V’Noirah, Me’im Hashem & Yavoh. Only after these 3 songs did he introduce a slow song (Mheira). This time around he has Shema Yisrael, Mi LaHashem Eilai and… Yosis? Yosis belonged at number 4 behind Vtahair which is similar to Yavoh. His song order choice killed the flow for me.

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Shema Yisrael - I like the combination of Hebrew and Yiddish in this song, it has the same rhythm as Ayoim V’Noirah from the last album and it’s a great opener, giving me high hopes for this album.

Mi La’Hashem Ailai - The intro is ridiculously long, but the song itself is a good song. Not as good as Me’im Hashem, the English song from Yavoh, but it’s good. My favorite part is the wordless section of this song. Towards the end, the lyrics turn into “Lai Lai’s”, and it’s very “pretty”.

Yosis – Despite my comments in the beginning, I want everyone to know that I happen to really like this song, I just think it’s in the wrong place. I know I shouldn’t pick favorites, but I like Sol Ayal’s voice the most of any of the soloists. He sings the second solo in this song. This song has potential to be sung during dinner at weddings, let me know if you hear it!

V’taher- This is my favorite song on the album. It has the same camp like, cheer song feel to it, much like Yavoh. Listen to Sol Ayal again, he has the first solo, it’s a really clear, sweet voice, without any whine or croak-like sound to it. I would definitely like to see this on the next Step-It-Up game!

Ashrai – This is hand down, my least favorite song on the album. It’s not a bad song by any means, I just feel that it doesn’t go anywhere. The best part about this song is the cool ending.

Torah Tavlin – Talk about a long song… 7 Minutes, really? Hard to find time like that unless you’re in the car or in the kitchen. This is the staple Torahdike (no pun intended) song on Miami albums. I like that Begun tries to incorporate meaningful and thought-provoking songs in his albums. He keeps Jewish music, Jewish. If you have 7 minutes, it happens to be a gorgeous song.

Oh Hashem – Of course, after the heartfelt song comes the techno beat? It’s a 5:33 second song, but the first minute is a seriously long intro. This song is fantastic. I don’t think I have ever heard a good fast English song until now. The soloists are amazing, and the harmonies are outstanding.

Hatov – This song has been in a friend of mine’s  since the Pesach concert, and now it’s finally available to listen to over and over. However, I warn you, this is a tediously slow song, but good. Thank G-d he kept it relatively short (under 5 minutes). The chorus is the real bread and butter of this song and it goes on and on and on, sounding better each time; unless you’re my wife, who doesn’t want to hear it for the 1,000th time.

Melech – This song reminds me of Galei (Yavoh) and Revach. It has that pumping hora beat, but unfortunately it’s not as good as either one of those songs. Also, there’s a part of the song where the soloist is a tad bit too high and it hurts my ears every time. It’s not his fault, he’s an amazing soloist, but the part that was given to him was a bad choice.

Ki Lecha – You have to be a hardcore Miami fan to really enjoy this one. It’s long and drawn out, much like Torah Tavlin, but it’s not as good of song, which is probably why it’s the tenth song on the album.

Ad Musai – Begun brings back the classic Miami sound with this song. It sounds as if it came off the Yerushalayim or Simcha Song album. It’s not an amazing song, but it’s nice to hear the classic sound, it make you want to listen to the older stuff.

Mi La’Hashem Ailai (Hebrew) – On this track we hear the debut of the Eretz Yisrael (Miami) Boys Choir. They sing the title track in Ivrit. Nothing Special. The Soloists are pretty good, but not as good as the American soloists.

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Final Note: This is a great album. In my opinion, it’s not as good as Yavoh, but it has definitely grown on me fast. The edge it has over Yavoh is the soloists. This album has possibly the best combo of soloists in Miami history.

Shalsheles Jr. 2

It’s nice to hear that Shalsheles Jr. is back and with more than just a single or guest appearance. With the passing of time, the former soloists voices have become to mature. Subsequently, there’s a new batch of children on this cd, including singing shensation Dovid Dachs, The rich mature voice of Avrumy Schwebel, the young and sweet voice of CJ Glicksman, and the pure voice of Edan Pinchot.

This time around, Shloime Kaufman, leader of the HASC choir and an incredibly talented singer in his own right leads the Shalsheles Jr. quartet. I must say, as good as Simcha Sussman, the leader on the last album was, Kaufman clearly brings experience with an arsenal of talented choir arrangements and is definitely an improvement from the last album.

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Raninu – Although the refrain sounds a lot like Hodu from Shalsheles 3, this song is quite the improvement from the typical refrain and chorus. This song has many parts to it and I don’t believe any of these parts are overused. A great opener!

Aleinu – Avrumy Schwebel opens this song, the maturity in his voice is unique in a child’s voice and every time I hear it, it grows on me more. Edan Pinchot come in at 2:04 and you can hear for yourself how pure sounding his voice is. At 2:42, the song includes a third part in addition to the refrain and chorus, keeping the song interesting.

Nar Hayesee – The great songs continue! Disagree with me if you’d like, but this song seems to have the same sound as Hisoriree from the first album by Shalsheles Jr. This song opens up with Dovid Dachs (I think?) and then goes into Edan Pinchot at 0:58. They tend to sound similar when they sing the refrain. Not to take away from Glicksman and Scwebel, but I think Dachs and Pinchot are the ultimate duo in Jewish music. I love the interlude at 2:39. Once again, the interlude saves the song and keeps it from getting boring. The last thing to notice in this song is the crazy good arrangements. I think they are Aryeh Kunstlers?

Heyma – “WOW” is all I have to say about this song. It’s hands down, the best slow song on the album. Dovid Dachs and CJ Glicksman do a great job on the chorus the 2nd time around. And to complete the song, Shloime Kaufman sings towards the end of the song and provides some other worldly harmonies behind the vocalists.

Ma Tovu – The intro is a bit funky, but the song in its entirety has a mix of great vocals and music. To continue the comparison and the similarities between the first and second album, this song has the same feel as Yevarech. The harmonies sounds very similar to the first album and I’m impressed, yet not surprised in Shloime Kaufman’s choir arrangements.

Shema Koleinu – This tune fits the lyrics of Shema Koleinu and the gorgeous harmonies have the ability to tug at your heartstrings. I would’ve liked to have heard Schwebel sing the chorus of this song. I feel that his voice is best suited for this song.

Shalsheles Medley – I didn’t appreciate the medley on the first album and there’s no change in my opinion with this track. We heard how well this group of kids sang Yofyafisa, why not try something similar in this medley? How about Keil Hakavod from the 4th album, Mi Chamocha or Ashrei Ish from the 5th album?

Ani Maamin – I love the flow of this song and Avrumy Scwebel’s vocals in the first part of this song. Great choice! The harmonies are crazy good at the 2:06 verse. It blows my mind how they came up with such great harmonies for this album.

Refainu – This is one song that still has not grown on me. I love the refrain, but the chorus is a bit dull for my taste. Also, I hope i don’t ruin the song for anyone else, but every time I hear the strings (harp?) in the back (such as 1:54), I feel like I’m in some kind of dream sequence or something. The harmonies at 2:14 are the only harmonies in this entire album that bother me. I think if they eliminated the things that I just ranted about, this song would be improved a lot.

Yofyafisa – This track is taken straight off of A.K.A. Pella Platinum. A bit disappointing for a 10 track album to have a repeat on it. Still, this song is amazing and the best part about it, is that you can listen to it during sefira (yes, I know not everyone holds of acapella or this type of acapella). While it’s incredibely talented that they were able to mix this song with a secular song, it’s still a little disconcerting that they chose to do so.

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Great album. 7.5 out of 10. I gave 1 point for each song I liked and a half a point for the reused song. So, for those who haven’t heard yofyafisa before, it’s really an 8 out of 10.

Zevi Kaufman is a newcomer on the scene of Jewish music. If the last name sounds familiar, that’s because it belongs to singer Shloime Kaufman, Zevi’s cousin. Zevi has a mixture of styles on his album ranging from yeshivish to borderline Jewish music. He does push the boundaries on some songs, but no more than artists like Eli Gerstner or Matisyahu do. What’s interesting to note, is that the “yeshivish” sounding songs were composed by Zevi’s father, while the rest were composed by Zevi himself.

The album has a mixture of arrangers, including Aryeh Kunstler and Ian Freitor (No Lyrics – Benny Friedman). There are a number of guest vocalists, including Zevi’s father and younger brother, as well as Jewish music veterans Aryeh Kunstler and Shloime Kaufman.

For me, the album had its up and downs. The compositions are absolutely stunning and so are the arrangements. It was Zevi’s voice, which I thought was great the majority of the time, but has a tendency to be whiny sometimes. With that said, I still believe the album is worth buying even if it’s just for the quality of the compositions and music.

