NESHAMA CARLEBACH
Ani Shelach (Self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Though she had been performing with her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach of blessed memory, since childhood, Neshama Carlebach had set her sights on a career as an actor, not a singer. Within weeks of her father's passing, though, she had taken up his mission of spreading the joy of Jewish spirituality through music and story. Ani Shelach is her fifth album release, and, as always, includes a considerable measure of her father's "Jewish soul music." There are also three original compositions by Neshama and her keyboardist/producer David Morgan and a klezmer-flavored Yiddish favorite, "Zug Zug Zug," dedicated to her mother.

As a Jew, this music touches me in a particular way, but I really believe that the depth of the Carlebach message transcends religious difference, and the quality of Neshama, and her band's, talent is truly universal. This is prayerful music, but don't dismay. This is music of the highest order of quality, in the hands of musicians whose spiritual inspiration only enhances the quality of their performances.

If skillful, impassioned performance is what you look for in a recording, this is one of the recordings you've been looking for.

Track List:

Ani Shelach * Pe'ero Alay * Simon Tov * Asay L'ma'an * Intro - The Mujitz Niggun * Chasdei Hashem * Zug Zug Zug * City Of Walls * Eishet Chayil * Am Yisrael Chai * Ma Tovu * Barcheinu Avinu * Avi * Ani Shelach Reprise

© 2002 - Shaun Dale