Transatlantacoustic klezmer

Nikitov

Amulet (Chamsa, 2004)

Music from the Jewish diaspora, broadly known as Klezmer, has its roots in
East & West European traditional music. The music became adorned with styles &
influences picked up and assimilated as the Jewish people moved west across the
continent, no doubt bringing as much as they had borrowed. There is a
timelessness about this sound, tinged with sadness, joy, loss, celebration,
regret and a million other emotions and Nikitov have encapsulated its very
essence on Amulet. Composed of three instrumentalists and a female
vocalist, Nikitov (50/50 US/Dutch and based in Haarlem, near Amsterdam) feature
violin, acoustic guitar and double bass. In recognition of Klezmer’s origins the
group, all trained accomplished musicians, have given their music a strong tinge
of Eastern European traditional music and more than a hint of slinky, rhythmic,
Gypsy jazz. All of the elements of an acoustic classic are here – with the pure and
emotive vocal of Niki Jacobs and Jelle van Tongeren’s violin switching from
lamenting Yiddish melodies to richly evocative manouche moves. American
guitarist Adam Good plays Django-style and, along with slick bassman Jason
Sypher, brings a very rhythmic feel to the set. The recording was made in
downtown Brooklyn, New York (where else?) and the whole album is infused with a
warm and comfortable ambiance in which the various musical influences blend to
perfection. There are 13 tracks in all and the mood ranges from the upbeat to
the downright melancholy – a roots Klezmer classic with more than enough in
terms of light & shade.

"The way Nikitov combines jazz, Gypsy music and Jewish melodies with
Niki’s voice sailing over the top is refreshing and honest. And it works
."
Lisa Gutkin/Klezmatics.

[Buy

Amulet
].

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

Share