The Butcher’s Share
Riente, 2018
8/10
The Berlin yiddish luminaries Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird return with an exceptional listen where fiddles, clarinet, saxophone, accordion and several other noisemakers are on hand for plenty of relevant songwriting that embraces Klezmer punk ideas.
“Shimke Khazer” starts the listen with accordion acrobatics from Kahn as soulful and playful vocals briefly sets the scene for the festive “The Butcher’s “Share”, as well as the topical wordplay of the political/social “Freedom Is A Verb” that just might be the most suited anthem for these turbulent times.
In the middle, “The Ballad Of How The Jews Got To Europe” presents a busy and accomplished setting, while “Children In The Woods” calms things down with low clarinet and soft vocals on the stirring ballad. One of the album’s best, “99% - Nayn- Un-Nayntsik”, then finds warm melodies amid strong vocals and cultured song craft that leaves a lasting impression.
Deeper into the listen, “No One Survives” offers a slow burning display of gentle songwriting, and “Avrom Ovinu Sharft Dos Meser” is equally quaint, where expressive singing from multiple genders aids the sublime environment.
A poetic and yet still firm effort that brings in several guest vocalists, The Butcher’s Share is an enlightening, wise and highly articulate record that makes an indelible mark.
Travels well with: The Klezmetics- Apikorsim; Brave Old World- Blood Oranges