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Ma Tovu – Everyone has to have a “Ma Tovu” on their album, right? Kaufman’s intro song is rocked up and comes out of the gate with a bang. His vocals on the refrain are stunning and the chorus, although a little whiny, is still good. The song itself is a bit repetitive, much like the redundancy in the words in this sentence. Zevi throws in a auto-tune sounding 3rd part of the song at 2:37, which is the high point of the song, followed by a rock solid guitar solo.

Nafalti – Nafalti is easily the best slow song on the album. It starts out sounding like a typical slow tempo, but then out of nowhere at 0:37 the tempo picks up to more of a jogging beat and I gobbled up every second of this song, besides one small part, which I’m sure you can guess if you’ve heard this song before. The arrangements, lyrics and vocals are top notch in this song and it’s by far Kaufman’s most talented composition. In the middle of the song, Kaufman decides to go into a reggae sounding piece, which threw me off and I’ve learned to appreciate, but I still think is unnecessary. Shloime Kaufman’s vocals for the last thirty-two seconds of the songs are outstanding.

Music – The title track has some great lyrics, there are just some parts of the song that which I have trouble with, mainly the part that bridges the refrain and the chorus (1:52 – 1:58). Also, Zevi’s father’s voice seems to be out of place. It almost sounds as if it was recorded at a lesser quality. Lastly, the song is a bit long at six minutes and thirty-three seconds. It could have been two minutes shorter and had been perfect.

Shomer Yisroel – This song has a striking resemblance to Shomer Yisrael from Vhavienu 3, which featured Aryeh Kunstler, the arranger behind this track. However, this is a bit different and is a faster paced version. The acoustic guitar on this track sounds fresh and is a pleasure to the ears. Everything about this song screams goodness. From beginning to end, I have no complaints and only praise.

Clock – A great composition. Amazing lyrics. Amazing vocals by both Zevi and Shloime Kaufman. But what’s with the abuse of auto-tune? Shloime sounds good with the auto-tune, but it increases Zevi’s whine. Why not just use it on one part of the song? Why the entire song? It’s such a beautiful song and has a great meaning. I would like Zevi and Shloime to re-release this song without the auto-tune.

Pischu and Lecha Dodi – These two songs were composed by Zevi’s father*. They are beautiful shabbos table songs, but they seem out of place on this album. It’s a completely different genre and it doesn’t suit Zevi’s voice as well.

On My Way – Hello Aryeh Kunstler! This track sounds like it was ripped off of one of Kunstler’s two albums and that’s a good thing… a really good thing. Kunstler does guest vocals in addition to the arrangements and guitars and everything else. Zevi’s vocals even have that “Kunstler rasp” sound on his voice. This song is hands down the best song on the album. Everything just flows and fly’s and all those other good words. There’s nothing to criticize on this song… I’m just sayin’.

Akavia – Arranged by Ian Freitor, it’s quite obvious that there was a master arranger behind this song. The refrain has you feeling the beat in your heart and the rhythm throughout your body. Then it just flows into the chorus which takes you to a higher realm of music; I’m talking about high quality here. This song is a close runner up to number one on the album. The track’s freshness and liveliness has a great beat that keeps you going and makes you want to dance. It would be nice to see this song featured on “Step it Up – The Jewish Dance Game“. Perhaps when they put out a second version. Finally, Zevi’s younger brother, Yechiel, sounds amazing!

Closer – This song encompasses the entire album, hence the name “closer”. It’s making a statement; that this album is different than your typical Jewish music album. Zevi Kaufman has set a new style and has followed in the footsteps of Benny Friedman’s debut album. How so? Both albums delivered fresh and exciting tracks with amazing lyrics, arrangements, etc. There was no recycling of old songs. For me, this album, along with Benny Friedman’s debut album, which are two very different genres, set the bar for the rest of the JM world.

Zevi didn’t hold himself back with these tracks, neither should you. As a Jewish music lover, this album should be a part of your collection. Go out and buy it or download it from mostlymusic.com

* also composed by the late Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yissachar Shlomo Rothchild zt”l

Make sure to check out a new single “Final Say” released by Zevi Kaufman, which you can download for FREE from mostlymusic.com.

Guest Review by JM Darcuh

Overall: There is a great selection of slow and meaningful songs on the album. The soloists all have good control over their strong voices. What’s unique about the album is that the soloists are boys and the choir that joins some of the songs are made up of men. Usually it’s the other way around. It’s refreshing to hear it this way.

Yerachmiel Begun has been waiting 5 years to put this album out and while the songs may not be new and exciting, the album itself has new arrangements for each song of a higher quality then that can be said of most of the previous arrangements for these songs. It was worth the wait and this album is a nice addition to the Miami collection.

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1. Lo Yovo

A little whiny, but it’s evident that the whine in his voice is from him trying to be as emotional as he can be when singing. The song is a little too long though for being so repetitive with its lyrics. Then again, the whine makes sense if he’s trying to copy Avraham Fried’s version of the song. However, Fried manages to cry and whine without taking away from his songs.

2. Al Tirah

Personally, I’ve always loved a different tune of Al Tirah (Kol Noar did a good job on on that one), yet this one is also very good. The singer’s voice is very soft and sweet. I’m not sure if it’s the song’s arrangements or if it’s the singer, but whatever it is, the song really reaches the listener’s Neshama.

3. Anovim

A 50 second intro is usually too long for me, but didn’t seem too long with this song because it really lead nicely into it. The soloist has such power and control. This song is a constant request at weddings and there is yet to be a version of it better than MBD’s version on Yossi Green’s “The 8th Note”.

4. Mama Rochel

Sorry Shwekey, but someone has managed to out sing you on your own song. Absolutely incredible! the singer does a magnificent job keeping to the original song yet making it his own. He’s very clear in pronouncing all his words; i always had a hard time making out many of the words when Shwekey sang. It’s totally worth waiting till the end of the song to hear the singer at 6:46. He has such a range and this part captures his talent at his best.

5. Ani Maamim

Here’s a deep, steady voice – totally made for an Abie song. There are so many different tunes for Ani Maamim, and this voice really fits this particular tune. At 1:06 it shows his range. He can sing all parts fo the song without his voice faltering. Another song that goes straight to the Neshama.

6. Vezakeini

He did a good job singing this Baruch Levine song, yet I think his voice was stretched a bit for it. Baruch Levine has a range that most people don’t have the pleasure of having, and to try to match it proved costly here.

7. Bilvavi

This is the only song that starts with the choir. The singer makes a very smooth transition from it to singing solo. What power! Another Neshama tugger!

8. Torah Hakdasha

Arrangements are so good that you hear the lyrics even when there’s no singer but just music playing. The singer really gets into the song and that comes out through how much power it seems he puts behind each individual word that he sings. At 2:48 the choir comes in. It’s great timing, for it breaks up the song nicely. There’s a good balance between the individual singer and the men’s choir. This song was definitely one of MBD’s most heartfelt songs.

9. Mi Haeish

I’ve always recognized  and admitted the power it takes to sing a song like this one with such emotion. However, this song has never tugged on my heartstrings, rather it has tugged at my brain, inducing a headache. Shaul Elson, the soloist did a fantastic job on this album with the other songs he sang. It is almost unfair that this song was given to him, tarnishing his perfect score. The song sounds choppy vocally (not technically) and seems to go on and on. The good news is, this is really the only song that didn’t appeal to me on the album.

10. Vehi Sheamdah

Should we show up Shwekey again? Well at least we can try. It’s like a mini Shwekey! You can tell he’s trying to sing like Shwekey with the cry in his voice. 3:25 really shows the control he has over his voice. While you my have heard this song on every recent simcha album and at every wedding, it’s always nice to have a recording of a child to add to the Vehi Sheamdah collection on iTunes.

Torah Academy of Buffalo Grove presents Jewish Unity 2010 Hanukah Concert on Sunday November 21, 2010 at 3:30 PM. Starring Lenny Solomon of Shlock Rock and the Moshe Skier Band.

Shlock Rock is a Jewish Rock Band that teaches Jewish ideas through music using song parodies, original music in both English and Hebrew and children’s songs. Lenny Solomon started the ball rolling in 1986 and since then the band has released more than 30 amazing albums! Shlock Rock has gone where no Jewish bands have gone before: Trivial Pursuit, Imus in the Morning, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and Entertainment Tonite. Most important of all, Shlock Rock has gone straight to the hearts of Jewish families everywhere.

Lenny Solomon now resides with his family in Israel. Dr. Moshe Skier, one of the original members of Shlock Rock, has his own successful band. He lives and practices in Milwaukee, WI. The concert will take place on Torah Academy’s campus located at Congregation Beth Am at 225 McHenry Rd in Buffalo Grove, Illinois (45 mins outside of West Rogers Park). This concert will be enjoyed by all – children, teenagers and adults. To purchase tickets please call 224-353-7791, visit the school’s website at www.torahacademybg.com.torahacademybg.com

There’s been a lot of downtime in the Jewish music industry. This time of year appears to be the great depression for Jewish music artists. Chanukah is usually the birth of new albums, just in time for people to make a new purchase as a chanukah gift to themselves or to an other. Regardless, there’s some new music on the horizon, which we all pray will be refreshing and uplifting.

