European & American Recordings 1905-'52

This was a reasonably priced survey of klezmer recordings from the 1st half of the twentieth century. The selections were nicely varied with some familiar recordings and some happy surprises. Care was taken to the disk transfers, getting very good sound from ancient 78 rpm disks. If you're just starting to explore historical klezmer recordings, this is a good place to begin.

The Klezmer revival is a good thing, but the modern musicians just can't recreate the mixing of old and new worlds and insturmental skills the old timers had. Some of the cuts are scratchy, but the chops make this stuff priceless.

excellent.

Klezmer is the music of European Jews - our blues, dance and prayers. As well as the ubiquitous fiddle that most people associate with Jewish music thanks to 'Fiddler On The Roof', the klezmer bands used brass, drums, cymbalon, acordion, piano and clarinet.'Klezmer Pioneers 1905-52' contains 24 tracks most of which were recorded in New York, a few in Bucharest and Warsaw and is a comprehensive over-view of the music as it travels from Eastern Europe into America where it is gradually assimilated into jazz, vaudeville, military bands and other early musical styles that were popular in America prior to Rock'n'Roll. Much of the music heard here is joyous, comedic, one might even say novelty, and designed for dancing. There are no songs per say but a few tracks have introductory vocals - like mini skits before the celebration starts. Klezmer never required vocals because the instruments were meant to immitate the human voice. Some of the tracks sound like they were composed for films or cartoons and is a perfect companion for anyone who appreciates the music of John Zorn and wants to explore his influences.I have read elsewhere that some of these tracks have been mastered at the wrong speeds thus affecting the pitch. I'm not musical enough to notice but I guess you should take notice if you're looking to purchase a CD for the sole purpose of extending your repertoire or learning klezmer.The audio quality is archival, the hiss, crackle and pop play a music all of their own which can be just as magical as the original musicians. The 20 page booklet is more than informative; it's scholarly. Each track is fully annotated and the text is illustrated with vintage pictures of klezmer bands.For anyone wanting more then might I suggest the 3 disc box set 'Cantors, Klezmorim and Crooners 1905-1953' - one of the most important and exciting collections of vintage Jewish music ever assembled.

Came here, and delighted my soul, and those around me. Wonderful.

A must have music history lesson.....even for non-musicians.