Album Notes

Mandolin Caravan

Built on a musical partnership between Matt Turk and Kevin Hupp, Mandolin Caravan explores centuries-old Hebrew folk songs and melodies in updated arrangements that feature vocals, mandolin, guitar, percussion, bass, accordion, clarinet and cello. It’s a magical musical interweaving of traditional and modern sensibilities, proof that songs from the heart can cross the boundaries of time and space.
The group’s repertoire is, indeed, a travelogue that includes Israel, Yemen, Iraq, Morocco and the United States. Collected primarily by Turk, a resident musician at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in New York City who has recorded and performed alongside the likes of Pete Seeger, Ellis Marsalis and Fiona Apple, the songs of Mandolin Caravan are played with “a deep spiritual sense of the healing,” as one listener put it, while another likes the group’s “wonderful earthy, ethnic flavor—it’s like coming home: here are all of the beautiful sounds I grew up with, in one incredible, joyful blend.” Veteran drummer Kevin Hupp, who produced Mandolin Caravan’s debut CD, Desert Soul, admits to falling love with the beautiful Hebrew melodies Turk was discovering and working on over the years, which led to the formation of the group. Other members include bassist Barry Hartglass, cellist Noah Hoffeld, accordionist Gary Shreiner, percussionist Basya Schechter and clarinetist Bill Harris.