WHAT:
Jewish music comes in lots of flavors, and can be enjoyed juxtaposed with other types of music. This recording project will be an eclectic mix of Yiddish (Jewish) vocal and instrumental folk music from Eastern Europe and Russia, folk song from New England and some other types of songs as well, including songs about social justice.
For The People will give inspiration and joy to the listener! This is the very first project for this particular group, and my very first album. The music I have chosen is from different parts of the world, different times in history and reflects a love of Jewish melody and language.
If you are a person who loves acoustic, instrumental, meditative and spiritual uplifting music- if you want to hear traditional, yet new and different Jewish and folk musical styles this is for YOU. The People.
This is a recording project by me, Hazzan (Hazzan means cantor in Hebrew) Risa Wallach and Dave Rosenfeld, on violin and guitar, as well as Sheldon Brown, clarinet and Jack Hanley, mandolin.
It all comes together for me as Music For the People, music that we all need to express in new ways what our hearts desire, what pains us, what we dream about, and what keeps us going.
HOW IT STARTED:
The idea for making an album began with the intention of recording a niggun (‘melody’ in Hebrew) written by my cantorial school teacher, Cantor Brian Mayer. Cantor Mayer also wrote a tune for Lecha Dodi, a beautiful poem sung at Friday night Shabbat services, which will make a great addition to the project. I grew up hearing recordings and performers of folk songs from New England, especially the music of the singer-songwriter, Cindy Kallet. I’d like to include a beautiful song which she wrote called ‘Hang In There’.
Dave Rosenfeld, arranger and recording studio maven
WHY: As a working cantor, I don’t often have the opportunity to sing and perform a variety of types of music, so I can’t wait to explore and share new areas of musical and cultural discovery.
I’ve had fun recording the first track for this album at Dave’s studio in Berkeley, which you can hear in the video, above. I’m excited to be able to work with great musicians to make this dream real! I hope to be able to add another singer and 1-2 more musicians on accordion and bass, to this project. We plan to get into the studio and begin recording by June, and if all goes well, to perform a live show in the Winter of 2018.
Sheldon, clarinet and Dave, fiddle. Guess which one is me?
What will I do with the funds that I raise?
Compensate musicians
Record 8-10 tracks
Mix and master recordings
Distribution and PR
I hope you’ll choose an award level that is just right for you, to bring more authentic beauty and unique music into a world that badly needs it!
Thank you!!
