Villages Of Old
Soundbrush, 2026
8/10
The composer and pianist Roger Davidson is in some fine company for these folk, Klezmer and world music ideas that are a lot fun and quite diverse.
The title track opens with Davidson’s fluid piano before Dennis Lichtman’s animated clarinet enters, and “Dance Of The Five Olives” follows with Richie Barshay’s playful drums amid the warm wind and rich mandolin.
Closer to the middle, the thoughtful and cautious “Prayer For A Friend” allows for Davidson’s intimate keys to blend with the emotive clarinet, while the frisky “The Jester” enlists Will Holhouser’s accordion and Frank London’s bright trumpet for the cultured album highlight.
Arriving late, the dreamy “Waltz Of The Stars” showcases the intricate layering with much attention to mood, and “The Village Marketplace” exits with a festive spirit that’s colorful and timeless.
A creative blend of Klezmer and world music influences, there’s plenty of Eastern Europe Jewish folk ideas and modern jazz nods to appreciate across the 15 tunes.
Travels well with: Anne Kalmering- Tshiribim; The Klezmatics- We Were Made For These Times