[Excerpts from Joel Rubin's liner notes, written in 1995:]
The Klezmorim, from Berkeley, California, are generally credited with having started the American klezmer revival in the mid- to late 1970s. Between 1977 and 1987, the band underwent a number of personnel changes, and the current formation doesn't include a single original member. The band has been under the direction of tubaist Donald Thornton since 1987,* who joined the group in the late 70s.
Continuing in the musical direction which the group began in the mid-80s, The Klezmorim have added jazz and Balkan influences to their style.** The improvisations are powerered by saxophonist Sheldon Brown and clarinetist Paul Hanson, both well-known jazz musicians in the Bay Area around San Francisco. The band continues to tour in Europe, especially in France and the Benelux countries. "Oriental Melodies" was based on a 1939 recording by Al Glaser's Bukoviner Kapelye.
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* Correction: 1988.
** Actually, jazz and Balkan influences flavored the band's sound from the beginning.