Travelers & Thieves: On Tour Forever [Live]

travelers & thieves: on tour forever [live]

Track Listings
1. Tiding [Live]
2. Onslaught [Live]
3. Optimistic Thought [Live]
4. Crystal Flame [Live]
5. Mountain Cry [Live]

Travelers & Thieves: On Tour Forever,Blues Traveler,A&M,American Trad Rock,Blues-Rock,Jam Bands,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock & Roll

Travelers & Thieves: On Tour Forever [Live]
Travelers & Thieves
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Classic BT Release
  • Brilliant and Sad
  • A Big Letdown
  • Great bookends, but too weak in the middle
  • No weak links on this one
 Travelers & Thieves
Blues Traveler
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Blues Traveler
  2. Save His Soul
  3. Straight on Till Morning
  4. Four
  5. Bridge

ASIN: B000002GJZ
Release Date: 1991-09-03

Tracks:

  1. The Tiding
  2. Onslaught
  3. Ivory Tusk
  4. What's For Breakfast
  5. I Have My Moments
  6. Optimistic Thoughts
  7. The Best Part
  8. Sweet Pain
  9. All In The Groove
  10. Support Your Local Emperor
  11. Bagheera
  12. Mountain Cry

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Classic BT Release.......2007-06-21

For long-standing fans of Blues Traveler, this album serves as an excellent follow-up to their self titled debut. Whereas "Blues Traveler" featured the band's ability to jam freely and with ease, "Travelers and Thieves" highlights John Popper's craftmanship with free flowing lyrics and a more cohesive sound from the band, particularly Bobby Sheehan on bass. Bobby would never, in my opinion, sound better than he did on "Emperor" and "Bagheera". As a whole, this album flows well, mixing the more frantic tracks (Breakfast, Onslaught) with more somber moods (Sweet Pain, The Best Part). This album will always be my favorite BT record if only because it was my first (after hearing "All In The Groove" on the radio), but it has stood the test of time, and survived when it seemed the band might not. A must have for fans of the band, and an excellent introduction to those who have been missing out.

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Sad.......2006-01-24

I have to say that this was one of the 5 Blues Traveler classics before the untimely death of the late Bobby Sheehan (r.i.p). Every song is pure brilliance on this disk. I still can't get over the awesome bassline on Support Your Local Emperor( Bob at one of his finests). I just wish they played that song live when I saw them. Sweat Pain always brings a sad feeling when I hear it, even tho it is happy also. Recommend buying along with Save His Soul. Peace Out

2 out of 5 stars A Big Letdown.......2005-05-08

The debut Blues Traveler CD was truly fascinating. Great jams fueled by some catchy songs such as Gina, But Anyway, Warmer Days, and Sweet Talkin' Hippie.

This follow up Travelers and Thieves CD has many good jams but many unmemorable tunes. As talented as the instrumentalists might be, after a while the endless noodling gets a little boring if a good melody is not present. All In The Groove is possibly the only piece with a noteworthy melody. Mountain Cry is not bad in the background with some good vocal interplay between John Popper and guest, Greg Allman. In time I could appreciate it a bit more. Onslaught is semi-memorable if a bit chaotic.

However, the overall impression is that of boredom. The tunes all seem to blend together with little in the terms of variety and even originality. Even Popper's harmonica blasts get wearisome midway through this CD.

The discriminating fan will choose the first CD, Four, and Straight Until Morning and pass on this mess.

3 out of 5 stars Great bookends, but too weak in the middle.......2003-09-25

I am a big Blues Traveler fan. I have enjoyed their evolution over the years, and I think that each phase of their career is enjoyable for different (and some of the same) reasons. Having said that, Travelers & Thieves is and has always been my least favorite BT album. For years I had a difficult time pinpointing exactly what it was about the album that troubled me, but eventually I hit upon it:

Too much hi-hat.

It's more than that actually. But that's a big part of it. It sounds trivial (and I suppose it is), but many of the songs suffer from an overly-polished rhythm section. The drum lines are all very intricate, but they are often too fast and lack the drive and guts of the songs from the (brilliant) "Save His Soul" album and even "Straight On Till Morning".

