The Not Really Bootlegged CD that Almost Wasn't
In 2009, Gary Rimar, a member of an international high IQ society which will remain anonymous, was informed that the group was having its annual gathering locally. Gary is also a member of The Schmaltz Klezmer Ensemble and wanted to share its wonderful music with the society. Because of the nature of the gathering, just playing a concert would not have been an appropriate agenda item, so a teach-in on Klezmer music was proposed and accepted.
When Gary arrived at the conference, he found out that his designated roommate, Alan Gaynor, is also an avid fan of Klezmer music. Alan had just bought a digital recorder and wanted to know if he could record the concert. Gary agreed, provided that Schmaltz could use the recording as it saw fit. Alan agreed. It turned out that the result was not just a great recording but good enough to be produced as a live CD.
Three obstacles occurred that almost prevented this not really bootlegged CD from ever materializing. Shortly after the concert, Gary‘s mother was injured in a bad fall, and her care took up a great deal of his time. Less than two weeks after that Rick May, the band’s leader, was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Finally the high IQ society said that there could be no reference to them by name anywhere in the recording because it wasn't initially authorized.
After some time-consuming and judicious editing of the recording, a product was created that sounds great and is without any adverse legal implications. An awesome concert, performed for an awesome audience, that not only filled the room but spilled out into the hotel hallway for dancing, can now be heard by others.
Enjoy the music and capture the energy of Schmaltz along with the magic of Klezmer!
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