However, I don’t want to focus on the new albums, let’s recap on the recent releases.

Benny Friedman - Berachamim Single. The beautiful voice of Benny Friedman, a composition by the multi-talented Ari Goldwag and the gorgeous background vocals of Yitzy spinner. Yet, the best part is that buy purchasing this single, you are giving tzedakah to help the family of Ilan Tocker, a Cedarhurst, NY man who has a serious brain injury.

Shauli - Ahavta Otanu (click the flash player on the bottom of the screen). I previously wrote about the talents of Shauli. A composer, singer, arranger who put together his own album on a low budget, and still managed to sound great. He has some great compositions on his debut album, Simcha Bilibi. Well now, he’s come out with a new single which uplifts the soul and warms the heart.

Everyone - Unity Single. What do you get when you take major voices in Jewish music and combine them together to sing a classic MBD song with a twist? You get the Unity single, like Benny Friedman’s single, is only a dollar and benefits the fund to liberate Sholom Rubashkin.

Omek Hadavar - Mekor Chaim. We seem to have an addition to the alternative Jewish music scene. I haven’t had the chance to listen to this album in its entirety, only the sample. If I would be blessed with a copy of the cd, I can give a review on what sounds like a great album.

Avraham Fried - Hu Yivneh. Nothing like the sweet and powerful voice of Benny Friedman’s uncle, Avraham Fried. “In this song he comforts the sole survivor, Dotzi Gottstein, of the harrific car-train crash which killed his entire family”.

Shmuel Mashiach - Shema Koleinu. Never heard of Mr. Mashiach before, but he kind of sounds like a cross between Gertner and Dovid Stein. He has a single available for $1.50. Listen and see if you like it.

—

That sort of puts an end to the recent releases. Obviously, Shalsheles 5 and Dovid Gabay’s new album were covered by the bigger sites and need no mini recap. On the horizon is Yisroel Werdyger’s new album “Ashirah Vazamrah“, which happens to be the only upcoming cd with a projected release date (11.22.10). I know that Pruzansky should be releasing an album soon as well. Rumor has it, it’s entitled MP3 (michoel pruzansky 3). Nothing else to report really. Let’s hope a lot more information is released on upcoming albums, and soon…

(Reposted from JM Derech)

Yitzchak Rosenthal is back with his expert compositions for Shalsheles V. Although the group remains intact, Simcha Sussman is now recording from Israel, his new home.

Shalsheles has always been known to be “bed time music.” It’s relaxing, refreshing and not in your face. Last album, they changed that style with Yufyafisa and Kel Hakavod and fans were eating it up. A.K.A. Pella made a remix of Yufyafisa not once, but twice (with the help of Shalsheles Jr). In this album, you’ll find songs like Ashrei Ish, Mi Chamocha and Me She’asah, which add a fresh, modern day feel that’s constantly missing in Jewish music.

As Jews, we live by our heritage. We keep it intact and pass the mesorah down from generation to generation. However, the style that is Jewish music is not a mesorah, it is music from 30 years ago. It’s just outdated music. Slowly, musicians are starting to realize that in order to appeal to the younger crowds, they need to change their music. By doing so, they are not breaking a mesorah, they are just breaking a bad habit of staying with outdated music. I’m glad to see that Shalsheles clearly notices that Jewish music is evolving and needs to. They have shown this by bringing in Aryeh Kunstler’s musical talents to the third song, Ashrei Ish. I hope more of the Jewish musicians follow in those footsteps and update their music as well. Shalsheles has managed to change the style of music to sound better, but not secular and electrified, like much of today’s contemporary secular music.

I heard a great line the other week. When I asked about the chol hamoed concerts in New York this year (not the boys choirs), and what the crowd was like there, I was told the following. “All the concerts on Chol Hamoed were empty, I think people are starting to realize that it’s (concerts) not much more than a wedding without the shmorg!” It’s true. With the abuse of outdate music and horn instruments, which rightfully belong at a wedding to give it that special “wedding feel”, the concerts are just wedding that you have to pay to go to and you don’t get any food! As Jewish music evolves and the fan base grows, I think we will find that concerts will be a lot more exciting!

Once again, kudos to Shasheles for keeping Jewish music refreshing!

—

(Instead of giving you long, boring, detailed recaps of each song, I’ll give, what I thought were the positives and negatives of each song. I’ll let you decide the rest! :D)

Positives = “+” signs. Negatives = “-” Signs.

Baruch Habah

+ Great music on the intro, especially the keyboard behind the opening lyrics

+ Simcha Sussman sounds amazing, despite being in Israel

+ Good length for intro

- Would have liked some more high harmonies instead of choir harmonies

Poseach

+ Classic Shalsheles intro and arrangement

+ Great refrain (low part), better chorus (high part)

+ Chaim Block’s high part towards the end

- Middle part leaves more to be desired

- Song fades out, which is outdated

- Classic Shalsheles intro and arrangement

Ashrei Ish

+ Aryeh Kunstler’s rock solid, contemporary arrangements

+ The way the choir sing “Emes” as they enter the chorus (high part)

+ The composition is top notch. Think Kel Hakavod from the last album, but better

+ Killer electric guitar strumming and solos… and no horn instruments (B’H)

+ Eerie, yet exciting middle part at 3:00

- No Aryeh Kunstler guest vocals

Ki Er’eh

+ Hands down, best slow song on the album

+ Child vocalist, CJ Glicksman

+ Simcha Sussman’s vocals after the child vocals

+ Great harmonies throughout

+ Good length for a Jewish music slow song

Mi Chamocha

+ The NEW Yufyafisa

+ Addictive and transcending song throughout

+ Beginning to end of song is flawless

+ Baruch Aryeh’s vocals

+ Great ending displaying each vocalist

Ki Tov

+ Na na’s at 0:55

+ Get’s better second time around the song

+ Sounds like a Baruch Levine song

+ Short

- To happy-go-lucky, beach tune

- Chaim Block fades prematurely for me at 1:56

Shalom Rav

+ Typical Shalsheles composition

+ Amazing chorus

- Very slow refrain

Hinei Anochi

+ Typical shalsheles fast song, like V’nocho and V’haya. Still so good…

+ They only have one of these songs on the album

+ Great chorus

- Typical Shalsheles fast song, like V’nocho and V’haya. Still so headachey…

- Outdated music (i.e. horns are plentiful)

Mehaira

+ Pure and fluid song throughout

+ Simcha Sussman rocks this song

+ Shalsheles manages to recycle the same style tune from previous albums one more time

+ Harmony at 3:29

- Shalsheles manages to recycle the same style tune from previous albums one more time

Mi She’asah

+ Not Aryeh Kunstler arrangements, but still contemporary and fresh

+ Funky, yet addictive music

+ The chorus is out of this world. Different. Harmony filled. Refreshing.

+ Harmony at 4:05, such gooey cream filling goodness

+ Choir to end of the song is fantastic and different

+ Vocals during the choir’s ending

Generations

+ Beautiful lyrics; heartwarming; tearjerking.

+ Fantastic arrangements and vocals.

+ Doesn’t get interrupted in the middle by the message “this is a mostlymusic preview.” :)

+ Shalsheles redeems Dreaming with a quality English composition.

+ “It’s Generations & generations….” Love it.

- Would have loved to hear a child vocalist on this

How many tracks are on this album and what are the names?

On this Demo, there are 4 tracks: Ei’lecha, The Puzzle, Kanfei Nesharim, & Watching Closely [you can hear them at myspace.com/emanuelneuman]

What’s the main message of the album?

The songs are all me speaking, to either myself, G-d, or to all Jews. I suppose you could call them my “personal tefillos.” They’re my own mussar to myself about how I’m not living the way I should be. After many challenges in avodas Hashem (and many failures), I would write down the feelings and what I should learn and change from these experiences.

Everything in life has to be for Hashem, music is no different, and is just another form of avodah. It just happens to be the greatest form of expression. I prefer my natural form of speech (english) than simply putting a tune to a posuk. I didn’t write the pesukim and as powerful as they are, it doesn’t compare to formulating your own expression to Hashem. Having someone else write a song for you or singing a posuk that already exists just isn’t as powerful for me. A lot of sefarim emphasize the importance of personal tefillah and speaking, in your own words about your relationship with Hashem. That’s what these songs are.

The first reaction I get when anyone listens to the songs is: “Is it Jewish?” To which of friend of mine will usually reply “just listen to the words.” A tefillah is a tefillah in any language, and if anything, has a certain advantage in your native tongue. But either way, my Rebbe (R’ Moshe Weinberger) listened to the songs a number of times & gave me an excellent haskama (so I have all the approval I need).