This is most evident in "Optimistic Thought", "I Have My Moments", "Support Your Local Emperor", "All In The Groove" & "Bagheera". There is just not enough kick behind these songs and they rely too much on a rhythm section that is far too hi-hat heavy and not strong enough to carry them.

Other songs misuse the harmonica. John Popper is at his best when he is attacking the harmonica on songs like "Can't See Why", "Sweet Talking Hippie" and "Stand". On too many of the songs on Travelers & Thieves (especially Bagheera & Emperor), the harmonica almost sounds like a flute.

Another problem is the mix. The entire album sounds like it was recorded in a large, empty room with no acoustic walls. There is way too much echo and it makes the lyrics very difficult to understand. "What's For Breakfast" sounds much better live than it does on this album for that reason.

Still, the album has some very strong points, and I need to mention them. "The Tiding / Onslaught" is very good, if a little musically dichotomous (although I believe that is intentional and consistent with the lyrics). And the epic "Mountain Cry" is in many ways one of the best BT songs ever written. But in between those two classics which open and close the album, there is a little too much fluff ... and hi-hat. Two and a half stars -- round up to three.

5 out of 5 stars No weak links on this one.......2002-08-04

There always seems a point in every Blues Traveler album where the flow is broken and perhaps one or two songs make the cut that probably should not have. No such problems on Travelers & Thieves. This album gets lost in the shuffle when looking at their work as a whole, but many of BT's most cherished songs make their appearance here. John Popper hits his stride as a songwriter on Sweet Pain, Optimistic Thought, The Best Part, and Bagheera.

Although BT made its mark through a absurdly extensive touring schedule in its early years, it was in T&T that the songwriting and musical talent that culminated in the wildly successful Four truly shines for the first time.

The choice of All in the Groove as the initial single release was puzzling, but BT always seems to mess that up on every album. Don't let the lack of sales pre-Four allow you to dismiss this album, if you like BT you need this one.
Livin' Reeltime, Thinkin' Old-Time
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best
  • A very good album...
  • Excellent !
  • Buy this CD
  • The Best of Old-Time Music!
 Livin' Reeltime, Thinkin' Old-Time
Reeltime Travelers
Manufacturer: Sci Fidelity Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
Old-Time CountryOld-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music
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  1. Songs From the Mountain
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  3. She Waits for Night
  4. Song of the Traveling Daughter
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ASIN: B0002234X6
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

  1. Paddy Won't You Drink Some Cider
  2. Bear Creek
  3. Hallelujah
  4. Maybe The Last Time
  5. Ain't Gwine Drink A, No More
  6. Kiss Me Quick Papas Coming
  7. Little Beard Of Heaven
  8. Flippin Jenny
  9. Sally Goodin
  10. Down The River
  11. Elzics Farewell
  12. Father Adieu
  13. Higher Rock

Album Description

..Since the release of their second CD, Livin' Reeltime, Thinkin' Old-Time the Reeltime Travelers have been taking their music to new destinations and getting a lot of attention along the way. Livin' Reeltime Thinkin' Old-Time is a great mix of original innovate bluegrass material and traditional American old-time folk music. The disc has won shining reviews from, among others, Bluegrass Now and The Old Time Herald and the band has been featured in No Depression, Bluegrass Unlimited and Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best.......2006-03-13

This is just simply the best recording ever made by anybody of anything. Buy it. Buy their first album too. Pray for more.

4 out of 5 stars A very good album..........2004-07-24

...but until you've seen fiddler Heidi Andrade furiously clog dance on stage and then pick up her fiddle and blow the roof off the dump, you haven't gotten the full experience of the Reeltime Travellers. Beautiful old-time playing and singing...

5 out of 5 stars Excellent !.......2004-07-07

I just discovered this wonderful group, and have listened to the CD about 4 times this evening. It touches some long-forgotten yearning for real music, the kind that you can feel all through your body, the kind that won't let you hold still. It may be a while before I listen to anything else.

5 out of 5 stars Buy this CD.......2004-05-17

Reeltime Travelers have completely rearranged my musical universe. Anyone who enjoys bluegrass, americana, folk, or traditional music of any kind will love this band and this CD, and will discover a whole new musical world. This band has enormous talent, energy, joy, and some of the most beautiful original tunes and arrangements of traditional old time tunes you will ever hear. Once you start listening you will not stop!

