I didn't get any presents for Hanukkah this year. It was my own fault; I've been a bad boy. Here I had countless chances to write about all the great Jewish music CDs that have come out this year and I didn't lift a finger. Now Hanukkah has passed and it's almost Christmas. What to do? There's no way this nice Jewish boy is going to write about some Christmas collection that's for sure. Instead, I'm going to join the "better late than never" club and talk about "Festival Of Light II" on the Six Degrees record label.
Six Degrees is known for crossing musical borders and this disc is no exception. Bringing together an impressive variety of musicians to perform a collection of Hanukkah music that is both tasteful and contemporary, "Festival of Light II" reaches across geographical and musical boundaries for a truly moving experience. With saxophonist Dave Koz opening with a gentle rendition of "Memories Of A Winter's Night," the immediate mood is set to a contemplative yet celebratory experience. The ever-durable Klezmatics join Israeli vocalist Chava Albertstein for a passionate version of "I'm Going To Take Off My Shoes (Kh-Vel Oyston Di Shikh).
Peter Himmelman is one of the prime movers on this collection, performing his composition "In The Embryo of Silence," as well as writing and producing Neshama Carlebach's beautiful rendition of "A Love Transcending." For the lighter side of Hanukkah, They Might Be Giants contribute a "Feast Of Lights." Frank London gets deep into the jazz realm of the season with "Oh Hanukkah Groove" (which was inspired by hard-bop trumpeter Lee Morgan and arranger Oliver Nelson). There are also beautiful performances by keyboardist Wayne Hovitz and his wife Robin Holcomb, Irina Mikhailova and Ira Stein, and Victor Freidberg's Continuo.
So that's it, a wonderful Hanukkah CD that sounds great any time. Don't wait till next year to find out I'm telling the truth, there will probably be a Festival of Lights III by the time Hanukkah rolls around again.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.