Classic Klezmer Music Resurfaces on New Collections from Sony Legacy

PRNewswire
NEW YORK
04/25/2002

For the first time since the dawn of the CD age, Columbia and Epic Records have tapped into their vast archives of traditional Jewish folk music, and are set to release three historically significant klezmer titles. All three titles will arrive in stores on Tuesday, April 30.

The double-disc compilation "From Avenue A To The Great White Way" explores the roots of Yiddish recordings and klezmer music's entry into American pop culture. The collection's 50 tracks span the years 1912-1950 and includes performances by Fannie Brice, Eddie Cantor, Benny Goodman with Peggy Lee, and Cab Calloway. Nine performances have never before been released, including selections by Molly Picon, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Gene Krupa, and an Irving Berlin track, "What Am I Gonna Do?" from 1914.

"Abe Schwartz: The Klezmer King" celebrates the career of Abe Schwartz, a pioneering talent scout who worked at Columbia from 1917 to 1935. In addition to his talent scout duties, Schwartz was also an accomplished bandleader, arranger and composer. The disc includes early appearances by klezmer forefathers Dave Tarras, Naftule Brandwein and Sam Beckerman.

The most sought-after LP in the history of klezmer music, "TANZ!" was recorded in 1955 by clarinetist Dave Tarras and his son-in-laws Sam and Ray Musiker. Tarras, whose stardom in klezmer rivaled that of Benny Goodman in swing, was born in the Ukraine but was a star among his people on stage and on records in the U.S. starting in the 1920s. "TANZ!" remains a ground-breaking album for its fusion of traditional klezmer music with the contemporary jazz sounds of the era. This new version of the album features two previously unreleased alternate takes from the original recording sessions.

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SOURCE: Sony Legacy

Contact: Tom Cording of Sony Legacy, +1-212-833-4448,
Legacyrecordings.com

Website: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/