5 out of 5 stars The Best of Old-Time Music!.......2004-05-16

This Reeltime Travelers CD is one for old-time music fans not to miss. This group of young musicians have created one of the most original yet authentic sounding albums of this genre and take old-time to a whole new level. They wow audiences wherever they go with their unique sound. Be sure to visit their website: http://www.reetimetravelers.com for more info about the band.
The Best of the Pilgrim Travelers, Vol. 1-2
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • One of the classic Gospel Quartets
  • Full of Spirit!!!!
 The Best of the Pilgrim Travelers, Vol. 1-2
The Pilgrim Travelers
Manufacturer: Specialty
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000000QOC
Release Date: 1991-04-17

Tracks:

  1. I Was There When The Spirit Came
  2. Blessed Be The Name
  3. Standing On The Highway
  4. Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb
  5. I've Got A Mother Gone Home
  6. Jesus, I'm Thankful
  7. Straight Street
  8. Mother Bowed
  9. The Old Rugged Cross
  10. Something Within Me
  11. A Soldier's Plea
  12. Satisfied With Jesus
  13. My Old Home
  14. Jesus Met The Woman At The Well
  15. What A Blessing In Jesus I've Found
  16. I Want My Crown
  17. God Shall Wipe All Tears Away
  18. Weary Traveler
  19. I'll Tell It
  20. He Will Remember Me
  21. Lord, Help Me Carry On
  22. Now Lord (Yes, My Lord)
  23. Lord, Hold My Hand

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars One of the classic Gospel Quartets.......2006-03-03

Bill Worthington was a coal miner from eastern Kentucky who also sang with a gospel quartet. He tells the story of the time his group got to play on a program headlined by the great Pilgrim Travelers. Bill's group were local favorites and got to go on next to last, just before the Travelers. They were rehearsed, ready and looking good and played a strong set, confident that they could show the famous Pilgrim Travelers something. They closed with an original, their signature song, to thunderous applause from the local audience. Then the Pilgrim Travelers took the stage. They came out singing Bill's original song, doing it Bill's way - word for word, note for note, harmony for harmony. Then at the turn-around after the first verse, they shifted gears and sang the same verse again, this time rocking it Pilgrim Traveler's style. The audience went wild and the mighty Pilgrim Traveler's soared on from there.

Studio CD's can't capture the magic of nights like that, but there is some fine music here. Take "Something Within Me", which the Travelers make into an exercise in gradually building intensity over repetition, sort of the way Ravel did with his "Bolero". The bass is a constantly repeated lower register chant at a walking tempo "Oh my, lordy lord. Oh my, lordy lord." Switching leads pick up the intensity from a mellow beginning until the turn-around before the last verse reaches a crescendo of chord voicings climbing the scale, each louder and higher then before, climaxing when that bass chant sweeps up a full octave for the last verse and a scorching new lead (Kylo Turner? Keith Barber?) sails in at full roar. It's a moment that will bring you out of your chair with the hair on the back of your neck standing up. Awesome stuff.

5 out of 5 stars Full of Spirit!!!!.......2000-08-11

This is one of my favorite cds by the Pilgrim Travelers, I've always loved their music, their style and their annointing. Their songs are so full of the Holy Ghost, I can't sit still while listening to it...
Under the Gaze
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Under the Gaze
    Carolyn Arends
    Manufacturer: 2B Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000BUJOCO
    Release Date: 2004-10-04

    Tracks:

    1. This is the Moment
    2. Great Cloud of Witnesses
    3. Not a Tame Lion
    4. Any Given Sunday
    5. Getting Ready for Glory
    6. Under the Gaze
    7. Your Laugh
    8. Half a Million Reasons
    9. Fragile
    10. Who You Are
    11. Only Time Will Tell
    12. May You Live

    Product Description

    This self-produced album has been a long time in many ways, a lifetime in the making. The projects 12 Songs explore everything from laughter to tears, from infancy to the elderly, from life to death, from here to the hereafter all under one overriding theme: Gods infinite, loving gaze. Under the Gaze documents an incisive, insightful artist at her literary best.
    Travelers & Thieves: On Tour Forever
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Hard-to-find gem shows Blues Traveler at their peak, features Santana cameo
    		 Travelers & Thieves: On Tour Forever
    Blues Traveler
    Manufacturer: A&M
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00000DNCE
    Release Date: 1992-08-18

