Leonid Levin: Music
From Nigun to Klezmer (excerpts from the Album)
Est Zich-Nigun Frailach Sav ya pitu-Nigun Klezmer -Der Heisser Bulgar Keli Ato-Nigun Nigun -V'Chol Dance of the Rebbitzen -G.Perlman Bei Mir Bist Du Shein
Award-winning Violinist Leib (Leonid) Levin, accompanied by the outstanding Jazz Trio (Garry Gregory-piano, Martin Confurius-bass, Nodar Rode-drums) and by renowned pianist Yaron Gershovskiy in a presentation of Jewish Folk, Pop, Classical and Religious Melodies. The CD "From Nigun to Klezmer" received a nomination for the 2009 JPF Music Awards. Association of Jewish Libraries NEWSLETTER February/March 2008: Levin, Leib & Piano Trio. From Nigun to Klezmer. Portland, Or.: CD Baby, 2006. 1 Compact Disc. "This is an exquisite collection of eight short cuts: four nigunim, interspersed with a version of "Bei mir bist du shein," a freilach, a klezmer dance piece, and a slightly longer "Dance of the rebbitzen" by the late, respected composer George Perlman. The trio arrangements are ideal for the soulful, melodic nigunim as well as the more joyous freilachs. All of the playing is masterful.. the piano work of Yaron Gershovsky, the musical director of the Manhattan Transfer.... The violinist at the heart of this work, Leib Levin, shows tremendous understanding of Jewish music. There is no showiness here; the music takes center stage. The jazz arrangements achieve a perfect fusion, avoiding the awkwardness that so often accompanies attempts to inject jazz into Jewish music. ... The nigunim are played with a particular reverence and appreciation, and the violin substitutes well for the wordless voice. It is suitable for all Jewish libraries that are collecting recorded music." Beth Dwoskin, Proquest Information and Learning, Ann Arbor,MI Recorded at: 1) Nola Rec.Studio, New York, Dec., 2006 (tr.3&7) Engineers: John Post, Johanna Granich; 2) Lofish Rec. Studio, New York, Dec., 2006 Engineer: John P Hopkins
