Various Artists - The Rough Guide to Klezmer (Second Edition)

Rough Guide's second exploration of klezmer, highlights the musics new musical directions, incorporating jazz, rock, hip-hop, and countless other genres, whilst also celebrating classic sounds. Featuring the biggest names in klezmer, including The Klezmatics, Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars, Flying Bulgars and Brave Old World.Klezmer music is flourishing around the world. With origins rooted in the rediscovery of ancient Yiddish tunes, Klezmer has grown into a vibrant hybrid that absorbs diverse musical influences (from gypsy, rock and hip-hop) and takes issues such as gay rights and religious fundamentalism in its stride.Bonus CD: Introducing SukkeSukke unites three leading members of the European klezmer scene under a single roof. Standards and rarities from the East European instrumental repertoire, and original music featuring lyrics by Yiddish poet Michael Wex, combine in a unique and evocative sound unlike anything else in the Yiddish music world. (4 stars) Jewish music of inventiveness and quality. - Songlines