 KyndMusic
Neshama Carlebach
Journey
Sameach Music
CD Review
By Dave Terpeny
KyndMusic Editor
In 1958, a folk-singing Rabbi in Greenwich Village began composing what were, in essence, Jewish gospel songs, converting sacred Jewish texts to music. The Rabbi’s name was Shlomo Carlebach.
Now his daughter Neshama Carlebach, on her fifth CD, Journey, brings those folk melodies alive again. Combining the simplicity of the original compositions with her own somber jazz melodies, she has created a unique and challenging work, deep in history, spirituality and tribute.
Beyond that I don’t know what to say. I have never experienced music quite like this before and it defies my attempts at both description and assimilation. Labels cannot apply to the somber beauty of her voice nor to the resonating uniqueness of hearing and feeling the songs in their original language, in this case Hebrew. That combined with the earthy rhythms, jazz overtones and generally soft undertones to the songs makes for, well, I’m not sure. And I think that may be the point.
Rabbi Carlebach was known for creating musical challenges and questions that, as in most spiritual traditions, elevate the listener by virtue of having heard them. In a sense, this tribute does the same. Like a good mystery or philosophical quandary, Journey challenges my perceptions, elevates my experience and ultimately entertains most if not all of my senses. From the slow jazz of "HaTov" through the gypsy-like (and standout song) "Niggun Neshama" and the achingly beautiful "Shomer Israel" this CD truly is a journey.
So where does that leave us? With an amazing underground talent in a genre I scarcely knew even existed until hearing this CD and a heartfelt and tender tribute to a father. It is well worth listening to for both reasons.
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