The Klezmorim probably had more to do with the recovery and revival of
klezmer than just about anyone else... the band also featured amazing
showmanship. And, as this compilation demonstrates, much better musicianship
than any of us remember. It was The Klezmorim who took klezmer to the streets
and made it hip again... Thank whatever spirits, gods, or good fortune existed
to give us The Klezmorim at a time when people were ready to start to listen...
This stuff rocks... a damn lot of bands out there today would love to sound
this good.
—
Ari Davidow, klezmershack.com
The first and most popular of the revival groups to tour and record... this
is the music that rekindled the first wave of interest in klezmer. And not
surprisingly, the recordings are lively and fun.
—
Seth Rogovoy, The
Essential Klezmer
This West Coast klezmer revival band was way ahead of the envelope in terms
of the resurgence of interest in performing and creating new interpretations of
this music that would develop in New York City in the mid-'90s. For once, West
Coast musicians can preen about being ahead of their competitors on the other
side of the country. And a listener checking out the crisp ensemble playing,
dynamic attack, and perfectly acceptable chops of this group might wonder just
what, if anything, all that activity decades later would actually add to the
story. The full size of this group is definitely part of its impact, as there
are sometimes four horns in the lineup, matched by nearly as many
violins.
—
Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide
First Recordings contains highlights from The Klezmorim's original
two albums, including gems from their short-lived opening era as a string-based
ensemble... exotic... lovely... sprightly... charming.
—
musicHound WORLD
The best of the new Klezmer bands... admirable.
—Cliff
Martin, All Music Guide
Check out the original reviews of East Side Wedding and Streets of Gold!