The Jewish Alternative Movement

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The Knitting Factory's own label - KF Works - seems to be investing heavily in all the growing interest in the Jewish radical music movement, with two current releases by Frank London and Greg Wall's Hasidic New Wave (reviewed elsewhere in motion) and this splendidly-timed compilation. As we say in the HNW review, it's hardly surprising that musicians from the Hasidic wedding scene - a scene relying heavily on virtuosity and versatility - are turning towards contemporary jazz and avant-garde composition as an outlet for their abilities. What this set highlights is that the movement stretches way beyond even those parameters, to embrace out-rock, improv and ambient. Artists on this set include: Hasidic New Wave, Paradox Trio, Uri Caine, Naftule's Dream, Steve Dalachinsky, The Klezmatics (who are easily the scene's best-known group), Wally Brill, Judith Sloan, David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness, Yosi Piamenta, Gary Lucas' Gods and Monsters, Forgiveness, Neshama Carlebach, Anthony Coleman and Andy Haas. This is essential listening for anyone interested in one of New Music's most potent scenes of the moment.