Klezmer royalty in transcontinental exploration of common roots

 

Three renowned performers of Eastern European Jewish music come together in this exceptional new trio: Lorin Sklamberg, co-founder of the legendary Klezmatics; uniquely innovative clarinetist Merlin Shepherd, and the remarkable vocalist/pianist Polina Shepherd, originally from Siberia. 

Each performer represents a different nation, yet their backgrounds are closely related, their ancestors emigrating from the Ukraine to find a better world elsewhere. This fresh collaboration blends traditional and contemporary Yiddish and Russian song with klezmer styles and Southern Mediterranean music. Influenced by several cultures and maintaining individual styles, the trio plays original and traditional material with freedom and spontaneity. With mournful solo clarinet, bouncy village songs, and some fiery vocals, their performance takes us on a breathtaking musical journey that is full of spirited joy and deep emotion.