LIPA Awarded With Microphone Trophy On The LIPA Cruise

(Source: Its unbeLIPAble!!!!!!!!!!)

This trophy was awarded to LIPA Schmeltzer on behalf of K'lal Yisrael for his outstanding achievement in becoming the greatest Yidisha Performer, Entertainer, Actor, Composer and singer. Thus bringing Simcha to people, and bringing them closer to Hashem. Tizkeh L'Mitzvos LIPA!


The engraving on the trophy says "To Lipa, The Greatest Yidisha Performer / Singer Bringing Simcha To All"

Kol Isha Of JewishMusicReport.com: Yosef Chaim: Lo Lefached - Review

(Via: JewishMusicReport.com | By: Kol Isha)

Let me tell you this right from the start. If you’re hoping to read some kind of comparison between Yaakov and Yosef Chaim Shwekey, you might as well stop reading right now. This review is about Yosef Chaim Shwekey and his debut CD, Lo Lefached. Despite the similarity between their voices, Yaakov Shwekey had nothing to do with this CD and I see no reason to mention him here.

If you really want to discuss Yosef Chaim Shwekey’s brother, we can talk about his brother Moshe Dovid, who composed five of the eleven songs on this album and penned the lyrics for a sixth. Makes you wonder if there are any other Shwekey brothers out there, waiting in the wings for their chance to dazzle us.

But this review is about Yosef Chaim Shwekey. There’s no doubt he has a good voice and is a talented singer. While this album is not a contender for album of the year, it clearly showcases Shwekey’s vocal abilities. I think his song selection needed work, perhaps because he took so many songs from the same composer. Using a variety of composers would have made this album more well rounded. No question this guy would make a terrific wedding singer. No matter what route he decides to pursue, I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

So much has been written about the cover to this album. Was leaving his last name off a good move? While I understand why he didn’t use the Shwekey name, if I were producing this album, I would have done it differently. As for the last minute change to the album cover, check out: Jewish Music Derech, Life of Rubin, The Cool Jew.com, Jewish Music Review and Jewish Blogmeister.

Ok, time to get down to business.

Emes – This great opening song, composed and arranged by Moshe Laufer, gets the album off to a terrific start. Shwekey sounds great, the song is catchy and the choir is well done. This solid song leaves you with high expectations for the rest of the album. It is without a doubt my favorite fast song on the album.

Hashleich – this slow song is the first of five songs composed by yet another Shwekey brother, Moshe Dovid. The lyrics, like many others on this CD are a good choice: a little off the beaten path, but not so much so that you can’t figure out what they are. Nicely arranged by Yonatan Razel.

Lo Lefached – This upbeat tune was composed by Mendy Werzberger, Yitzy Schwartz and Moshe Dovid Shwekey, with arrangements by Ruvi Banet. I’m not quite sure why this song was chosen to be the title track. If they wanted a fast song for the title track, I think Emes would have been a stronger choice.

Torasi – Pretty slow song, composed by Yitzchok Rubin with beautiful arrangements by Moshe Laufer. All the vocals on this song are solid. Aside from Shwekey’s, child soloist Yehuda Mendlowitz does a terrific job as does Moishe Roth’s choir. I’m not convinced that the third part that comes in from about 4:17 – 4:47 was really necessary. Again, great choice of lyrics which echo the mood of the song nicely.

Song of Our Travels/Ani Maamin – Ani Maamin is actually the last song on the CD but since it’s just a Hebrew version of Song of Our Travels., it made sense to discuss them together. The song concept is a solid: no matter what tragedies have befallen our nation, we have always managed to find the strength to sing the words “Ani Maamin.” But as someone whose family was decimated by World War II, I take umbrage when people drop lyrics like “train” and “siren” into a song and assume people will automatically be moved or inspired because they used the magic words. Given that I can’t be objective about this song, I can’t possibly review it.

Biglal Avos – The first few seconds of this song made me think someone had switched the CD for Dovid Gabay’s Hagomel. This leibidic, upbeat song is another contribution by Moshe Dovid Shwekey. I’m sure Mama Shwekey is shepping lots of nachas.

Margoa – This pretty slow song is probably the strongest song Moshe Dovid Shwekey contributed to this album. Yisroel Lamm’s arrangements give this song a distinctly different flavor than the others. Loved the introduction and this song definitely gives Yosef Chaim a chance to shine. Am I the only one who had to look up the word “margoa” to see what it meant?

Eilecha – This upbeat song is one of Moshe Dovid Shwekey’s better songs with arrangements by Moshe Laufer. Shwekey sounds great and the song is pretty catchy.