What is your influence in Jewish music?

My favorite kind of music is the honest kind. When people sing the same way they talk and act, without putting on a show. I truly enjoy hearing music from someone sincere and modest. I look up to Aharon & Yonatan Razel, Yosef Karduner, Shuly Rand and other musicians where it’s not all about the music, rather the music is just another part of their avodah.

What is the story behind each song?

‘Ei’lecha’ is my “call for help” from G-d, life is hard…and after trying to get help from people, you realize Hashem is the only One who can really help you.

‘The Puzzle’ is very simply a picture of our disturbing reality. As I looked at the constant struggles we go through, I thought it was hypocritical of me to complain- “why am I crying about our desperate situation as Jews, when I’m not doing the only thing that will help?” People speak about politics, Israeli government and other Jews failures as if that would help or end our suffering…

‘Kanfei Nesharim’ is my favorite song. It’s about spiritual struggles and my relationship with Hashem. Thanks to Noah Solomon (of Soulfarm) who played mandolin for this track as well.

‘Watching Closely’ I think speaks for it self. Materialism not used for kedusha only brings destruction. I though it rather foolish to call myself a “religious Jew” when I invested more time into physical things than spiritual. It’s always a wake-up call for me when I listen to this song.

With all the music, my only intention in giving it out is that hopefully, others can relate to it. And maybe even be inspired.

Who is behind this album?

I recorded the songs with Dov Rosenblatt (of Blue Fringe). I started working with him when I was in high school at MTA (YU’s high school) and he was in YU. I just called him up asking for help with some songs, he said fine. I cut class and starting recording acoustic tracks with him across the street. After 2 years in Israel, I wanted to make some full-featured songs. I came to Dov with the songs and we produced them together. I played acoustic guitar, piano and did vocals, he did all of the arrangements, electric guitar, bass, put together the drums and did some harmonies. A guy named Jake Antelis did the mixing. All credit goes to Dov and Jake for making the songs sound excellent.

Distributors want a full album, so I’m waiting until then before “releasing” anything. When? As soon as someone is interested in working on it with me (Dov moved to LA so I’m on my own for now…) In the meantime, anyone interested in the music or with any questions can reach me at: eman.neu@gmail.com

Below are lyrics:

We pray for our brothers to find good life and peace

But won’t see the good side, to anyone we meet

So just to feel better we compare one to another

We put our own down, while they all want us gone

Our souls are the pieces to a puzzle untouched

So just because he’s this you’re that, doesn’t change the fact,

that we all come from the same place

We cry the same tears and dream the same goals and live through all the same fears

A tear from one saves the soul of another, our enemies remain until we cry for our brothers

Look inside and you will find…

A broken child asks why the world hates us so much

but when we hate our own kind, it’s no real surprise

When will you understand, that everything you do to me, you do to yourself

and everyone else, and that all your words, speak to all our lives

Chorus

When you look at you, use your head

But if you’re looking through me, please use your heart

Kol Yisroel, Arei’vim Zeh Bazeh

Look at me and you will see, that we’re all the same

This is my call to peace, this may be our last chance

This is our only hope, this is our final battle

אליך

All my life I’ve been dreaming, of a time that never came

All your life you’ve been waiting, for a man that never showed

But can’t you see, it’s you and me we’re doing something wrong

There’s a reason, the world never changes

Cause all we do is wait, when it’s Him who’s waiting, for us, to call

When all the people speak of me, like I’m not normal

I just want to scream at all the things, I’m trying to become

So now I’m down on my knees and I’m calling, I’m calling out to You

Friends and family, don’t know who you are, you’re lost with nothing left to turn to

there’s no one there to talk to, the Only One to help you, Is the One who put you here

When all the people speak of you, like you’re not normal

Go ahead and scream at all the things, you’re trying to believe in

Fall down on your knees, and call out to Him

Ei’lecha Hashem Ekra, I turn to You

You want to know the way the world works, ask the One Who made it

You want to love the life you live, find the One Who gave it to you

כנפי נשרים

I cry out in loneliness, I can feel Your silence in return

I know that You hear me, But I still can’t find the words

The pain inside I’ve created, I don’t deserve to ask-so I beg…

Save me, while I’m still awake

Lift us up, before we fall out of touch

Va’esa Eschem Al Kanfei Nesharim

Va’avi Eschem Ei’lai

I live to feel You, but I’ve numbed my skin to Your touch

The wall that stands between us; I take the blame

but now I’m trying to tear it down -

would You show me how

If I am stranded, running in circles

If I am falling, let me hold on to Your wings

Watching Closely

We all, have been fooled, about who we are

We all, have been looking, in the wrong direction

The mind turns off as it sinks in the colors

of the screen where the focus is on everyone but you

and it’s suicide, for hours at a time

the numbers you memorize, who wins or what is better

Are only distractions to make sure you never

Finish what you’re here for

The fancy homes and pretty cars, they can trick you

Unless they build the bridge, and on the other side

the only weight we carry is what’s beyond ourselves

Are you watching closely, are you fooled by why you’re breathing

Can you hear your soul screaming, when you poison it with fiction

You say “speak to me”

but when the answers come, you don’t really want to hear

the thunder roars’ and birds sing, no you don’t listen

getting your attention takes a hurricane

then you say “show yourself” (trying to believe)

but coincidence, is all that you perceive

and if you want to see, just look behind the scenes

Are you watching closely, are you fooled by why you’re breathing

Can you hear your soul screaming, when you poison it with fiction

open up your eyes, see we’re only here to serve

illusions & veils, it’s nothing but G-d

How do you want to be seen

these selfish passions, only leave you empty

drinking up your time, till you stand before the Judge

How do you want to be seen

For those of you who are new to the Alternative Jewish Music scene, Aryeh Kunstler is the king, in my opinion. Aryeh blends the styles of contemporary secular music and English lyrics with gorgeous pieces of Jewish music and Hebrew lyrics.

This is Kunstler’s second solo album, although it has the quality of a 4th or a 5th album. It’s no surprise, Kunstler comes from a musically gifted family. His father, Avi Kunstler, has albums available for purchase as well, and his brother Dani has the group V’havienu which Aryeh is a part of. Also, Aryeh can be found on the wedding circuit as a guitarist for the Neshoma orchestra and as a member of Yaakov Chesed, a 4 piece band headed by Jake Polansky.

Like I previously mentioned, expect great things from this album, it went above and beyond my expectations and a whole other world past “From the Depths”, his debut album.

I decided to do something different, I compared and contrasted this album with Aryeh’s other musical works. Enjoy!

Hashem Sifosei vs Oseh Shalom -
A mix of Hebrew and English lyrics, this song is not only a great intro song to get the blood pumping, but it has quality lyrics as well as some very cool Kunstler tweaks. The second time around, listen for how Kunstler sings the words “I long to say”, it’s moments like those that the Kunstler style and skill can be found and eaten up. He also throws in something I never get tired of hearing, a muffled/synthesized voice with light guitar strumming behind him, in the last minute of the song. Oseh Shalom was good, but it was not nearly as professional as this song is.

B’Shem Hashem vs Az Yashir -
This is a tough call for me, because Az Yashir was my favorite song on his first album. However, once again, the professionalism in the music and vocals can be found in this song more so. Not only that, but this song has more of a soft rock feel to it, and glorifies the soft rock genre. Aryeh adds so much feeling to this song by the mixture of “Yah’s” with the Hebrew lyrics. Toward the end of the song, there are some gorgeous background vocals as well, that should not be taken for granted.

Mi Chamocha vs The Radio? -
I discussed this song with my wife during one car ride. We both grew up listening to secular music, and we came to the conclusion that if one song were to be taken from this album to be played by the radio stations, this would be the right choice. It has a nice refrain, where it slowly builds you up to the climactic chorus which makes you feel as if you’re flying. All around, this song just screams good times. It’s not my favorite song, but it definitely one of the better songs on this album.

Nachamu vs B’lev Echad Single -
This song is very heartfelt, and could definitely touch anyone who has witnessed a tragedy or just feels the daily stress of this golus. This song does exactly what it preaches, it consoles you and gives you that extra lift. I was jogging back from the car repair shop, after having a sleepless night the night before due to my car breaking down in the middle of nowhere while coming back home from a wedding and this song, once it got to the second time through, turned my jog into a run where I felt the stress and over tiredness fading from me and a second (or perhaps third) wind kicked in. This song really gave me a boost and I think it could do the same for anyone. It has the same feel as B’lev Echad, the single that was done for the Merkaz Harav attacks. Very emotional, very good.

Modim vs Modeh Ani -
Both Modim and Modeh Ani (first album) are about thanking our creator. This song was done way better though. Modeh Ani was less professional and the overall tune was not as good as this one. Everytime I hear this song, it makes me want to play the air drums… in other words I start mimicking the drums in the song by slamming on anything with my hands… that reminds me, I have to go buy a new vase…woops.

