CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Youth

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Matisyahu

Release Date March 07, 2006
What I found amazing reading the reviews for this album, which I listened to along with Stubbs/Arise and T'Shama a long time ago is the narrow mindedness. People complain that either he is too raggae or not enough raggae, or make idiotic comments about his entering of Jewish prayer singing into the song. He is Jewish yes, he did grow up on raggae yes, and bands like Phish thats why its unique, and its why people like it. If he was just a traditional raggae artist he would not have reached the audience he has and his music wouldn't have a unique style. Its for this unique combination that most people love his music. So I reccomend rather than categorizing him, just call him a music artist. His being a Jew or so forth has nothing to do with ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

The Jewish Songbook: The Heart & Humor of a People

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Various Artists

Release Date June 03, 2008
The concept of this CD, produced by Brooks Arthur is a commendable one. He knows lots of folks in show business who are Jewish and decided that newly recorded versions of "Jewish" songs would be great. All but one of the 13 tracks on this (somewhat short at 44-minute length) were recorded in 2006 and 2007 by the artists. The lone "oldie" is "Avinu Malkeinu" by Barbra Streisand, which comes from her 1997 "Higher Ground" album.

The CD starts off great with The Manhattan Transfer performing a great swing version of "Utt Da Say" about a tailor making a dress. It had me tapping my feet immediately. Then Neil Sedaka (who recorded a whole CD of Yiddish songs a few years back) slows it down with "My Yiddishe Momme". Smooth jazz meet traditional ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Live At Stubbs

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Matisyahu

Release Date August 23, 2005
I think somehow the listeners missed the point. It is a parody! Just relax and take it as it is: good parody, sucky music.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

No Place To Be (CD/DVD)

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Matisyahu

Release Date December 26, 2006
This is a great CD & Video. Matisyahu is some of the best Reggae I've heard since Bob Marley

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

You Don't Have to Be Jewish/When You're in Love the Whole World Is Jewish

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Bob Booker, George Foster

Release Date February 06, 2007
Waited a long time for these to be released on CD. Some of the wonderful
one liners I have used in comebacks and story telling ever since I first
listened to these recordings. The Ballad of Irving is a classic song
which I sing to myself every once in a while and is remembered fondly by
many listeners I have met over the years.
Frank Gallop was the announcer for Perry Como and his voice is great to listen to. You don't have to be Jewish to love this CD.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Songs of the Spirit: The Debbie Friedman Anthology

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Debbie Friedman

Release Date November 15, 2005
I belong to the same Temple as Debbie, so maybe I'm biased but...my tastes run Beck/Radiohead/Tori Amos and ironically, she fits into that combination perfectly. This is a religious CD made for those of the Jewish persuasion, to be sure. It's perfect for either private time background music or as thoughtful meditations. Thank G-d Debbie is a Jew and chooses to use her gift to create soundtracks for us. She's a gift from G-d, to be sure. Yeah, ok, some of it is kinda MOR but it's only a few songs. `Miriam's Song' is the bestest, my favorite. Much love to ya, Debbie...

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Sings Jewish Favorites

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Connie Francis

Release Date April 04, 2006
Although the writer of the liner notes may not be aware of the difference between Yiddish and Hebrew, Connie Francis sings in both languages as well as English on this album (originally a 1961 LP). And she does a good job in all three languages. She does "Tzena, Tzena" in the original Hebrew, "Oyf'n Pripichuk" (a song I remember my father singing when I was a child) in Yiddish, "Hava Nagila" not only in the original Hebrew but with English lyrics (originally popularized by Betty Madigan) as well, and "The Anniversary Song" (originally written in English) in Yiddish. Altogether the usual dozen or so tracks that you would expect from an LP (as this was originally). And all sound very good.

Five stars for an Italian-American singer that can sing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Lucifer: The Book of Angels, Vol. 10

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Bar Kokhba Sextet

Release Date March 18, 2008
This is a beautiful work. The Bar Kokhba sextet plays Zorn's music wonderfully. Zorn's compositions on this album are great and interesting. Completely original. Traditional Jewish music meets surf rock meets contemporary jazz. Very cool.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: Muzsikás

Release Date May 04, 1993
I refer mainly to the technique and musicality of the players. The atonality, the nuances, the striking of the bows stay with me.I feel a sense of place and close to the music through this impeccable recording. I look forward to sending this CD to some of my friends . One small change I would have made though, I would have concluded it on a livelier note. Actually not... I agree, bitter sweet.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

The Barry Sisters - Their Greatest Yiddish Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Jewish and Yiddish Music
by: The Barry Sisters

Release Date July 18, 1994
The Barry Sisters are pretty good on this but the selections are mostly 2nd rate. They have better material - why isn't "Yidl Mitn Fiedl" on this?