Yerushalayim – Someone want to tell me why this song got buried at the end of this album? This hartzig song, composed and arranged by Moshe Laufer is hands down the best song on the album and quite possibly the only song on this album that we may still be hearing in six months. Everything about this song works and I love it. I would have given the song a different name, bumped it up to song number three and made it the title track.

Chaveirim – Another upbeat tune, composed by Moshe Dovid Shwekey with arrangements by Moishe Roth. Oddly enough, while the most of this album has songs that are bursting with innovative lyrics, this one just seems like it doesn’t have enough words in it.

CHAZAK! 13 - The Bar Mitzvah Celebration

(Via: TheJewishInsights.com)

The Moses & Aaron Foundation invites you to a Bar Mitzvah Celebration: CHAZAK 13. Starring DOVID GABAY, SHLOIME DACHS, SHLOMO SIMCHA & YOSEF CHAIM. Special Appearance by THE FIDDLER RABBI Rabbi Litt.
Music by the Shloime Dachs Orchestras. Special Music Tribute to Mr. Izzy Taubenfeld z”l. Motzei Shabbos Nachamu August 1st, Doors Open 10:00pm Show begins 10:30pm SHARP! Sullivan Community College Field House [across from vacation village]] Loch Sheldrake, NY. For Tickets please Call: 212-560-0992 or visit JewishTickets.com

The Kumzits On The Hudson Is Back!

(Via: TheJewishInsights.com)

(Click image to enlarge)

Tuesday night July 7th 2009. Boarding 7:15 from Pier 17 Departing 8:00pm SHARP. Three hours of Jewish Music, Food and Entertainment on the Hudson River. Starring

Yisroel Werdgyer – Yehuda Green – Shloime Taussig – Yoily Folkowitz

Introducing New Singing Sensation: Shraga Gestetner

with music by: Dovi Tessler – Joel Brach – Zusha Glauber – Yoily W

Master of Ceremonies: R’ Michoel Schnitzler

performing a song from his upcoming album

A 3 HOUR CRUISE ABOARD THE ATLANTICA (8-11PM)

ADMISSION: $115 – Your MUST RSVP! Call: 718-301-9409 – Email: boatkunzits@gmail.com

FOR UPDATES AND DIRECTIONS PLEASE VISIT KumzitsOnTheHudson.com.

LIPA And Shloime Taussig Singing "Hentelech"

(Photos Courtesy : DesignsBySruly.com and LipaSchmeltzer.com)

LIPA Schmeltzer And Shloime Taussig singing LIPA's hit song: Hentelech. Read full article to see video...

Free Download: "Barcelona" By The Late Jo Amar

(Via: Gruntig!)

This past Friday, June 26th, World renowned Moroccan singer Yosef "Jo" Amar passed away. He was 79 years old. Jo Amar was an unbelievable talent and contributed a tremendous amount to modern Jewish Music. Jo Amar will be sorely missed. Jo Amar also known as the Sultan of Jewish musician, was an Israeli icon during the early years of the state. Amar immigrated to Israel in 1956. He pioneered the fusion of classical Jewish Sephardic and Arabic tunes with Western musical sensibilities, thereby helping give birth to the style labeled Mizrahi music today.

Click Here for the full article from The Jerusalem Post.

To remember this amazing singer MostlyMusic.com is offering a free download. You can download "Barcelona" by Jo Amar from the HASC Volume 2 page for free for one week only. (Ends Sunday July 5th)

To download the free track go to the HASC Volume 2 page (by clicking here) and add that track to the cart (it's free) just sign into your MostlyMusic.com account and checkout. No credit card or payment required. You will automatically be prompted to download the free track.

If you have any problems or questions feel free to email Sruly at: SrulyM@mostlymusic.com.

I DOWNLOADED IT, AND I MUST SAY IT IS AMAZING!

JO YOU WILL BE MISSED!

The Tmimim Boys Choir

The long wait for the debut album of the Tmimim Boys Choir (TBC) with Rabbi Yossi Goldstein is finally scheduled for release at the end of the summer. The project 3 years to produce, but will definitely be worth the wait. It promises to be a refreshing CD with interesting and energetic songs. It is arranged by the talented RAMBAM (Agababayev). The TBC has performed with stars such as M.B.D., Piamenta, and many many more. They have captured thier audiences with thier great performances. The music stlye is Heimshe hora, sefardi, dance, Chabad and Dvekus.

