In 1986, in New York City's East Village, a group of musicians came together to form The Klezmatics. They started with classic Yiddish folk songs and traditional Klezmer music (Klezmer is the traditional music of Jewish celebrations in Eastern Europe, a musical genre which inspired American jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman in the early decades of the twentieth Century.), and later merged with the soul/gospel genre music.

On their eighth studio album, The Klezmatics collaborated with a talented singer from the South, named Joshua Nelson. Nelson himself is Jewish, and is also African-American. When asked about his style, Nelson said in a press release, "I make Jewish music and give it a soul sound. They call it the gospel sound. But technically it is soul Jewish music. If you can put soul in Christian music, you can be Black and put soul in Jewish music." In this live CD, that was recorded last summer in Berlin, Nelson and the Klezmatics learn how to mesh their two genres together. With the different mixes of gifted musicians, a beautiful, harmonious sound is generated.

Nelson's voice is reminiscent of the late, great Mahalia Jackson, and one of her songs is included in the concert. Jackson was gospel music's first big crossover, who was appreciated by both blacks and white. Her music has inspired many current artists, and her songs have been covered by many musicians. The live album also includes a song by the legendary Sam Cooke. Cooke is best known for his thought provoking classic number, "A Change is Gonna Come", started his career as a gospel singer. His religious side is shown on "Oh Mary Don't You Weep", which is covered by the Klezmatics.

Though Nelson provides memorable additions to the group, the Klezmatics shine when they go back to their roots. The album begins with a traditional a Jewish number that is sung at the Passover Seder. Eyliyohu Hanovi is a solemn piece that has a very gothic, ancient sound. Even though it has been used for centuries, The Klezmatics are able to make it their own. They take a widely-known song and cover it in a unique, special way. It is very difficult to use a song that is easily identifiable and make it sound as if you wrote it, though the Klezmatics have accomplished this difficult task.

The Klezmatics and Joshua Nelson had a wonderful time working on the setlist for the Berlin concert together. Their idea was to cover the Passover seder in their concert using a combination of Black spirituals and Jewish traditional songs, and they followed their goal accordingly. They also speak about their compatibility that allowed for a more coherent music working experience. In the end, they were very pleased with the finished product, and the crowd in Berlin agreed. It was a joyful night, and their thrilling performances continued wherever they went. The band's energy was accepted quickly by the different crowds from around the world, and they should be a pleasure to watch when they come to University of Massachusetts.

Tonight at 8 p.m. The Klezmatics and Joshua Nelson will be at Bowker Auditorium to play songs off their new CD, "Brother Moses Smote The Water." The concert is free to five college students, and should be a great way to get a taste of both Black and Jewish cultures, and listen to some great music.