Album Notes

Charlie Bernhardt has spent his adult life working in two worlds. He is a full-time union representative for the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO. He is also the cantor for Oseh Shalom Congregation in Laurel, MD. His new CD, A Bridge Between Two Worlds explores the musical traditions of both worlds. The album includes modern melodies for passages from Jewish liturgy, and "hymns" from the American labor movement like "Joe Hill" and "The Mill Was Made of Marble." The pursuit of social justice is a common element in both worlds, and Charlie ties them together with the original song, "Tzedek" (Justice). He is joined by some wonderful musicians, including Anne Feeney, Joe Jencks and Joe Uehlein. The passion that makes our unions strong and flows through our spiritual expression is alive and well in Charlie Bernhardt's A Bridge Between Two Worlds.

"This is a CD to be played all year long- lunar and solar. For the Children of Ancestor Abraham and those inheritors of the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, these songs highlight the shared tradition of righteousness, freedom, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit. Bernhardt brings the cantor's art of spiritual storytelling to Jewish ritual melodies and the songs of all folk. Whether exploring the message of Mount Sinai or Joe Hill, A Bridge Between Two Worlds will bring added texture to your Jewish American identity."
- Avi West, Education Officer, Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning of Greater Washington



"I love the clarity and warmth of Charlie Bernhardt's voice and felt that a CD was long over due -- well the waiting is over! Like the title of this marvelous collection of songs, Charlie provides a musical bridge between the secular and the sacred traditions of folk music. Listening to the songs I was alternately drawn back in time and then gently yet firmly brought back to the present. "Standing on the shoulders" of folk greats like Phil Ochs and Woody Guthrie, Charlie uses his musical talent to soothe, to provoke, and to uplift. Sing along with Charlie, you'll be glad you did."
-Elise Bryant, National Labor College and DC Labor Chorus