Veliyerushalayim vs V’havienu albums
We have more of a V’havienu feel to this song than anything else. Most people know that V’havienu (Dani & Aryeh Kunstler) are my favorite albums, so how could I not love this song? It’s so soothing and has so much hartz in the song. The best part is, the vocals are just icing on the cake, it’s the musical arrangements in this song that are a thing of beauty. I would love to hear an instrumental version of this song.

Gam vs rock songs in general
Gam is a crazy awesome rock song. It has the same style as Mi Chamocha, where it has a slower refrain and a rocking chorus that literally rocks (no pun intended). There’s not a lot to write about it, but just know that this song is so good, it speaks for itself.

Lishuasicha vs Shimshon?
This is such an interesting song, I don’t really know what to think. It’s a fast rock styled song with a dark feel to it. It’s about the story of Shimshon (Samson) being captured by the Plishtim and he’s bound to the two pillars with his eyes gouged out. I guess it’s uplifting that Shimshon got one more burst of strength to destroy the plishtim, but at the same time, it feels kind of strange listening to these lyrics with this music behind it. It’s by no means a bad song, it has great arrangements, I’m just confused.

VaAnachnu Lo Naida vs Im Eshkacheich
You’ve found it! This is my favorite song, and I’m surprised he didn’t call this song “Our eyes are on you”, for this is the song you’ll find those lyrics in, if you were looking for them like I was. From start to finish, this song feels like Im Eshkacheich from the first album mixed with some V’havienu song , but like 20x better. LISTEN TO THIS SONG, you will not regret it.

Split the Sea vs my head
What is this? It’s not my style, but there was definitely a lot of work put into this song, so there’s no way I can bash this. I’m sure there will be lots of people who love this song, but it’s not my genre.

Yizkerem vs depression
I feel like this song could have been composed on tisha b’av after watching one of those Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation videos. The song never really uplifts you, it starts with a depressing refrain and an leads into an eerie chorus. From the lyrics, it’s clear that the song is about the holocaust and how we should never forget it even as we come closer to the time when the last survivor will pass on to the next world. It’s an appropriate way to end an album since we are in golus and we really shouldn’t feel true joy until the final redemption.

Overall, I loved this album. The last 2 songs weren’t my favorite, but there was definitely a lot of work put into them. This was definitely worth the delays and the wait, Aryeh Kunstler went up a whole level in professionalism in my head, and he will in yours too. BUY IT!

No, I do not know which secular songs are used for every intro and I don’t intend to give attention to them. I’m listening to the album for the Jewish songs and not the added “sugar coating”.

Take note to the 14 track album. Although one is from another album, it’s still an amazing song and a bonus for those who didn’t buy Shloime Kauffman’s album (why? why would you not buy it?).

I was going to do a audio report, but sometimes, there isn’t enough time for such things! Hope you enjoy the review despite the lack of audio.

Hentelach: I must say, Beri Weber sings this Lipa song well. I like Weber’s voice. Although I was not terribly fond of his song selection for his debut album, I could tell that there was talent and lots of potential. It’s cute how they say “Raise your hands in the… Heib of Dana Hentelach”. Very catchy and brilliant! It’s scary how real their voices sound and it’s so good, it should be assur (or is it?). This is an album that will be listened to all year long.

L’maancha / V’hoo Kayli: The JM scene has been taken by storm by this Eitan Katz hit, L’maancha. It’s a gorgeous song, in fact, I just used it for cabbalas shabbos this past shabbos. It uplifts the kehila (congregation) and warms the soul. The simple harmonies throughout are heart-warming. V’hoo Kayli, the killer track from Baruch Levine’s debut album, which featured Yaakov Shwekey is of the same caliber as L’maancha. It would have been nice to hear Levine & Shewkey with A.K.A. Pella doing background vocals, but you can’t always get what you want!

Ma Tamar: The intro is a bit much for me, up until the “music” part enters. It’s scary how good the background vocals are. Mo Kiss is the guest vocalist for this original Aaron Razel/Yeedle song. He truly turns this song into a Mo Kiss song, or otherwise known as soul music. You either love it or you hate it. I happened to enjoy it this time around and it gets my vote. The break up of the song at approx: 3:34 is really catchy.

Yuffing Else Matters: A.k.a. Yufyafisa. This is by far one of the best Shalsheles songs out there. From the refrain to the chorus, it’s a solid song. The fake electric guitars is amazing, just like Country Yossi said in his magazine. I prefer Shalsheles’s voices over A.K.A. Pella’s for this song, but it still sounds great. The problem with the interlude at 4:01, is that you can’t really make out the words they are saying, because the na na’s are too loud. I don’t know if that’s intentional or not.

Nilli Milli: This is Im Ein Ani Li Mili from Shloime Gertner’s first album. I was never a fan of this song like most people, although I like this version better. The eerie music at 3:54 is the best part of the song.

Anavim: Yossi Green’s big hit, Anavim, deserves a spot on this album if you’re already going to have Vezakeni and V’hee Sheamda, the three big songs at weddings. I’m not sure about dedicating a full track to this song, perhaps it would be better as a medley. However, the harmonies are top notch and it saves the song. Green guest stars, and he’s been doing a lot of guest singing on his songs. His voice is like beer, it’s an acquired taste.

The TGIF Medley: This is a collection of songs that have a relevance to Friday night, i.e. shabbos. It starts with Eitan Katz’s “Dmin Niggun” with the words Lecha Dodi added in. The voice trumpets are pretty crazy, as well as pretty much every background vocal instrument. The song then changes to Yaakov Shwekey’s/Yitzy Waldner’s Aishes Chayil. It’s known as the “serenading song” of Jewish music. Finally, it closes the medley with Baruch Levine’s highly popular Vezakeni. With all that said, this is not one of my favorites on the album, but it’s still a nice medley.

B’inyan Hasimcha: This song easily displays the most talent of this group and Dovid Gabay. It has the most well known singer on the album and it’s juicy from the beginning until the end. If you listen, right before Gabay laughs, A.K.A. Pella says “In your house…Simcha”. It’s pretty funny, and I can see why Gabay laughs. You can tell they had a lot of fun with this song. After all of this, this is still my number 3 on this album, behind 2 other songs. However, this is my wifes favorite song and that deserves mentioning!

M’heira: Kol Ish, an acapella group out of the Chicago area guest stars in this song. There’s some great harmonizing and they’re good to the point that I’d pick this song over listening to Shwekey’s original version.

Greatest Medley Ever: Well, it’s not the greatest medley ever, but it sure is good! The song starts off with a humorous intro. The guest singer, newcomer Simcha Leiner, sings a pretty sleepy niggun while there’s someone yawning throughout. Then they apologize (seriously) and advance into a pretty fast, pumping noggin. The songs are Poseach from Shloime Daskal, Usid from MBD, & Ma Ma Ma from Shwekey. Leiner has an incredibly powerful voice and there were some parts where I knew he could nail it, but he didn’t do it. Maybe it was his choice, or perhaps it was A.k.a Pella’s choice. Also, it sounds like they had to much echo or reverb throughout the song, but I can’t be sure. He sings Ma ma ma the best of the three. Watch out for Simcha Leiner in the future, he’s going to be big.

V’hee Sheamda: There’s no fancy beatboxing or effects on this song. It’s Yonatan Razel’s amazing composition redone without music. I’ve personally heard this song too many times, although I did sing it at the Pesach seder this year, I just can’t listen to it anymore. As for this version of it, it’s a relaxing listen.

Yavo: Jackpot! This song is by far my favorite song on this album. Who knew that a men’s group could sing a song almost as good as a choir could? I love it from the secular intro until the last second. This song will be on repeat this sefira. This song will be on repeat this sefira. This song will be on repeat this sefira. This song will be on repeat this sefira…. Get the idea? ;)

Sunshine in the Rain: This song was taken straight off of Shloime Kauffman’s debut album, Avodas Tzedaka, an amazing debut album. You’ve got to love Kauffman and A.k.a. Pella on this song. It’s a really powerful English song and it’s a joy for us to have it as an acapella for this time of year.

Yufyafisa (Alternative): Shalsheles Jr. & Shloime Kauffman guest star in this song. They go above and beyond in this song and nail and surpass the original Yufyafisa. The new Shalsheles Jr. sounds great! I can hear that Dovid Dachs appears to be the main soloist. It’s interesting that Kauffman appears in this song. Either he’s the new Simcha Sussman (leader of Shalsheles Jr.) or they thought he would be a good fit with the children’s group. Your guess is as good as mine! The ending of the song switches to a secular song and it sounds amazing and it’s quite addicting. This is my 2nd favorite song on the album.