    Tracks:

    1. Tiding [Live]
    2. Onslaught [Live]
    3. Optimistic Thought [Live]
    4. Crystal Flame [Live]
    5. Mountain Cry [Live]

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Hard-to-find gem shows Blues Traveler at their peak, features Santana cameo.......2007-05-21

    This limited-edition release includes the full 12 tracks of Blues Traveler's second album Travelers & Thieves and adds a second disc of live Traveler from their 1991 heyday.

    The four-track, 47-minute bonus live disc is what makes this package so desirable. Pre-crash John Popper is still big as a house, with a quality of voice he never seemed able to muster after shedding all that weight. Bass player and songwriter Bobby Sheehan is in rare form seven years before his untimely death.

    The final cut, a 21-minute version of "Mountain Cry" recorded at a festival in San Francisco, showcases guest musician Carlos Santana.

    For my money, this is prime Blues Traveler, back when they could really cook.
    The Best of the Salem Travelers
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Best of the Salem Travelers
      Salem Travelers
      Manufacturer: Nashboro Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Chicago BluesChicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000005KMO
      Release Date: 1995-07-31

      Tracks:

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      2. Heaven Is My Goal
      3. Standing On Calvery
      4. Movin' On
      5. Just Let Jesus Come Into Your Life
      6. I'm So Glad
      7. Don't Disappoint The Lord
      8. Thank You Lord
      9. Hungry Child
      10. I Just Can't Make It By Myself
      11. When On The Cross
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      14. Standing On Calvery (Extended Version)
      Dangerous Rip
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Dangerous Rip
        Bobby Previte's Latin for Travelers
        Manufacturer: Enja
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Avant Garde & Free JazzAvant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B00000AFRO
        Release Date: 1998-09-15

        Tracks:

        1. Heart On My Sleeve
        2. Clear the Bridge
        3. You Tell Me
        4. Bobby's New Mood
        5. Open Jam
        6. Surf Medley: Misirlou/Walk Don't Run/The Victor/Telestar
        30 Years of Bluegrass
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		30 Years of Bluegrass
          Various Artists
          Manufacturer: Gusto
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
          BluegrassBluegrass | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music
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          ASIN: B000H5TVGC
          Release Date: 2006-08-15

          Tracks:

          1. How Mountain Girls Can Love - The Stanley Brothers
          2. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues - Bill Clifton
          3. Pardon Me
          4. Orange Blossom Special - Benny Martin
          5. Blue Eyed Darling - Jimmy Martin,
          6. I Know You're Married - Reno & Smiley,
          7. Poor Rambler - Ralph Stanley
          8. Cotton Eyed Joe
          9. Paul & Silas - Carl Story
          10. Dreaming
          11. Bending the Strings - Allen Shelton
          12. Log Cabin in the Lane - Jim Eanes
          13. Willow Garden - Charlie Monroe
          14. Lonesome Fiddle Blues - New Grass Revival
          15. Wreck of Number Nine - The Stoneman Family
          16. I Wouldn't Change You If I Could - Reno & Smiley,
          17. Beautiful Blue Eyes
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          19. Old Rattler - Grandpa Jones & Ramona
          20. Cripple Creek
          21. Rank Strangers - The Stanley Brothers
          22. Banjo Whiz - Bill Emerson
          23. She's Just a Cute Thing - Jimmy Martin, Bobby Osborne
          24. Eatin' Out of Your Hand - Bill Harrell
          25. Girl in the Blue Velvet Band - Hylo Brown
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          Funky Nation
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Nouveau Zydeco
          • Funkin' it up
          		 Funky Nation
          Lil Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
          Manufacturer: Tomorrow Recordings
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          ZydecoZydeco | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
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          ASIN: B00004KD3G
          Release Date: 2000-02-22

          Tracks:

