Klezmer .. need more

My recent favorite is Les Yeux Noir, who have a strong gypsy slant to their klezmer music. They consist of two brothers who play violin, a cello, plus guitar, bass and drums. If you have a chance, see them live. That is how this music should be heard. They are just releasing a live CD which will hopefully convey the joy and energy of their shows. These guys play some of the fastest music I've ever heard.

Hi Matt:

The following link has a brief (though somewhat disputed) history of Klezmer music. I feel that it is fairly accurate myself (Klezmer's origin is quite complex).

http://www.klezx.com/klezmer_history.htm

We have been collecting Klezmer music for 3-4 years, but unfortunately most of it is in storage @ this time. The majority of it is on LP, however I see tons of Klezmer CD's online.

Here are a few diversified recommendations available on CD.

1. "Klezmer Nutcracker Shirim", on Newport Classic Ltd. (yes, The Nutcracker Suite:-).

2. "Khevrisa", performed with authentic instruments, on
Smithsonian Folkways.

3. "The Beau Hunks Play the Original Little Rascals
Music", on Koch Inter'l.

Thanks for the recommendations guys.. I am definitly gooing to look them up.

Last year, I found a few recordings of my dad in France that he did in the 50s. He played lots of Klezmer/gypsy music..

if you are up for a listen.. go to :
http://members.rogers.com/mzn50/aris.htm

and click on the highlited track .. this is more on the tango side.. but quite good..

regards

Matt