I meant to post this last week, but then things got busy, and then, with yesterday, a lot of the joy (and, thus, motivation) got sucked right out of me.

BUT

Life moved forward, regardless of what horrors are occurring, or what joys. We’re approaching Zman Simchaseinu, the time of our joy, Sukkos, a happy, happy holiday, and I would like to tell you about a couple of new CDs plus a Hevria response that might help get you in the mood.

Album #1 – Radiant Others by Dan Blacksburg. I wrote a full review of the album last week on Hevria, feel free to read it over there if you have time, but if you don’t, let me sum up.

This is the first klezmer album with a trombone as lead, instead of a violin, clarinet, trumpet or vocals. And Blacksburg is an excellent trombonist, he really makes it sing and makes us feel like we have all been missing out on the glory that is lead trombone until this exact moment in time. The collection of songs are masterfully arranged and an absolute delight to listen to. Go buy it. It just came out on Friday.

He also just put out a podcast, also called Radiant Others, which is a collection of really inspiring conversations between incredibly talented klezmer musicians. Like I said in my Hevria review, even if klezmer isn’t exactly your niche, listening to these conversations between talented, accomplished people is a universally appealing experience.

Album #2 – Chanale – I am the Land

Channel just made aliyah and she just came out with a new album. I haven’t actually listened to it yet, but I’m sure I’ll like it. I’m planning on listening to it today while I do some Yom Tov prep.

Artistic Reply to Violence

Some of the writers at Hevria banded together to share our responses to the tragedy yesterday. Maybe it will be a comfort to some of you.

Okie doke, chag sameach to all you who are celebrating, and may we merit to see the time when it’s all joy and no more pyschos. Amen.

Also, if you like the feature image, it’s by Zoe Cohen, a Philadelphia based artist. Check out more of her stuff here!