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THE KLEZMATICS |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2006 NEW ALBUM 'WONDER WHEEL' (LYRICS BY WOODY GUTHRIE) OUT JULY 25 ON JMG/RED "My father would love this..." "Traditional and innovative? It must be the Klezmatics" says the L.A. Times, and the band's newest release is perhaps their most innovative yet. Out July 25th (JMG/RED) 'Wonder Wheel' features twelve songs with music by the Klezmatics and newly discovered and never before published lyrics by Woody Guthrie. The first all English language project by the Klezmatics -- a group long acclaimed for an adventurous sound that melds world music, American traditions, and the rich tapestry of Yiddish culture -- the album is a glorious tale of discovery, populated by luminaries from different worlds and different eras. The album's roots date back to Guthrie's tenure in Brooklyn's Coney Island in the 1940's. Guthrie famously lived on Mermaid Avenue and entertained visitors ranging from Pete Seeger to Lead Belly to his mother-in-law and legendary Yiddish poet/activist Aliza Greenblatt, who discovered in Woody a kindred spirit of words and idealism. Woody's daughter Nora, the album's Executive Producer and champion, originally encountered the Klezmatics while they were performing with violinist Itzhak Perlman at Tanglewood. In the hands of the Klezmatics, the unique insight and fiery worldview that propel Guthrie's lyrics take flight -- matched with a set of daring and virtuosic musical compositions that make 'Wonder Wheel' a rollicking and endearing redefinition of what "folk music" can be in the 21st century. From the evocative smells and sights described on "Mermaid's Avenue" -- a song so catchy it's hard to believe this is its first ever recording -- to the breakneck melody of "Wheel of Life" or the wistful but propulsive "Goin' Away To Sea" the sounds of 'Wonder Wheel' are as infectious as they are accomplished. The release of 'Wonder Wheel' will kick off a busy summer and fall for the Klezmatics: beginning with Woody Guthrie Birthday Week from July 10 -14, the release of "Mermaid's Avenue" as a single and birthday present, the album's release date premiere and ceremony proclaiming 'Woody Guthrie Day' at Keyspan Park in Coney Island, as well as major touring in the U.S. and overseas throughout the year. In addition, the album coincides with several major media landmarks, including the July 12th PBS broadcast of the brand new documentary "Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home", the 10 Year Anniversary of The Woody Guthrie Archives and Guthrie's birthday on July 14th. The Klezmatics are currently finishing up work on an additional album of never-before-heard Woody Guthrie Hanukah songs slated for release September 19th. # # # For more information on The Klezmatics, please contact Nick Baily (nbaily@shorefire.com) or Bianca Martinez (bmartinez@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171. To print this page, please click inside this frame, then select Print from the File menu. Make sure "Print Background" is NOT selected. |
