Released November 10, 2008, this CD features the best of the music recorded live from the band's 2007 tour, including segments from a performance at a Synagogue in Greenbelt, MD and a show at Strathmore Hall, Bethesda, MD.

The name of the CD is Unexpected Joy -- The New Klezmer Quintet -- Live In Concert With Ramon Tasat. Explaining this title, the band caught up with Ramon somewhat unexpectedly in preparation for a different show earlier in 2007. Having so much fun playing together at that event, we decided that we would try to find additional opportunities to collaborate. Hence the creation of this concert series. This CD represents the best of the music from this series.

Brian Choper, the band's manager explains, "The concert series was a lot of fun, and this CD is a lot of fun as well, as it features the best of our live shows; slower cantorial Ladino music, and contrasts it with the higher energy of fast, traditional Klezmer." This recording is excellent. It includes a lively mix of Klezmer, Ladino, and Swing Jazz.

This CD has been given impressive reviews and has received acclaim as a feature on many music and cultural radio shows, including the Estelle Abraham radio program, "Jewish Community Radio", AM Radio 1120 WUST, and the very well known and iconic music show "Traditions" with Mary Cliff, 88.5 FM WAMU Radio.

 

In order to conserve bandwidth and lessen the buffer time needed to enjoy them, the following sound clips are being presented at 25% of the sound quality as they are on our CDs. If you wish to hear higher quality clips please contact us.

Track Listing/Clips:

Erev Shel Shoshanim -- arranged by the band with Ramon Tasat

Al Col Ele -- arranged by the band with Ramon Tasat

Rina -- arranged by the band with Ramon Tasat

Klezmer Medley #1 -- written by the band

Caravan -- Duke Ellington

It Don't Mean A Thing -- Duke Ellington

Klezmer Medley #2 -- written by the band

La Vida -- arranged by Ramon Tasat

La Ner -- arranged by Ramon Tasat

Klezmer Encore -- written by the band