Klezmatics, et al / Happier, Joyous Hanukkah
Klezmatics, et al / Happier, Joyous Hanukkah, 2020
Available via the Klezmatics and better digital platforms everywhere.
One of my favorite all-time Khanike traditions is listening to the Klezmatics "Happy Joyous Hanukkah," released 18 years ago, setting Woody Guthrie songs of the season to music. In tribute to the recording's classic status, the band has released an EP featuring a remix of the title track, and incredible live versions of three more of the songs. The live versions are worth the EP all on their own, including the likes of Joshua Nelson, and Sarah Gordon and Boo Reiners live in concert.
But, wait! There's more! Chicago's answer to Gogol Bordello, Fugu Dugu adds a version of "Hanukkah Bell," wonderfully giving the music a punkish Balkan flair (a la the late, lamented Golem). Then, LA's "Mostly Kosher" Jewish music ensemble takes "Hanukah Dance" on an extended slomo West Coast dance with some swinging clarinet.
But, wait! There's more! The EP closes with an actual recording of Woody Guthrie singing his "Hannukah Dance," the voice and guitar so familiar from the dust bowl ballads and so many other recordings—but this one, this is the only Hanukkah song I can remember hearing him sing. Thank you, Klezmatics and Woody Guthrie Archive, or whoever found this!
This EP is a ray of light for the Hanukkah Chanukkah Khanike season!
Reviewed by Ari Davidow, 28 Dec, 2024.
Song Titles
- Happy Joyous Hanukkah—Klezmatics (remastered 2024) (Lorin Sklamberg & Woody Guthrie) 3:58
- Hanukkah Gelt —Klezmatics, Live in L.A., 2008 (Lorin Sklamberg & Woody Guthrie) 3:13
- Hanukkah’s Flame—Klezmatics, Live in L.A., 2008 [feat. Joshua Nelson] (Woody Guthrie & Frank London) 4:05
- Hanukkah Tree—Klezmatics, Live at the 92nd Street Y, NYC, 2003 [feat. Sarah Gordon & Boo Reiners] (Woody Guthrie & Frank London) 2:27
- Hanukkah Bell—Fugu Dugu (Woody Guthrie & Paul Morrissett) 3:15
- Hanukah Dance—Mostly Kosher (Woody Guthrie) 5:27
- Hanukkah Dance—Woody Guthrie (Woody Guthrie) 1:27
