Album Notes

Simcha Kanter and his trio bring the mystical tradition of Chassidic niggunim into a whole new light. The rich musical tradition of the Chabad Lubavitch Chassidim is highlighted through this trio's acoustic groove, a perfect marriage of rich tradition with modern style. A unique blend of acoustic guitar, electric bass, african percussion, and a great horn section combine with Simcha's vocals for a refreshing sound, breathing new life into old melodies. Featuring guest Yehoshua Sussman on viola, "Wellsprings" breaks new ground in a genre all its' own. RECENT REVIEWS The Jewish Western Bulletin writes "Kanter, who sings and plays a wide range of instruments (acoustic guitar, saxophone, keyboard, percussion and bass guitar) is accompanied quite masterfully by Yehoshua Sussman on viola and David Epstein on drums. Together, they infuse the recording with a modern sound." and the Jewish Week praises "Wellsprings" as "A smart, hip set of neo-chasidic acoustic rock. Kanter and Co. sound like "REM Unplugged and Frum," with that band's patented drive and snap. Definitely worth checking out." A feature article in the Jerusalem Post said "Kanter's band helps convince us that these tunes are so alive that they can survive the unlikely transformation into some kind of post-jazz, post-indi-rock form. David Epstein's top-notch drumming is the real clincher, serving up jazzy shuffle rhythms with interesting accents, especially on "Harninu Goyim" and "Vayancheim Lovetach." The New Jersey Jewish News writes "The effort is an appealing mix of light jazz and fervent folk-rock ... Blessed with a strong voice and musical talents - Kanter plays guitar, bass, sax, and keyboard - he adds melodic and rhythmic joy [to the music]... A pair of stirring nigunim rounds out this satisfying collection."