          1. Funky Nation
          2. Makin' Green
          3. Get Up On That Zydeco
          4. Question
          5. Summer Girl
          6. Thigh Drivin'
          7. Uncle Cliff
          8. Jackin' This Song
          9. Black Butterfly
          10. Party
          11. Back Stabbers
          12. 807 Magnolia

          Amazon.com

          From the first notes of the title track, it's obvious that Lil' Brian is a man with a mission--to bring da funk to zydeco. And that's nowhere near as strange as you might think; after all, the two share common musical roots. More to the point, Brian and his band (protégés of Buckwheat Zydeco) make it work very well. The vocoder refrain on "Get Up On That Zydeco" could almost have come from an old Roger and Zapp record, while "Summer Girl" has more melody than most modern R&B. There's also plenty of "true" zydeco to convince purists that this is more than a novelty, and that this band's East Texas roots run deep--just check "Uncle Cliff" or "Party" to hear them whipping it up. This is the real thing, but it's also more. What it does, essentially, is offer one possible way forward for zydeco, while still honoring the tradition. And that's a major deal. --Chris Nickson

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Nouveau Zydeco.......2003-08-28

          This cd is excellent. I have been a fan of Zydeco music for a number of years, but this recording is very good. I have seen this band several times and they are hot and do rock the house. They are a new wave type zydeco but can play classic style as well. I really feel they have not recieved the recognition they deserve. They are also like most Zydeco performers the nicest bunch of guys you could meet. I do recommend Funky nation as well as Fresh and Z Funk.

          5 out of 5 stars Funkin' it up.......2000-03-14

          Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers are THE hottest band on the noveau zydeco circuit. Pat's totally hot guitar licks, EJ's heavily funk influenced bass lines, and Lil' Brian's vocals and powerful piano-key accordion all make for the most danceable music to come along in a long time. This is the band's third release, and it's certainly their best. As a bonus, they're also some of the nicest guys you could ever have the privilege of meeting. Buy this CD!
          Yiddish for Travelers
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Cosmopolitan Klezmer!
          • Authentic Klezmer music to dance to
          		 Yiddish for Travelers
          Metropolitan Klezmer
          Manufacturer: Rhythm Media
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Jewish & Yiddish MusicJewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music
          KlezmerKlezmer | Folk | Styles | Music
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          World DanceWorld Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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          ASIN: B00000DDAG
          Release Date: 2000-09-19

          Tracks:

          1. Nokh A Gleyzl Vayn
          2. C Minor Bulgar
          3. Fifth Floor Khosidl
          4. Mangiko/Yoshke Fort Avek
          5. Der Feter Max's Bulgar
          6. Libes Shmertsn
          7. Sheyn Vi Di Levone
          8. Yosl, Yosl
          9. Farlangen
          10. Der Gasn Nigun
          11. Ken O'Hara Freylekh
          12. Russian Sher
          13. Fiselekh
          14. Der Yidisher Soldat In Di Trenches
          15. Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen
          16. Metropolitan Raisins
          17. Oy Tate
          18. Zhok A La Dave
          19. Steve's Bar Mitzve
          20. Ismail's Doyna
          21. Bessarabian Hora
          22. Kostakowsky Sirba
          23. Volokh
          24. Der Miropoler Rebe's Nigun & Dybbuk March

          Amazon.com

          These folks offer a spirited but respectful look at the klezmer tradition as it traveled across Asia Minor, Eastern Europe, and into the Americas (and back). Opening with a medley of a classic hora and a lively show tune by one of the fathers of American klezmer, Dave Tarras, the band shows energy and topnotch playing skills, and an openness to new ideas that never mows over the feel of the original. The mix of instruments is completely modern. Metropolitan Klezmer mix old and new Middle Eastern instruments like bendir and European transplants violin and clarinet with the more modern tools of accordion, upright bass, and drum kit to create a blurred line between ancient and contemporary. They combine and contrast tunes, playing the same song in the style of two or more different places, to give the listener an idea of how the music has traveled. Which is not to imply this is a scholarly performance. Metropolitan Klezmer play with verve and offer great music on this journey. --Louis Gibson

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Cosmopolitan Klezmer!.......2003-04-25

          Metropolitan Klezmer bring eclecticism on a grand scale to small to medium band klezmer, presenting a truly cosmopolitan blend of traditional klezmer tunes, Chassidic nigunim and khosidls, Yiddish song, Balkan and Greek and Sephardic elements, as well as jazz. The traditional is carefully and effectively blended with the contemporary, the old with the new. The arrangements on "Yiddish For Travelers" are outstanding, even elegant.

