Toes were tapping at the Centre for the Book, the venue for the launch of Matthew Reid’s debut CD of Klezmer music titled Cape Town Shpiel.
Lovers of Klezmer filled the magnificent venue to hear 13 musicians, making up the Playing with Fire Klezmer Band, showcase numbers from new CD. Cantor Ivor Joffe gave voice to the four Yiddish songs on the disc. Matthew Reid has played an integral part in CJSA for many years as Music Director of our 10 Yiddish Song Festivals. The long awaited CD, with the tag line ‘Klezmer in Africa’, was snapped up at the launch.
“The challenge,” comments Matthew “is that I want to repackage old wine into new bottles.” He totally respects the traditional refrains but wants to bring the vintage into the present and contextualise the music within a South African setting. So watch out for the playful introduction of local traditional melodies that creep into the opening number. And listen out for the influences of well known local musicians who add a certain stamp to the traditional melodies.
The wonderful CD can be purchased from CJSA for R120.00 or $20 inc postage ($25 by airmail) or Eu20 inc postage (Eu25 by airmail). A percentage of the sales going towards CJSA. To order E-mail admin@cjsa.org.za or call +27 21 4349691
Great article. And the CD is FANTASTIC.