Among the best contemporary klezmer CDs, Surprising Finds is one you'll listen to over and over (and not just to annoy your rommate!).
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I really enjoyed this CD, even though I am not particularly into Klezmer and my Yiddish is rusty to say the least.  It's just fun music with beautiful vocals.  The music provides a wonderful insight into a musical world and culture of days gone by.
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An assemblage of eight outstanding musicians from the worlds of rock, jazz, folk and world music, Metropolitan Klezmer is one of (I'd argue strongly for *the*, but I'm sure of universal agreement on "one of") the best klezmer bands in the world today. That's high praise, but it was earned on the basis of their two previous albums, Yiddish For Travelers and Mosaic Persuasion. Surprising Finds, the group's third release, though, takes them to an even higher level, although I might not have believed such a thing was possible before hearing it. 
Combining live and studio tracks with archival recordings from the Yiddish theater and the family archives of vocalist Deborah Karpel, the band draws on everything from the Broadway stage to traditional sources, with a healthy dose of their own creations folded into the mix, to present a delightfully multi-dimensional view of a musical form that is far too easily stereotyped, not only by those unfamiliar with its range, but unfortunately by some of its practitioners as well. Under the direction of drummer/ organizer/arranger/producer/wonder woman Eve Sicular, Metropolitan Klezmer is anything but stereotypical, and nothing but terrific. 
If you already love klezmer music, you simply must acquire this album. If you don't know anything about klezmer music, you simply must acquire this album. If you have ears and live on earth, well, by now you know the drill....
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The "surprising finds" that Metropolitan Klezmer makes are musical treasures on Yiddish and mainstream film, as well as home recordings. They've rediscovered "Pick a Pocket or Two" from Oliver! and many traditional folk tunes. Part of the charm of this CD is that all these influences are incorporated into this modern recording seamlessly. The shining vocalist is Philip Karpel, grandfather of Deborah Karpel, recorded circa 1960. His a cappella voice is on four brief tracks. There are also four tracks capturing the group performing live. It's a very wonderful treat....

Each of these are very heart-opening recordings, joyful, introspective, and mindful of the world, played exuberantly by stellar musicians.
- DIRTY LINEN Folk & World Music Magazine
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