WOMAD

Brave Old World

From United States

Klezmer is traditional wedding dance music rooted in Eastern European Judaism. Featuring skirling, gypsy-like clarinet, this most beguiling of musical forms was played by small jazz bands and was particularly associated with the town of Odessa, the so-called 'New Orleans of Russia'. It's in America, particularly New York, where the recent revival of interest in klezmer music has been centred. Since the mid-1980s, younger bands such as Klezmer Conservatory Band and Klezmorium have worked hard to create a new, vibrant Yiddish music for the concert stage. In 1989 Brave Old World joined them.As the name suggests, Brave Old World aim to produce a new musical style from the deepest roots of Jewish tradition; one in which the vibrant power of East European dance is combined with the artistry of classical music and the freedom of jazz. In their decade of existence, this klezmer supergroup has played concerts all over the world as well as releasing three albums. One of these, 'Klezmer Music' is on the US Library of Congress' recommended list.Brave Old World's ability to revitalise and update the traditional klezmer sound is built around their line-up which brings together four pioneers of the contemporary klezmer scene from the diverse cities of New York, Berlin, Los Angeles and Chicago.Michael Alpert contributes vocals, fiddle, guitar and percussion and is considered one of the finest traditional Yiddish vocalists currently working. His lyrics embrace contemporary issues such as nuclear catastrophe and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Accordionist, pianist and Musical Director of Brave New World, Alan Bern is a virtuoso classical and jazz pianist as well as an arranger of music for plays and musicals across the world. Clarinettist Kurt Bjorling sums up the BOW ethos perfectly with his soulful and elegant interpretations of traditional klezmer styles as well as the jazz-flavoured innovation he brings to the style. Stuart Brotman equally accomplished at bass, kimball and percussion completes the line-up.With respect for tradition as well as a resolutely modern approach, Brave Old World are on a mission to bring contemporary klezmer to the masses. But, much more than that, they are easily the most danceable Jewish wedding band around. Enjoy.