CD Review

Margot Leverett
The Art of Klezmer Clarinet
(Traditional Crossroads)

Reading the liner notes, one sees that this album has been made as a tribute to Leverett's teachers, whom she deeply respects and loves. Accordingly, Leverett takes a restrained, almost classical approach to the "art of klezmer clarinet" on this disc. It's an interesting approach, a kind of assertion that klezmer has earned the same artistic status as the high classical music that makes up the western cannon. Leverett's recording is classy and makes a powerful case for this status, but I have to admit I miss the untamed joy, ecstasy, and irreverance that party klezmer always has.