THE KLEZMATICS: Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah

The Klezmatics

Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah

© 2006 Jewish Music Group, LLC (857764001503)

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THE HOTTEST HANUKKAH CD RIGHT NOW. GET YOUR COPY TODAY. Woody Guthrie, father of American folk music, writer of "This Land Is Your Land" also wrote Hanukkah songs. NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY AWARD FOR THEIR CD "WONDER WHEEL - LYRICS BY WOODY GUTHRIE."

notes

In 1942, Woody Guthrie moved to Brooklyn and
soon, through his mother-in-law, the renowned
Yiddish poet, Aliza Greenblat, he became involved
with the Coney Island Jewish Community. He wrote
songs about Hanukkah, about Jewish history and about
spiritual life.

After his death in 1967, these songs sat forgotten in archives. "Lost" for almost thirty years, Guthrie's Hanukkah lyrics were discovered in 1998 by Woody's daughter, Nora Guthrie. She was so inspired by what she found, she asked the Klezmatics to write new music for the lyrics.

"Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah" is the first
recorded release of this amazing material. Deftly intermingling Klezmer with American folk and bluegrass, "Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah" is destined to become a holiday classic for generations to come.

This delightful collection of songs, including "Hanukkah's Flame", "Hanukkah Gelt", "Bubie’s Dance", “Do The Latke Flip Flip” and others, is among the best of Guthrie's work, and the Klezmatics playful renditions cast a new light on the Hanukkah tradition.

Klezmatics trumpeter Frank London says, “each of us found our own way to confront Woody's poetry. The words are all his, but the diversity of musical styles is quintessentially Klezmatic.” London says that some songs lent themselves to overtly Jewish klezmer music, others to more American forms, like classic dust-bowl country tunes. Some felt brand new to the musicians, while others felt more like folks songs “that had been around forever.” The band’s influences in setting the lyrics to music ranged from sacred (Hasidic nigunim --wordless tunes often used in prayer – and Gospel) to secular (freylekhs – traditional dance music – and hoedowns).”

reviews

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  • Great CD!
    author: Laura

    I purchased this as a gift for some friends and they absolultely loved it. They played it over and over at their Hanukkah party this year. I think it's going to become a holiday staple.

  • Fabulous job! This CD added so much to our Hanukkah!
    author: Sharon Cousins

    The Klezmatics have done a fabulous job with this CD, and I love it that we have such joyous new American/Klezmer fusion folk music to add to our holiday traditions and celebrations. Fabulous job! I could dance all night to Happy Joyous Hanukkah! Woody Guthrie carried and wrote so much of the spirit that makes this country great, and the Klezmatics have done an awesome job of weaving a previously unknown (to many, at least) aspect of this wonderful folk artist into the tapestry of our lives. Go Woody! Go Klezmatics! L'chaim!

  • An immediate hit--dancing happy holiday fun!
    author: Michael Goldberg

    This is such a joyous rollicking holiday CD, my kids insisted on listening to it in the bath after they got it for Hanukkah. I expect we'll be listening to it well past December. One of those "kids" CDs that's really "family" music--something for all ages.

  • I Listen To This Cd While Making My Latkes!
    author: Johnny Bravo

    One of the very best Hanukkah CD's out there, and there aren't that many anyway!

  • Brilliant Jewish festive music!
    author: Christian Henke, Germany

    Wonderful music of virulent happiness by the well-known Klezmatics. The lyrics are completely by Woody Guthrie, it's like a discovery to learn that he also wrote Jewish songs. Some of the compositions are also from Woody, the rest was composed by Frank London and Lorin Sklamberg. Attention: You'll also find 4 instrumentals consistent with the topic.

  • THE BEST CD IN MY COLLECTION!!
    author: Dr. Ed Pevovar

    The music is uplifting and very pleasant listening. All of the selections are great...it's rare, but there wasn't a single song I didn't really like. I've been introducing the music to many of my friends and acquaintences and everyone seems to love it...it's infectious in a way.

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