From Eastern European klezmer melodies to forbidden collaborations in clubs in Harlem in the 1930s, and from Hollywood musicals to North African influences of the Israeli Mizrahi Jews of today: the evolution of jazz has always been strongly influenced by Jews and their musical heritage.
This relatively unknown chapter in music history is brought to light in the evening Jewish Jazz. One of the examples in the concert is the turbulent story of the song ‘Bei Mir Bistu Scheyn’, best-known in the Sammy Cahn version sung by the Andrew Sisters (‘Bei Mir Bist Du Schön’ 1937), but originally from a Yiddish musical from 1932. Wildly popular in Germany in the 30’s, when the Nazis came to power and found out about its Jewish origins, the song was immediately banned. There is also a version by black jazz singer Sam Gaillard, who used all kinds of dishes in his music, from Soul Food to Italian and Yiddish dishes such as spaghetti, pork stew, potato pie and fried lamb. A true melting pot in one song.
And who knew that the classics I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and April in Paris were all written by Jewish composers? Through stories, biographical information, anecdotes, and of course through fantastic music by George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Artie Shaw, Dave Brubeck and many others, the audience is treated to an enjoyable and informative evening.
Jewish Jazz has been presented in more than 20 theaters in The Netherlands and Germany.
Information
Length: 90 minutes including short pause
The full band is 5 musicians, but a trio is also possible.
Musicians
Mirjam van Dam – vocals and text
Ed Boekee – piano
Peter Peuker – saxophone
Niels Tausk – bass
Trailers
Jewish Jazz Promo, English version
Jewish Jazz Trailer KunstenDialoog