You don’t even need a final verdict on this album. It just went above and beyond my expectations, sending the other 3 A.k.a. pella’s into a world that’s no where near to as close as this one is in. Buy it… don’t be foolish :).

Read Michel’s Review Here.

DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS HERE

For all you die-hard music lovers, I personally understand the frustration that must be going through your head during this time of year. S’fira is here, leaving you nothing to hear! Now you run to the store or search google for the latest Acapella albums, which are the only things that can put your ears to rest. But here’s the problem, you don’t know the names of which albums are available. Sure, you may have heard of some titles by word of mouth in shul, at work, or wherever, but the fact is, you need a cold, hard, list, giving you the titles at the click of button. Good news! Here’s that list! Enjoy =)

FREE DOWNLOADS
Tefillin by Six13
V’hee Sheomda by Meydad Tasa
Little David by Gershon Veroba
Oleinu by ABD
Nishmas by Shua Kessin
Aheim by Beri Weber
Sunshine in the Rain by Shloime Kaufman and A.K.A. Pella
Ribono by Ari Goldwag
Ad Ana Bechiya by Ari Goldwag

Note: The audio has extra comments and is not verbatim from the written review

Okay, I’m totally neglecting my work for this review so I hope you appreciate the time I put into this :). An important note: Listen to the audio review to hear audio from the album.

Menucha is comprised of three very talented singers by the names of Danny Berkowitz, he’s the tall guy with the deeper voice who does incredible low harmonies, supplying a full sound to each song. Then there’s Shlomo Schwed. He’s the one who sings most of the time and starts and ends almost every song. But most importantly, Schwed is the super high harmonizer, making Menucha who they are. Last and definitely not least, there’s Avi Shachter. Avi is the one is usually singing the melody while the other 2 harmonize. He has a unique voice, which sounds a lot like Baruch Aryeh from Shalsheles, that’s probably because they are cousins. Without Avi, Menucha wouldn’t be the complete package they are.

Let’s get something straight. Menucha 2 is the Shlomo Schwed album. It’s basically a demonstration of Schwed’s vocal talents. He sings the majority of each song and his high harmonies is what draws the listeners in. Not to mention, he is the center of the album cover with Schachter and Berkowitz standing on either side of him. We could call this album Shlomo Schwed and Menucha, because that’s what it is. Now I have no problem with that. I think Schwed has one of the best voices period. But lets be honest to the listeners and call it what it is: Schwed and the other 2 guys.

After waiting who knows how many years, it’s time to review Menucha 2.

Sh’ma Yisrael: Chevra, Chevra, Chevra! This song screams The Chevra. Probably because it has so much screaming and electric guitar in it. I enjoyed this song, definitely not my favorite, because it lacks depth, it’s just a good opener. The best part of the song is when they repeat “Hashem Echad” (audio). Is it as good as Uvah Litzion was? Too soon to tell, we’ll see with time.

Shiru Lashem: We first heard this song as a concert version on YBC Live 3. If you’re a Menucha fan like I am, then you took that song and you played it over and over in anticipation of this album. From start to finish, it is a solid song. Well… almost. The ending just kind of dies out, and I thought it was going to change from the concert version. I just figured that’s how they would end the song at a concert and not on an album. The best part is when the whole group sings Elokeinu (audio). Better than Sh’ma and definitely within the same caliber as songs from the last album.

Racheim Al Tzion: I absolutely love the strings in the beginning, unfortunately, you’re not going to be hearing any more amazing string sequences on this album. Yaakov Mordecha Gerstner and YBC sing on this song. Finally, Yaakov Mordechai doesn’t sound like an infant anymore. His voice has matured more and with his training, sounds excellent. The song itself is beautiful, definitely reached my expectations and then some. It does sound like one of the songs from Chevra 3, maybe Yogati? The best part of this song is when Schwed goes a crazy and then YBC enters behind Menucha (audio).

Kodosh: A Classic Hora beat for this song. Dovid Stein guest stars and this song sounds like it could have been on his album as well. Once again, there isn’t a whole lot of depth to this song, it’s kind of like the Yosis (Menucha 1) of this album, but I like it better. Also, does anyone feel like the music is from a Disney movies soundtrack? I’m talking about when the piano comes in (audio). The climbing of the music chart is the best part of this song (audio).

Tchias: Also known as a lullaby, at least that’s how the refrain sounds. With the light violin play in the background, it could put me to sleep. But then the chorus enters and wakes you up and has you singing along. Listen for Schwed’s high voice where he sings without words, it will blow you away (audio). Overall, this is one my favorite songs on the album. The chorus has a lot of feeling in it and it sweeps me away.

Vyizku: We’ve hit my favorite song on the album. It’s my favorite mostly because its fun factor. It’s fun to sing, dance or listen to. It music has a similarity to the Birshus that Yaakov Mordechai Gerstner sang on YBC Live 3. The harmonies in this song are flying this way and that way and it’s a typical Gerstner song, but it just downright rocks. Listen for Schwed going crazy in the refrain the second time around and be succumbed to the beauty of his voice (audio).

Vzakeinu: What would a Gerstner album be without Eli himself featured in a song? Enter Vzakeinu, Eli’s choice to guest star. I think he makes the mistake of singing the entire first time around by himself without harmony. I bought Menucha for the mix of voices and harmonies, not to hear one singer. The second time around, this song reaches what it is (audio). A fantastic composition. The chorus is really where it hits you. When it’s playing you just want to drop all responsibilities and listen to the song. “Shh not now honey, I’m listening to Vzakeniu.”

Y’hi Hachodesh: The first 5 seconds or so of this song sound like a typical secular punk rock song… and then enter the horns. That allows the conversion back to “Jewish” music. Nothin’ like a gold lo’ horn instrument to bring you back to your JM roots, right? Anyway, this song is the Romemu (Menucha 1) of this album. It’s fast, uplifting, and a crowd pleaser. Listen for the electric vocal piece (audio) that brings you to the climactic last minute of the song, featuring tons of high harmonies.

Loolay: This song I have listened to over and over again and not because I love it. But becauseI feel like I should love it, but I don’t. It’s a nice song to sing, definitely not too complicated. But here’s the problem, it’s missing something. Perhaps it’s the arrangements? Maybe it’s just the composition. The good news is, Menucha can make just about any composition sound good, with their combination of voices and they do just that. Overall, definitely my least favorite song on the album, but I still don’t skip it. It does have the same feel as Menucha V’simcha from Menucha 1.

V’hagisa: It’s interesting that in their list of guest stars, they don’t have Doniel Waldman as one of them. He was the fourth member of Menucha, but had left the group since their first album; who could blame him? That’s a long wait between albums. Anyway, he sings the beginning of this song and even though he had the fewest amount of roles on the first cd, the second album could clearly have used his talents. He brings a sweetness to the group that is missing. Although it doesn’t destroy them, why take a way a good thing? The best part of the song would be Waldman in the beginning.

S’hma Unplugged: No… I don’t understand why of all songs, they chose this song for an acoustic version. This song is a rock song, it needs the electric guitars. And does anyone else hear that instrument that sounds like a sugar packet being shaken over and over again? It’s so annoying! They would have been better off doing an acapella version of a song or an acapella medley like The Chevra did in their first album. Sh’ma unplugged is a swing and a miss.

It’s hard to say if this album lives up to the first album. It wasn’t a letdown, that’s for sure. However, Menucha 1 was in it’s own world, probably because we had a number of years to let it sink in. Give this album time, it may become a classic as well! Did I not mention this yet? This album is definitely worth the buy!

(Scroll to bottom for audio links)

Eli Gerstner.  You may know him from his albums, such as V’ieshei Yisrael, Yosis, Hiney or even Tek-Noy. Perhaps you know him from his EG Productions logo on the top of one your beloved cd’s such as, Menucha, The Chevra, Yeshiva Boys Choir, Dovid Stein or the Yosis Orchestra. Yes, Eli is taking over the world one album at a time, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

Right now I want to focus on Eli’s mastery of music. Eli’s style is not for everyone; some may say it’s too “in your face” and some people just fall head over heels for his music… well, not exactly, but you catch my drift. Eli has a unique ability to take a fast song, say, The Chevra’s “Yihey” and add a slow transitional piece to it, which uplifts your heart and more importantly, makes you wonder where in the world did that come from!?

Here are samples of exactly what I’m talking about (Hear audio report). Have you ever wondered how he pulls such a feat off? Do you think you could do it? I know I can’t. I can’t take a song like Shloime Gertner’s “Baruch Sheamar” and add a shticky slow piece (hear audio report). However, I bet Eli could come up with such a piece and make it sound really good.

Speaking of EG Productions, Menucha is due out this week, at least that’s what’s being said! So you better go buy that cd, because everybody knows that that first album was an absolute hit.

Did you like the audio report? Want future reports in both text and audio? Could you care less about the audio report? Why is it so cold outside? Leave a comment below and I’ll see you next time.

