The Klezmatics: On Holy Ground

Filmmaker Erik Greenberg Anjou's profile of veteran klezmer outfit the Klezmatics captures the band on and off the stage, alternating between interviews, a world tour, and recording sessions for Wonder Wheel (a collection of previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie songs). Together for 24 years, the primary players talk about their individual backgrounds and relation to Judaism. Guitarist and co-founder Lorin Sklamberg notes that his work at YIVO Institute for Jewish Research as a sound archivist dovetails with the Eastern European-inspired music that the Klezmatics play. During his off-hours, Sklamberg studies Yiddish and raises three children with his partner, Michael. Other band members point to their families, who instilled their interest in social justice and Yiddish music—including xylophone player Paul Morrissett and flute player Matt Darriau, neither of whom grew up in Jewish households. Trombone player Frank London and violinist Lisa Gutkin round out the group's mainstays. Guest vocalist Joshua Nelson relates the most unusual story since he hails from a Senegalese Jewish family and sings in a "kosher-gospel" style. All are forthcoming about their financial realities, noting that they couldn't make a living without outside work, despite winning a Grammy Award and other accomplishments. Additional speakers include drummer Alan Licht, clarinetist David Krakauer, and Woody Guthrie's daughter, Nora. By film's end, viewers will really feel like they've gotten to know these people. Concludes Gutkin, "We are still making beautiful music together. It overpowers the other bullshit that goes on." An engaging, intimate portrait, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)