(Source: TheJewishInsights.com)

Yoni Shlomo - New Album: Tracht Gut

(Via: Shlager)

You can download it, or buy it HERE.

"A brand new CD produced by Moshe Laufer and Levik T. With compositions by Eli Laufer, Yossi Green, Pinky Weber and Moshe Laufer. The album includes a fresh new Waltz by Eli Laufer and some hit Rock & Disco songs arranged by Moshe Laufer. The album was mixed by the Master Ilya Lishinsky."

A Few New CD's - Coming Soon

These new CD's witch are coming out soon, will be available at your local Jewish music store as well as the Sameach Music Website.

The CD's are:


The Yeshiva Boys Choir 4 - Sh'moy Shel Melech (which should be out at the end of the summer).



Chaim David - VeHamevaser Tov





Shlomo Katz - Malei Olam





Gad Elbaz - Live In Caesarea (CD and DVD)


Just thought I would give you an idea.

Coming Soon From Sameach Music - Shabbos Farbrengen: Zalman Goldstein and Yaron Gershovsky

An excellent selection of very highly popular Farbrengen melodies which are enjoyed by everyone, it is an instrumental journey that will awaken and massage the most delicate threads of your soul.

Produced and Directed By:
Zalman Goldstein

Orchestrations:
Zalman Goldstein

Piano and Other Instruments:
Yaron Gershovsky

Clarinet:
Chilik Frank

Recorded By:
Dorron Music Studio
Fresh Meadows, NY


Mix and Mastered:
Tom Swift



(Source: TheJewishInsights.com)

Jewish Music Report Podcast #2 Now Available!

The Jewish Music Report Podcast (#2), made by Dov Katz, and Sruly Meyer, is now available online, and for download. You can click the link at the beginning of this article, and you will be redirected to the Jewish Music Report website. From there, you can listen or download the Podcast. This Podcast features music from Beri Webber, Avraham Fried, Yosef Chaim Shwekey, Shloime Kaufman, Shloime Taussig, and Od Yosef Chai Volume 2. There is also a call in from Bentzi Ptalis, Director of Kol Noar Boys Choir.

I hope you enjoy it!

Nachum Segal Interviews Berry Weber About His Debut Album: Beezras Hashem Yisbarach

Nachum Segal Conducted an interview this morning, with Berry Weber, and Naftali Schnitzler (producer).

Click HERE to view the entire interview.

Beri And Nachum During The Interview

Beri And Nachum

Berry Weber's Debut CD: Beezras Hashem Yisbarach

(Via: MostlyMusic)

"Berry Weber has become a rising star in the Jewish music world. Weber's debut album is produced by Naftali Schnitzler and Ruli Ezrachi. The CD has 14 tracks, composed by Lipa Schmeltzer, Motti Ilowitz, David Kaufman, Isaac Altman, Yoel Hersch Fuchs and Berry himself. The CD has songs arranged by MONA, Shua Fried, Ruli Ezrachi, Shai Bachar and Naftuli Y. Mendlowitz."

Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt: Od Yosef Chai 2

(Via: MostlyMusic)

"100 years of Jewish Music history in the making. Od Yosef Chai Volume 2 is the second release in the series of restored works of Yossele Rosenblatt, a project that is monumental both in importance as well as in time, money and effort spent.

While others have attempted before to improve the sound quality of Reb Yossele recordings, none come close in matching the breadth or success of this project. International historical audio restoration experts were extensively consulted throughout the project.

In addition to restoration of the original works, new instrumental and choral pieces were added to supplement and enhance the original recordings. Mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winning people. This CD has a running time of 72 minutes."

Shloime Kaufman's New CD: Avodas Tzedakah

(Via: MostlyMusic)

"Shloime Kaufman's Avodos Tzedakah album was released earlier this week, and in stores possibly as early as Thursday afternoon. The CD will be available on MostlyMusic.com, and features Dovid Gabay, Baruch Levine, Abie Rotenberg, Michoel Pruzansky, A.K.A. Pella, Sholom Jacobs and contains songs composed by Yitzy Waldner and Baruch Levine. The CD is presented by and proceeds will go to A T.I.M.E."

Yosef Chaim Shwekey Debut Album: Lo Lefached

(Via: MostlyMusic)

"Yosef Chaim's stunning debut recording features 11 beautiful songs composed by Moshe Dovid Shwekey, Moshe Laufer, Yitzchok Rubin, Yitzy Schwartz & Dina Storch. Musical arrangements were done by Moshe Laufer, Ruvi Banet, Yisroel Lamm, Yonatan Razel & Moshe Roth."

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