A unique collection of Yiddish children’s folklore, old-time lullabies and art songs
To record an album of children’s songs and lullabies that is enjoyed by children and adults isn’t an easy task. Furthermore, in Yiddish only, the challenge was even harder. But the gamble is fulfilled with this wonderful CD of 32 songs performed by Ruth Levin.
Hearing the first notes of the guitar at the opening of the CD, we feel ourselves in this warm atmosphere of lullabies, comforting, heartening. Ruth Levin sings, quickly joined by the silk voice of Mendy Cahan. Add to it hands clapping, children laughing, and you find yourself in a warm room heatened by the fireplace, in a shtetl of Bukovina, during a raining evening of fall.
This first song sets the pace for the 31 following songs. A guitar here, a piano there, a voice a cappella that hums with the sound of rain and birds in the background, here’s a CD which we will listen with a mix of joy, emotion, maybe nostalgia…
And no need to understand Yiddish to enjoy this CD. With the plethora of guests who sing, play the Irish harp, cello, trombone, piano with the children laughs and the background sounds, this album is a real success. No wonder for Ruth Levin, who is nonetheless the daughter of Leibu Levin, great Yiddish troubadour. Joined with a booklet with the lyrics in Yiddish and their translation in English, this CD is a « must-listen » !
Buy the CD online on EIJM’s shop