Download Audio Report here.

You can also get all our audio via iTunes by clicking here and subscribing.

I was a little hesitant about doing this report because it meant traveling through Brooklyn. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Brooklyn (seriously?), it’s full of a new beast called “the Brooklyn driver”. They’re fast, unpredictable and downright scary (no offense to Brooklyn drivers :P). Regardless, when I heard that Avraham Solomon, the famous soloist from the Miami Boys Choir’s Torah Today album, was going to be singing at this wedding, I decided it was worth endangering my life in Brooklyn traffic.

I show up at the chassunah and think about doing valet parking, however for those of you who haven’t tried this, just follow the valet driver and park behind him. They always know where the good spots are, assuming they aren’t parking in a private parking lot :). Anyway, I show up to the glamorous ballroom at Ateres Chynka and the 7 piece orchestra was warming up at the shmorg and they sounded great, just a taste of what they would sound like during dancing.

From the dinner music, all the way to the second dance, Avraham Solomon, who said he hadn’t done this in a while, sounded amazing and you would have thought that he did this kind of performance every night. He was hitting every note, high to low and with what seemed to be ease. The musicians were fantastic and played their instruments skillfully. I was very impressed with the saxophone player who put on quite a show. Unfortunately, I’m not so familiar with the wedding scene and don’t know the names of all the musicians. However, I did recognize that Mo Kiss, the leader of the Kol Noar Boys Choir was on lead guitars and was excellent, as can be seen in the video.

I highly recommend Solomon as a singer for your next simcha, not because I’m being paid to say that (I wish), but just because he was so professional and has an excellent voice to top it all off.

See below a video of the event and a link to the Torah Today album where Solomon first appeared on the JM scene.

http://www.mostlymusic.com/torahtoday-p-1632.html

JMDerech Experiene Archive:

Ari Baumann & Singers

Shloime Kaufman

My sources are telling me many albums are in the works.

After winning the 2008 Oorah auditions, Yisroel Werdyger’s second album is in the making.

Teem Productions, headed by Yossi Tyberg and Gershy Moskowitz, who propelled Yisroel to stardom with Bayis Ne’eman Beyisroel, will be producing this project as well, with musical arrangements by Shua Fried.

Much thought and research went into the selection of songs, with several compositions by the talented Yossi Green, and several by Yitzy Waldner. Motty Ilowitz, composer of the title track on Yisroel’s last album, which has become as staple at chasunos everywhere, also lends his talents to this project. Other contributors include Pinky Weber, Meshulem Greenberger, Chaim Elya Hartman, and even some new composers who hope to make their mark on the Jewish music scene.

Stay tuned for Yisroel Werdyger’s new album, coming after the summer Iy”H!

Dovid Gabay’s 3rd album song selection process is close to completion. No estimate on when it’s going to be released has been given yet. Gabay’s professional recording career started with his first album “Legabay“, produced by Avi Newmark. That same year he was featured on R’ Shmuel Brazil’s “Ki Atah Imadi“. He then made guest appearances on Oorah’s annual CD’s & “Harei Yehuda“. Up next was Gabay’s next hit album entitled “Omar Dovid“, which hit the Jewish music scene by storm, featuring the hit song “Hagomel”, sung by Jewish weddings everywhere. Two more guest appearances followed on Acheinu 3 & Shloime Kaufman’s “Avodas Tzedaka” album and finally he was the focal point of the “Kumzing” concert. By no means is Gabay’s career slowing down. He’s constantly featured in concerts such as HASC and his new album, produced on his own, promises to be another smashing hit.

Menucha 2… When is it coming out? Everyone wants to know. Menucha started out with the first album way back in 2003. That’s 7 years and their first album is still a hit. On YBC Live 3, a new Menucha song entitled “Shiru Lashem” was featured. It sounded great, like the old Menucha we know and love.

The group features 3 men by the names of Danny Berkowitz, Avi Shachter and Shlomo Schwed. The first album had Doniel Waldman on it, but he has since left the group. It’s amazing to see that the remaining 3 guys have stuck together for so long without putting out an album. Eli Gerstner told me that Menucha 2 is due out Purim. That’s less than a month away. Let’s just wait and see :).

Aryeh Kunstler, everyone’s favorite Jewish rocker is expected to release his new album any day now and it’s promised to be a hit like his first album “From the Depths“. Aryeh started out with V’havienu, a group with his brother Dani. He then proceeded to join Yaakov Chesed and released two albums with them as a guitarist and vocalist. Finally he released a single entitled “Yisrael B’tach Bashem” with Yossi Piamenta and was featured on Gershon Veroba’s latest album “Second Impressions“.

Aryeh has been seen everywhere, from opening for Moshav Band and singing with the Yeshiva Boys Choir. He know can be seen on a constant basis playing for the Neshoma Orchestra as a lead guitarist/vocalist.

Yacov Young is known for his sweet yet powerful voice. Very underrated and a bliss to the ears. His debut album “Yogati Motzasi” was not well known, but it had some spectacular songs on it.

Yacov has his own orchestra and can be seen singing frequently in the Jewish wedding scene. To hear a taste of his sweet voice, check out this YouTube video of him singing Shloime Daskal’s “Anim Z’miros” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYKcz1sNAbU).

He is currently collecting songs for his album and they can be mailed to him at yacovyoung@gmail.com

Michoel Pruzansky: Michoel “Pruz” Pruzansky is a big hit. His powerful “MBD-like” voice is a thing of beauty. He released his debut album “Ashrecha” back in 2003 and since then, he has only gotten bigger. He released his second album “Pruzbul” in 2007, which led to a huge change in his style making him the “Pruz” we all know and love. He rocks a concert with the best of them and even has his own orchestra. Since his last album release he has sung on last years Oorah’s “The Shmorg” album (a free download) and Shloime Kaufman’s “Avodas Tzedaka“.

Pruz is still looking for a couple more songs for his album and he can be reached through the contact form on his website.

UPDATED: There are of course two albums coming out very soon.

Lipa: Lipa has been talking about his new CD a lot on Twitter/Facebook. He says the release date is May 16th. Lipa’s career is quite long to announce everything he’s been in, but I’ll give it a try. Besides the fact that Lipa is constantly singing at simchas and was featured in basically every concert this year, he has also released several albums, including: Nor B’simcha, Shema, Letova, Bederech(Gelt&Mi Sheamar), New Project X, Keneina Hora (Rabbosai, Arba Middos, Chalom), Hallel, The Next Project X, The Lipa Experience DVD, A Poshiter Yid, A Poshiter Bellobration DVD, Non Stop Lipa, Oorah’s The Shmorg and Kumzing. I know I left out The Event, Ohel, Hasc and such. That’s just too much linking for me! It’s quite clear that Lipa’s a star and his next album is highly anticipated by most of the Jewish music world, if not all.

Yehuda Green: Yehuda’s follow up album is titled Yearning, and says it should be in stores by the end of the month.

Yehuda is known as the Carlebach of this generation. No one is trying to compare him to the legendary Carlebach, but he is the closest we have in style currently. He’s been featured in many concerts and can be seen as a frequent visitor in the Carlebach Shul in Manhattan.

His debut album Land of Your Soul had the hit Nishmas Kol Chai on it. He has sung on Oorah’s The Shmorg and his popularity is only growing by the day.

Yossi Fraenkel: Fraenkel is by no means a newcomer to the Jewish music stage, however his first album is being worked on as we speak. He’s known to have performed with some big time stars, such as Avraham Fried. However, what he is most known for is his acts of chessed. His visits to children’s hospitals and chessed concerts are many.

His debut album is being worked on and with his father, Gershon Fraenkel’s music. It’s going to be a Fraenkel family album and will be called Mishrei Aba. There is no expected released date as of now.

Benzion Twerski: You may or may not have heard of Benzion Twerski yet, but we guarantee you will soon! His debut album, Vechonen, is currently in duplication.  The songs were all composed by him (in the Twerski tradition).  The musical arrangements were done by Yidi Strohli.  The guest soloists include Mendy Strohli, Michoel Schnitzler, Shloime Taussig, Yoeli Berkowitz, Yoeli Falkowitz, Duvid Reifer, Shauli Waldner, and Lazer Kish.  It is a masterpiece of nigunim of the old style, each being original, enjoyable, hartzig, and completely singable.

It is being distributed by Nigun, Sruli Wertzberger.  It is expected to be released within the next 2 weeks.

Shabbos with the Werdygers 2! This is the second edition for the Werdyger family. The album is Shabbos day z’miros featuring all the Werdygers. MBD, Mendy, Yisroel Werdyger, Yeedle, Chaim Werdyger and other members of the family. It’s due out in the next two weeks! Check out the first album here.

