Klezmer, like Judaism itself, travels well. It adapts. So there's plenty of room for the more traditional klezmer as well as this -- a hybrid of ska, punk, and klezmer diving around with all manner of energy. This live disc capture's Denmark's
Klezmofobia perfectly, grounded by the drumkit and -- their secret visual weapon -- a bass balalaika that takes up a large part of the stage. With trumpet and clarinet and guitar, they don't exactly fit the mold of a klezmer band, but there's no doubt that's the music, helped along by plenty of ska rhythms (the two work together perfectly), and even a bit of punk rock guitar, most prominent at the opening of "Grine Kuzine." Then, right at the front, is
Channe Nussbaum, an extravagant but superb singer who also has a major hand in writing the material -- eight out of the 13 tracks here. There's a little of the old world on the traditional "Rebbens Tanz" and "Chassidic Medley," and a dip into Arabic music with "Sexy Arab," all performed with plenty of outrageous attitude and ample skill. It broadens the boundaries of klezmer just that little bit more.