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Unorthodox, but Kosher (excerpts)
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Albany Times Union, Unorthodox, but Kosher (excerpts) >>
Contemporary Jewish music communicates Judaism through varied styles
By MICHAEL LISI, Special to the Times Union First published: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Correction: Frank London is a co-founder of the Klezmatics. His status as its leader was incorrect in this story.
Matisyahu matters to Sheera Tanzman.
Rapping spiritual lyrics -- some taken directly from the Torah -- with a Jamaican accent over reggae-tinged hip-hop beats, the bearded singer with the wide-brimmed hat resonates with the 19-year-old sophomore at the University at Albany.
The Hasidic rapper expresses his yearnings for the Promised Land, his desire to follow Hashem (Hebrew for God) and his love of the Jewish culture and religion. And Tanzman, who returned from a 10-month stay in Israel in August, relates.
"What he says hits home for me," said Tanzman, who saw Matisyahu perform in Israel. "His song 'Return to Zion' makes me cry. You feel what he's saying."
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His success has brought attention to other members of the contemporary Jewish music scene, a diverse mix of musicians who communicate their Judaism through varied musical styles, attracting fans even as they raise the eyebrows among skeptical traditionalists and a few rabbis.
Balkan Beat Box is a mash-up of electronica, Eastern European sounds, rock and hip-hop, with horns, DJs and belly dancers. Hip Hop Hoodios is a Latino-Jewish hybrid that plays Latin funk and klezmer. Joshua Nelson melds soul and Jewish liturgical music -- a blend he calls "Kosher-Gospel."
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Artists:
Balkan Beat Box: http://www.balkanbeatbox.com
Hip Hop Hoodios: http://www.hoodios.com
The Klezmatics: http://www.klezmatics.com
Matisyahu: http://www.matisyahu.org Moshav: http://www.moshavband.com
Joshua Nelson: http://www.joshuanelson.com 10/12/06 >> go there
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