——–

If you know of any more albums that are due to be released soon and have information that you would like displayed, contact me at jmderech@gmail.com

Motzei shabbos and time to for another review. Ari Baumann & Singers were to be singing at a Bat Mitzvah in Long Beach. I was driving from Monsey, where I had stayed for shabbos and was excited to hear Ari play. Baumann has been in the business for 20 some years now and is an expert when it comes to playing keyboard for simchas. He was kind enough to let me film him and I even sang on the microphone briefly, which was not recorded, but maybe next time. We shmoozed between his breaks and play time and he’s a very pleasant person and is passionate about his work.

His actual performance on the keys was terrific. It’s impossible to capture the magic that occurred that night and if I could show the excitement in the air and how into the music the girls from the bat mitzvah were, I would have (tzenua factor). But the girls loved him, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and all in all, it was one of the better motzei shabbosos I’ve had in a while.

I would recommend hiring him for a simcha, but that’s your call.

If you would like to be featured on the ongoing JMDerech Experience  here on the Jewish Music Report, then send me an email to jmderech@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Ray G. & Yochanan G. The winners of the Shauli CD giveaway contest!

Stay tuned to the JewishMusicReport for more exciting contests!

For those of you haven’t yet heard of Shauli, he’s making a big splash on the JM scene with his beautiful and serene songs. The arrangements, put together by Shauli himself, take you in to another realm of relaxation. Perfect for those moments when you need to relax or calm down, Shauli’s music can be in your hands to do just that. Here’s a track off his album, entitled “Tovim Me’orot.”

You can buy the album at Mostlymusic.com

Shauli and the Jewish Music Report are happy to announce that there are 2 albums available free for the devoted Jewish Music fan base. Limit 1 entry per person. Please send an email to JMDerech@gmail.com to enter, with the subject line “Shauli Contest”. And please enter your first and last name in the body of the message. Contest over Janurary 17th. That’s 1 week! Act fast!

Best Album: Avodas Tzedaka -  Shloime Kaufman. For me, Shloime had the best mix of singers on his album. I get tired of hearing the same voice after a while, which is why I’m partial to groups over solo artists. He had Baruch Levine, Abie, A.K.A. Pella & Pruz. I can’t get enough of Kol Hamekayeim still.

Best Song: B’inyan Hasimcha -  Mordechai Ben David. MBD & Aaron Razel took singing up a notch with this song. Their combined vocals, with beautiful harmonies made for song of the year easily.

Best Debut Album: Benny Friedman – Taamu. No question here. Benny rocked everyone’s world with his debut album. His sweet vocals combined with masterfully arranged songs gives him best debut album ever.

Best Arrangement: Yovo (Miami Boys Choir) -Yerachmiel Begun. Begun tweaked Yovo to perfection. Clearly he spent more energy on this song then he did on the rest of the album.

Boys Choir  Album: Yeshiva Boys Choir –   Shmoy. Shmoy was not beyond amazing, however it has some great songs which outdid songs on the other albums by far.

Best English Song: The Piano Boy – Baruch Levine. This was a tough choice. I really liked Finally Here and Generations as well, but Baruch Levine had the best meaning to his song and his voice made this pick an easier choice.

Best Yiddish Song: I didn’t like any of them.

Best Concert DVD: Never saw them, but Fried’s looked the best.

JM Derech

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Despite his very hectic schedule, Baruch Levine took a few minutes to spend some time discussing his latest release, Touched by a Niggun, with our very own JM Derech.

JMDerech: My favorite song was “The Piano”, the meaning of the song had the deepest impact on me, which song stirred up the most emotions within you and why?

BL: I personally don’t particularly have a “favorite” song as there is so much that went into each one. Every song has a different message and I tried to do  justice to each one by composing an appropriate “niggun” that would relay Rabbi Spero’s message correctly and with the proper feel. The feedback thus far really varies as to what the “favorites” are and I guess it depends very much on every persons unique challenges and what relates to them. Although being that I am a Rebbe I personally relate very much to “The Maggid’s Message” (track 8) which teaches us that even though it can seem like your efforts are sometimes not appreciated …you never know whose life you can change and no effort goes unrewarded..”yogati umatzasi Taamin“.

JMDerech: You reused a couple of tunes on this album. Lecho Dodi from Yisroel Werdyger (Lecho Dodi), V’hoo Keli (A Child’s Prayer) from your first album and although probably not intended, Touched by a Niggun sounds like Kol Haberurim from your first album and The FaltchePhony Rebbe sounds like Sfashkenaz from Journeys 4. Was it your intention to use songs that sounded similar? If so, why?

BL: Kol Haberuim is a completely different song. the only similarity is that they both start off as a ballad and then into a disco. Note for note however, they are completely different. Sfashkenaz as well is note  for note completely different than the FaltchPhony Rebbe. They are both klezmer style songs that you would barely hear on a classical JM album and maybe that’s why you feel that they are similar. If we wouldn’t hear 2 or 3 discos on every album we wouldn’t discern between one and the other and we’d also think that they all sound the same.

JMDerech: The Next Gadol Hador is beautiful, the problem is, it’s so sad that I can’t listen to it sometimes. How did you and Reb Spero instill such emotion into the song? Or better yet, what was your purpose for choosing this tearjerker? Lastly, can we find out who the Gadol Hador was in this story?

BL: Rabbi Spero wrote cover notes to every song so the information is there in the jacket if you look. The story is about R’ Dov Ber of Mezritch The Mezritcher Maggid. The story itself begs for such emotion and to go with a milder feel wouldn’t be doing it justice. Also the ultimate message of the song isn’t the “sadness” that the boy grew up without his father but rather the dedication and devotion that his mother had for his “shteiging” along with the strength and resilience that he himself had which made him into… The Next Gadol Hador

JMDerech: Someone’s Child gets the blood pumping and is great listen for a car drive, it really gets your “Ahavas Yisroel” feeling going. Was this song one of the more fun songs to record?
BL: Certainly a lot of fun (especially with the Lev Tahor doing back up vocals), but also one of the more challenging ones to write. It’s sometimes harder to get a message across in a fun and upbeat way rather than slow and emotional. If it got your “ahavas yisroel” going then you definitely tapped into the intended message.

JMDerech: Flickering Lights – a story about Chanukah in a Russian cell, was it by coincidence that this album was released around Chanukah and featured this song?
BL: Yes…but nothing is by coincidence:)

JMDerech: Tour of Yerushalayim – Very much like “Yerushalayim” from Journeys 3. Did that song inspire this song?

BL: Yes

JMDerech: How long of a process went into the making of this album?

BL: It took over a year of a lot of hard work on behalf of Yochi Briskman, Rabbi Spero, and myself. There were many drafts and many edits before the final version. There are even some songs that we did not end up using.

JMDerech: Was it hard fitting short stories into songs?

BL: Yes, and in some cases where the story can be told in one stanza, the other stanzas would be used to apply the message of the story to our lives, like in “Flickering Lights” which talks about the deep message of Chanukah, and “Someones Child” where the message is arguably more profound than the story itself. You asked about fitting short stories into songs, however we found it harder to fit long  stories into a song. A song like lecho dodi where there are many details to the story itself, we found quite challenging to come up with words and phrases that are cryptic yet give over enough information so that someone who has never heard the story can understand it.

JMDerech: What made you select this album as your next album as opposed to another album like your previous two?

BL: For one, although no one can write lyrics that are more inspiring than Dovid Hamelech or the Anshei kneses hagedola there are many people (especially young children and the unaffiliated) who simply do not understand the peirush hamilim of the songs and would derive more chizuk and inspiration from something in English. Secondly, an English song can sometimes be more powerful as it gives over a direct message, as opposed to Hebrew lyrics where the listener can derive varying kavanos and messages. Sometimes the same Hebrew words can be sung sad and slow or happy and fast, and yet both can be appropriate.

JMDerech: Are there plans for Touched by a Niggun 2?

BL: We are just catching our breath from this one.

JMDerech: What was it like working with Lev Tahor?

BL: They are extremely talented and a pleasure to work with. I hope they put out another Lev Tahor album soon. A lot of fun and laughs were had by all.

JMDerech: What kind of feedback are you getting from this album?

BL: B”h unbelievable. But if it inspires even one person to make a positive change in his/her life, or if it uplifts even one person who needs a little chizuk in his/her life it was all worthwhile.

JMDerech: Do you have any suggestions for aspiring singers or composers?

BL: Never lose focus of the bottom line that music is a powerful vehicle to get closer to Hashem and copying secular styles crosses lines that shouldn’t be crossed and takes the listener away from that focus. (I am not referring to music that is sometimes used for Kiruv)  Proper composing is when one is inspired first by words and from his inspiration composes a tune that further “explains” the words of chazal, tehillim, or whatever they may be.

JMDerech: What new singers do you find most interesting?

BL: There is some new talent out there consisting of people who sing with a lot of “heartz“, keep Jewish music Jewish, and are ehrliche wonderful people. It would be inappropriate for me to single out anyone in particular.