Records: The Andy Statman Quartet's The Hidden Light

By Evan Bialostozky

Klezmer music has been experiencing a revival during the past 20 years. Since the beginning, world-renowned clarinet and mandolin player Andy Statman has been at the forefront. In his latest CD release, Statman and his supporting cast present a side of klezmer not often seen--an introspective, almost spiritual collection of songs. In the current wave of spotlight-grabbing klezmer stars, Statman seems perfectly content to let the music speak for itself. Almost effortlessly, his impeccable artistry shines through.

Klezmer has always been deeply rooted in tradition, and Statman's CD proves to be no exception. A good majority of his songs are based on old Hasidic and rabbinical melodies, written centuries ago, which he has pleasantly arranged for his quartet. "Kah Ech'Sof (My Soul Yearns)" is a typical example of this pattern. The gorgeous melody is generally thought to have been written by an 18th-century rabbi, and Statman's amazingly smooth clarinet sound wails away above his accompaniment in a melancholy tone. This is definitely not music for the masses--intimacy is the norm on this disc.

The Hidden Light's oddities provide an interesting change of pace from soaring melodies. These tend to be Statman originals. The two duets, "Parah Adumah (The Red Heifer)" and "Slivovitz," might be considered "true" klezmer--upbeat, rousing, rhythmic dance tunes. They are somewhat bizarre in their arrangements, however, as simple duets between Statman and his percussionist, they lack harmony. The contrast between stirring melodies and pulsating rhythms is thoroughly engaging and also one of the most unique things I've ever heard.

It is always delightful to hear a modest and humble performance from a world-class artist like Statman. In fact, The Hidden Light is perhaps too modest and too humble, engendering an excessively mellow feeling for a Klezmer album. Many of the tracks are, at least in terms of sound, quite similar--it's a difficult CD to listen through in one sitting. But in spite of all this, The Hidden Light provides a wonderful, old-fashioned change of pace. (Sony Classical)

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