Shim Craimer

Hi All,
Sorry for the delay in updating. I figured that post-Pesach and pre-Lag B’Omer, there would not be that much interest in musical matters. But now with Lag B’omer behind us, I figured it’s time to reconnect. So here goes.
I want to talk about Shim Craimer. So for those of you who are not familiar w/Shim (although I don’t see how that is possible at this point in time) let me tell you that from the very first time we met years ago, even before he moved to these shores, I was struck by his very extensive knowledge of many musical styles and genres. Not only does he possess an astonishing vocal quality and range, he actually performs a more diverse and varied repertoire than anyone that I know. Why do I bring this up now? Shim has just released his new CD “Nashir B”Yachad.” I have been spending some time with it, and while I have been hearing parts of it along the way. This is the first time I am experiencing it as a complete entity.
Since I’m not a fan of reviews that offer non-stop accolades of “superlative,” “simply the best,” “first and only” and all that jazz, let me begin by saying that I may be a bit critical of many current Jewish music trends. I do not always agree with the matching of certain musical treatments with certain religious texts, and some of my problems with those songs stem from that issue. I’m finicky, musically cranky, and neurotic. Admittedly. Sue me.
On the other hand, I don’t remember recently having had such a deep and musically good feeling as I experienced when listening to many of the cuts on Shim’s album. Listen to Pischu Li (Open Up The Gates) and just try to not smile and respond with some physical rhythmic movement. Listen to B’rogez and see if your understanding of that plea has not been made more profound. Listen to Hamalach. Sorry I don’t even have words that can convey the wondrous experience of that song. It is quite unique. “Nashir B’Yachad,” the title tune, was originally released as part of a moving video presentation after the Haiti catastrophic earthquake. Hearing it as part of the album re-introduces it and this non-video context is just as effective as the moving Haiti tribute – if not more so. The musically inventive “Va’ani,” the sure-to-be requested “Mi Von Siach,” both reveal wonderful arrangements, exciting vocal performances and superb production quality. The album simply sounds great. I don’t want to get involved with credits, but suffice it to say that Motti Cohen and John Tendy have made an amazing musical statement. And as for Shim? Well as I began, I’m not a fan of non-stop accolades of “superlative,” “simply the best,” “first and only” and all that jazz, so go hear for yourselves!
I’ll be talkin’ to ya,
EZ