Album Notes

The music on The Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band's CD "The Flower of Berezin" (1998) comes mostly from the klezmer (Eastern European Jewish instrumental) tradition, with arrangements rendered in a style reminiscent of the old time American string bands. Founded in 1995 by clawhammer banjo / mandolin player Andy Rubin and fiddle / balalaika / pennywhistle player Dave Kidd, the band also boasts accordionist Elaine Fingerett, bass player Lou Ann Weiss and guitarist / mandolinist David Rosenfeld, on this, their first album (their next CD is due out very soon!). Influences from the Irish and Balkan traditions are also much in evidence here, adding to this virtuostic and joyous acoustic blend. Two powerful vocal tracks and two original compositions round out this irresistible CD.