Bubbeleh
Bubbeleh, 2014
pfmentum CD082
CD and MP3s available via band website, or from pfmentum or bandcamp.
A charmingly fresh klezmer/jazz fusion with some nifty dissonant elements, this first full-length recording from LA's self-styled "Naughtiest Experimental Klezmer ensemble" is unexpectedly pleasing. Even the song names are fun. "Simcha Boytchik Hintele" is a delightful bar mitzvah party send-off that manages to transcend screaming guitar and intergalactic sound effects to deliver a nicely danceable tune. At times the band reminds me of Benjamin Laden's beloved Benny and the Vildachayas; at other times it reflects the same Southern California sun-kissed anarchy that gave us the Rabbinic School Dropouts.
From the opening raucous "Dybbuk Square Dance" to the quiet of "Mosesque" to the occasionally Bo Diddley-inflected closing "Czytzfachykz," this is just a whole lotta fun. The playing is tight. The imagination is solidly ephemeral. They're currently doing a CD release tour. Catch them if you can.
Reviewed by Ari Davidow, 30 May 2014
Personnel this recording:
Andrew Conrad: clarinet
Greg Zilboorg: trumpet
Lauren Baba: violin
Max Kutner: guitar
Philip Rankin: keys
Rusty Kennedy: bass
Clin Woodford: drums
Song Titles
- Dybbuk Square Dance (Max Kutner) 3:27
- Fear of Heights (Max Kutner) 5:07
- Schmutzy Glasses (Greg Zilboors) 5:21
- Woulda ... Coulda ... MESHUGGAH!!! (Philip Rankin) 3:41
- (An Honest) Living (Max Kutner) 2:19
- Choots-Pah (Philip Rankin) 3:54
- Grepse (Philip Rankin) 3:35
- Simcha Boytchik Hintele (Puppy Party) (Philip Rankin) 3:35
- Mosesque (Max Kutner) 6:50
- Bubberella (Max Kutner) 4:25
- Czytzfachykz (Rusty Kennedy) 4:53
