The Essential Klezmer

An excellent introduction to the music and the people who make it.

I'm not entirely unbiased -- Seth has generously praised my most recent book -- but as someone who writes on Jewish music regularly for several papers, I can honestly say that this is the book on klezmer to start with. Seth's ecumenical, eclectic taste and balanced view of the current scene make him a superb tour guide for either a first-time visitor or an old klezmer hand. As a working music journalist, he has interviewed all the key figures in this music -- even the notoriously reclusive John Zorn -- and clearly he has asked the right questions, because his chapters on recent music are insightful and zesty. And the book's lengthy critical discography makes it an indispensable guide for the listener and record buyer.

Having helped kick-start the klezmer revival, I'm delighted to see for the first time a book that gets the story right. Seth Rogovoy's readable account brings to life the personalities, bands, and stylistic experiments that shaped -- and continue to shape -- this hip, passionate, influential genre. Rich in detail yet down to earth, "The Essential Klezmer" will appeal, I think, to both the novice and the aficionado. The discography alone makes this slim volume indispensible; it should be required reading in any college course about klezmer music. (Disclosure: I was interviewed for the book, but didn't see the manuscript until publication.)

If you are new to klezmer music like myself this book is very interesting and helpful. A friend took me to a Klezmatics concert and I loved the soulfulness and the jazz-like energy of the music. But I'm not Jewish and needed to know more about what I was hearing. The Essential Klezmer is so clearly written and well organized that you can start anywhere in the book and find out whatever you want to know, whether it's about particular musicians, the history of the music, klezmer in movies and on the internet, or avant-garde groups. The 80 plus page discography is especially helpful.

A decent general introduction to klezmer, with discography, band reviews etc. Not in great detail.