Effi Netzer Festival Of Jewish Song CD

A Festival of Jewish Song is a remastering of a collection of celebratory songs recorded on the old Olympic label in the 1960s by Effi Netzer and his singers. Given that they're all celebration songs for various occasions, the mood of the album is heavily different from the usually more tragic tone of Jewish song. A stray organ provides the bulk of the instrumental accompaniment, lending a tone to the album reminiscent of '60s rock almost single-handedly. The music is exuberant and bouncing throughout the album, sometimes to good effect, and sometimes almost parodying itself. The bulk of the lyrical content deals with religious devotion, and the happiness that comes from it. A few deal instead with the basics of a party, or with the concept of peace in Israel (from the earlier conflicts). For a look at Jewish song that's more joyous than mournful, this is one of a handful of albums that do the genre justice. Aside from the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack (which isn't necessarily authentic) and the vocal accompaniment to the progressive movements in klezmer and Jewish music in general, this is one of the better items available. Give it a listen as a curious newcomer, but search out the perhaps higher quality but more standard mood as an accustomed listener. ~ Adam Greenberg