New Life for Old Songs

by Jo Forman

Music for the love of it. The eight members of Shir Madness, the resident klezmer band of Shir Hadash, a Reconstructionist Havurah in Newton, have day lives in technology, law, journalism, and teaching, but they devote a huge chunk of their free time to rehearsing and performing the music they love, an expressive blend of traditional Jewish music and contemporary styles such as jazz and ragtime.

Shir Madness has evolved from a casual, drop-in assortment of players who would accompany holiday singing at the congregation's events to a group that practices on a regular, weekly schedule and performs for a broad range of audiences. Their transformation began after Sari Radin (violin and baritone horn) attended Klezkamp during a winter vacation. She brought back instruction in the different genres of klezmer music and their characteristic rhythms and variations.

All of the musicians have enriched their lives by playing in the band. Flutist Eric Myrvaagnes and violinist Bill Hollman both come from classical backgrounds. Myrvaagnes especially relishes learning music by ear, a new skill he has acquired in retirement. For Richard Yospin, Shir Madness gives him an opportunity to explore improvisation on clarinet and guitar, and vocalist Gary Abramson gets special pleasure when elderly people join in the Yiddish songs he sings. Drummer Glenn Orenstein has been studying with leading pros at the summer and winter Klez festival workshops. "Playing in Shir Madness provides me with a bridge to understanding the background and culture of family and friends who came from the 'old country' decades ago,"says Glenn. "It takes my heritage full circle."

For some of the members, participating in Shir Madness is a novel experience. Peter Barrer, the newest recruit who returned to the accordion after a lapse of decades, says, "This is a thrill for me. I love every minute of being in this band." "I've never played in a band before this," reflects Henry Morris, keyboard player. "Just look what you can do!"

The energetic group has developed an increasingly wide and diverse array of fans. They perform at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, temple benefits, and birthday parties. The band finds an especially appreciative audience at elderly housing. At its annual Mother"s Day Concert at Hebrew Senior Life, Jews who grew up in the heyday of Klezmer sing along to pieces they rarely hear these days. Shir Madness enjoys introducing this music to new audiences as well, such as its recent performances at the annual Beacon Hill Art Walk and the Framingham Public Library.

Shir Madness operates in the "do it yourself" tradition of its parent havurah, Shir Hadash. "In a small, member-run congregation like ours," says Eric Myrvaagnes, "every individual has weight. If you want to start up an activity, you just get going. You can request a modest budget and not have to jump through hoops." Of course, a musical group is a perfect fit for the congregation. "In Hebrew, the name Shir Hadash means "new song," says Henry Morris. "Our havurah is very musical."

The band's repertoire ranges from traditional Eastern and Central European Jewish dance tunes to crossover pieces based on Old World melodies that were composed in the U.S. and became popular in the swing era and in the 1950's as wedding dance staples. They also perform compositions written by band member Richard Yospin.

Collaboration invigorates the members of Shir Madness. They've performed with acclaimed klezmer duo Deborah Strauss and Jeff Warshauer, and in 2004, they played with Adrianne Greenbaum who performs and teaches classical and klezmer flute and also provides dance instruction.

Greenbaum will join Shir Madness once again on Saturday, September 13th for a dance party at the Lutheran Church of the Newtons. For more information, see first page.