The new album from the all-female Dutch klezmer group finds them in rare form, and taking a few chances. There are still plenty of traditional klezmer styles, so you find a good handful of bulgars and horas, but they're "twinned" with new compositions that, if they don't echo the originals, at least provide a contrast. The album's title is a bit of a misnomer, since trumpet only features on "Broccoli Bulgar" (where it's played by composer
Gijs Levelt) and "Moldovian Bulgars," while a cantor and clarinet player guests on two more cuts. In other words, it's still essentially a band effort. The playing throughout is staggeringly good, with special kudos to bass player Jet Stevens, but everywhere it's virtuoso quality, whether negotiating at speed through "Faith Hora" or bringing aching emotion to "Tish Nign." For any fans of klezmer this is a must-have record, with its wide range, from the tradition through to modern pioneers like
Naftule Brandwein and
Dave Tarras to contemporary giants like
Frank London. Simply fabulous.