          Metropolitan Klezmer prove themselves an incredibly tight and versatile band, with impeccable musicianship and technical mastery. This is complemented by great exuberance and flair.

          Eclecticism and cosmopolitanism also manifest themselves in the instrumental palette of Metropolitan Klezmer. Violinist Michael Hess also "doubles" on kanun (Middle Eastern zither) and ney (an end-blown Middle Eastern reed flute) as well as viola, and acquits himself admirably on all of them. Eve Sicular, founder and leader of Metropolitan Klezmer, reveals herself to be an
          outstanding drummer, with some very fine and highly inventive drumming, and also plays frame drums in addition to her conventional kit. Accordionist Ismael Butera doubles on bendir (also a type of frame drum) also. Steve Elson switches between Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano and tenor sax, and flute. Bassist Dave Hofstra also doubles on tuba. The team is completed by Deborah Karpel, vocal, and Pam Fleming on trumpet and flugelhorn.

          "Yiddish For Travelers" is an incredibly tight album, the tracks being consistently excellent throughout and forming a nicely cohesive whole. This is music with heart, soul and ear, for heart, soul and ear, and for the feet as well. "Mangiko/Yoshke Fort Avek" combines two versions of the same tune, shared by two different traditions. First, a rendition in the Greek Rebetica style, then in the Ashkenazic style of Eastern Europe. Both share
          the same highly effective and simple, elegant instrumentation of kanun, accordion, bass and drums. Michael Hess excels on kanun here and only makes one wish this instrument with its seductive sound had been used more widely. On "Sheyn vi di Levone", Deborah Karpel shows her mettle as an excellent Yiddish singer, superbly offset by Steve Elson's swinging, jazzy soprano sax,
          which again surfaces, this time to lead, to superb effect on "Yosl, Yosl". The almost obligatory favourite, "Der Gasn Nigun", trades off leads among clarinet, trumpet, viola, and accordion, interspersed with fine ensemble playing and solidly grounded by gorgeous tuba playing. "Metropolitan Raisins" is a brilliant jazz rendition of Abraham ("Father of the Yiddish Theatre")Goldfaden's classic lullaby "Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen" (a straight rendition of which precedes the former) from his 1880 operetta, Shulamis. This baby rocks! Steve Elson's fine tenor sax makes you wish for an extended improv here. The next track, "Oy Tate", a khosidl or chassidic tune, contrasts with a superbly elegant Middle Eastern arrangement and likewise instrumentation of ney, bass and bendir. Again, one is left to wish for more of Michael Hess' ney! "Der Miropoler Rebe's Nigun & Dybbuk March", the former based on a chassidic meditative tune intended to induce an ecstatic state and sense of connection to the Creator, closes the album with a wonderful treat in the form of a sublime bass clarinet, and what's more, a bass clarinet lead, complemented by a restrained voiceless chorus in the first part of this track.

          The liner notes are very informative, and include the lyrics for songs in Yiddish, romanised Yiddish, as well as English translation by Eve Sicular. What's more, the notes for each track also include full listing of personnel as well as instrumentation.

          Metropolitan Klezmer excel on this their debut album. It is hugely enjoyable.

          5 out of 5 stars Authentic Klezmer music to dance to.......1999-05-20

          If there is a line usually drawn between the scholarly type of klezmer which features older melodies and traditional instrumentation and the leading edge klezmer played by groups who see it as a starting point for blending into other genres, Metropolitan Klezmer is one of the few groups that can stand in the middle of the divide and quietly dominate that space.

          Yiddish for Travelers is a witty, tightly performed collection of klezmer pieces that doesn't pretend to be anything but klezmer. Conversely, Metropolitan Klezmer's mastery of the genre is not a historical period piece to be placed in Smithsonian archives; it is animated dance music that defies feet to be still.

          The only thing better than hearing the CD is hearing the band live. Get your dancing shoes ON!

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