Grammy Winning Klezmatics Perform

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published March 3, 2009 at 7:00 AM PST

This story was published more than 15 years ago.

The Klezmatics are a Klezmer band for modern times. They perform traditional Jewish music but incorporate eclectic musical influences like gospel, punk, Arab, African, and Balkan rhythms. Their 2006 a

Originally aired on April 24, 2008.

Maureen Cavanaugh : If Madison Avenue had to promote the band The Klezmatics, they might say this is not your bubbe's (bubby's) Klezmer music. The Klezmatics have updated and incorporated music from other cultures without losing traditional Jewish rhythms and great musicianship that's a hallmark of traditional Klezmer music.

Become a KPBS sponsor

The Klezmatics latest musical collaboration is with, of all people, the late folksinger and songwriter Woody Guthrie. Members of the band have put to music a large number of Guthrie's song lyrics in a CD called "Wonder Wheel."

Last year, Tom Fudge interviewed three members of the Klezmatics...Lisa Gutkin, Lorin Sklamberg, and Paul Morrisset in our studio. They started the interview by performing the Woody Guthrie song "Goin' Away to Sea."

Guests

Lisa Gutkin, violin.

Lorin Sklamberg, vocals, piano, and accordion.

Paul Morrisset, bass.