[The following Notes on this recording were furnished by Green Linnet/Xenophile Recordings.] The Well is an extraordinary collaboration between two extraordinary artists. Renowned Jewish roots sextet The Klezmatics and legendary diva Chava Alberstein, called "the first lady of Israeli song," have joined forces in creating a rapturous modern Jewish music. Set to words from this century's finest Yiddish poets,The Well draws from the vibrant musical traditions of klezmer, Middle Eastern, French chanson, German cabaret and American folk in a gorgeous original score. Chava's lush, golden vocals describe experiences of love and loss both profoundly Jewish and universal, while The Klezmatics' radiant virtuosity is suffused with "the Eastern European accents, unfettered joy and instrumental brilliance that define klezmer." (The Chicago Tribune) The Well is further enhanced by esteemed producer Ben Mink, who has also shared his talents with singer k.d. lang. An album of intimate songs and joyous music, this shared vision is a triumph to be treasured for generations. (Yiddish lyrics, with English and Hebrew translations included.) Songs Di Krenitse (The Well) * Ikh Shtey Unter a Bokserboym (I Stand Beneath a Carob Tree) * Ergets Shtil/Baym Taykh (Softly Somwhere/At The River) * Ver Es Hot (One Has Got) * Ovnt Lid (Crepuscule) * A Malekh Veynt (An Angel Weeps) * Bay Nakht (At Night) * Vek Nisht (Don't Waken) * Kh'vel Oyston Di Shikh (I'm Going to Take Off My Shoes) * Mayn Shvester Khaye (My Sister Khaye) * Unetik (Lonesome) * Di Elter (Old Age) * Velkhes Meydl S'Nemt a Bokher (Any Girl Who Takes a Boyfriend) * Di Goldene Pave (The Golden Peacock) * Zayt Gezunt (Farewell) Artists Chava Alberstein * Lorin Sklamberg * Alicia Svigals * Frank London * David Licht * Matt Darriau * Paul Morrissett * Ben Mink * John Friesen Instruments vocals, classical guitar * vocals, accordion, piano, bass accordion, harmonium * violin * trumpet, flugelhorn, alto horn, piano, harmonium, bass accordion, synthesizer * drums & percussion * clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, kaval, harmonium * electric bass, double bass, tsimbl, hardanger fiddle * guitar, mandocello, mandolin * cello Links: Prairie Home Companion, Dec. 6, 1998 audio-enhanced rundown, featuring The Well, and associated Klezmatics/Alberstein background infoAudition: [all], Di Elter (Old Age), Di Krenitse (The Well), Zayt Gezunt (Farewell) On Compact Disk |