KlezCalendar

PRE RELEASE ACCOLADES: “On ‘Bessarabian Breakdown,’ Jim Guttmann has assembled an all-star cast of klezmer talent that brings back that wonderful sense of rediscovering a warm, familiar friend infusing the best of the klezmer revival-era recordings of the 1970s and '80s. These virtuosos also explore the affinity among klezmer, Latin and world rhythms with convincing authenticity and integrity.” Seth Rogovoy, author, "The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover's Guide to Jewish Roots and Soul Music" “Fans of the Klezmer Conservatory Band will immediately recognize the sound and feel of founding bassist Jim Guttmann playing from deep within his wheelhouse the kind of repertoire he has interpreted -- and made his own -- over the years.” Henry Sapoznik, Director, The Mayrent Institute for Yiddish Culture, University of Wisconsin, Madison “Those of us who know Jim Guttmann, musically and personally, can only expect top quality in everything he does. His newest CD, featuring himself and many of the foremost players in the field, satisfies in every way. From traditional klez to funk and Mingus Ah-Um, it's all there --- the stuff is here, and it's mellow!!” Pete “Klezmer Fats” Sokolow, musician extraordinaire "Jim Guttmann takes on the Jewish and Klezmer repertory with abundant humor, passion, and a refreshing dose of over-the-top rowdiness." Dr. Hankus Netsky, Founder and Artistic Director, Klezmer Conservatory Band, Chair, Contemporary Improvisation, New England Conservatory “Bassist Jim Guttmann circles the gypsy wagons, gathers his musical landsmen, gives a strong upbeat, and shazam! -- away they swirl, with a clamorous clutch of klezmer, ‘sving’, hora, frehlekhs, bulgar, and other exuberantly footwarming strains from East of Berlin and South of Moscow… L’chaim, dancers!” Fred Bouchard currently writes about music for Downbeat Magazine, All About Jazz, and the Boston Music Intelligencer.