Awakening from Above

by Andy Statman

Overview

Recorded and released at the same time as his bluegrass/Americana album East Flatbush Blues, on which he plays primarily mandolin, Awakening from Above showcases the other side of Andy Statman. Here he performs on the clarinet, save for one mandolin piece, "Forshpiel (Improvisation)," and virtually all of the music contained herein comes from the deeply religious canon of the ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jews. Much of it is improvised -- Statman is accompanied by the same musicians who play with him on the mandolin recording -- double bassist Jim Whitney and drummer/percussionist Larry Eagle -- but some of these compositions are centuries old, performed at Jewish ceremonies and events. Statman brings an emotional component to the music, much of which is spare, flowing and quite beautiful, and the inherent spirituality is always palpable. Not unlike a lone Native American flute, Statman's clarinet speaks volumes about history and reverence, even though words are never sung. ~ Jeff Tamarkin

Product Details

Release Date:	10/10/2006
Label:	SHEFA
UPC:	0716851300229

Tracks

1. Yedid Nefesh (My Soul's Beloved)
2. Merciful One, Answer Us
3. Hallel (Praise)
4. Forshpiel (Improvisation)
5. Rikkud (Dance)
6. Yechadsheyhu (Renew Us, O God)
7. Galitzianer Lecha Dodi (Come, My Beloved)
8. Yaakov Avinu Niggun (The Patriarch Jacob's Song)
9. Meron Improvisation
10. Kah Ribon Olam (Master of the Universe)
11. Breslev "Days of Awe" Melody
12. Modzitz Waltz
13. Welcoming the Sabbath
14. Reb Michel Zlotchover's Deveykus Niggun (Improvisation)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Andy Statman   Primary Artist,Clarinet,Mandolin
Larry Eagle   Drums,Percussion
Jim Whitney   Double Bass

Technical Credits

Christoph Giese   Photography
Edward Haber   Producer,Engineer
Michael Brorby   Mixing,Engineer
Larry Eagle   Cover Photo
Paul Wickliffe   Mixing
Andy Statman   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Dave Sears   Producer,Liner Notes,Translation
Jennifer A. Munson   Mastering
Ilana Pelzig Cellum   Photography
Traditional   Composer