Myrtle Street Klezmer / Fun vanen?

I do love that mix of klezmer and rock that has typified some bands from Cayuga Klezmer to Myrtle Street. There is a lot to be said for applying rock 'n' roll sensibilities, starting with a searing guitar, the distorted guitar break (as on the "Kolomyke", and continuing with more of a rock 'n' roll feel (as different from the drumming and beats of more traditional klezmer). The overall feel is less jazzy, less folky, but still, in good hands as in the case of "Myrtle Street Klezmer," a lot of fun, and every bit as American as the jazzy "American Klezmer" that more traditional klezmer dance bands often play.

This difference in sensibility also makes it possible to play lovely explorations of Middle-eastern-influenced music, as on the album's closing 18-minute jam, "Masar." While the other three songs cover relatively traditional territory, this is the place that the band stretches out. I cannot but think back to Sixties bands such as "Kaleidoscope" or "The Great Society" at its best, or the Paul Butterfield's more driving "East-West." What I need next is to find opportunities to hear the band and experience the full range, live. This is a short album, but it highlights those possibilities.

Reviewed by Ari Davidow, 31-Aug-2026

Songlist

1. Tumbalalaika 5:57
2. Kolomyke 4:39
3. Fun vanen heybt zikh on a libe? 5:11
4. Masar 18:00