Abdul the Rabbi

[jeffcrom]

Atlanta's 4th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra, with which I play, has just released our second CD, Abdul the Rabbi. I don't like listening to recordings of myself, but I listened to the whole thing last night, and thought it was pretty good - and that was after listening to the Klezmatics. It's a nine-piece band which mixes klezmer, jazz, funk, Afro-pop, rock and hip-hop. I wrote three of the charts. You can listen to some samples here, and buy it there, too - but if anyone is interested, send me a PM and you'll get the special O board price - $13, shipping included, in the U.S.; $15, shipping included, outside the U.S.

The album is also coming out on vinyl, but that process has been problematic, and the LPs probably won't be ready until October.

[colinmce]

I was planning to make a note in the other thread-- I'll wait for the vinyl. Sounds great.

[jeffcrom]

I was planning to make a note in the other thread-- I'll wait for the vinyl. Sounds great.

Thanks, Colin - I'll let you know when the LP finally arrives.

[jeffcrom]

First review, in Stomp and Stammer:

Abdul the Rabbi is the curious but ultimately appropriate title of the new album by the 4th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra. A playful cycle of original compositions and reimagined traditionals that juxtaposes genres and generations, cultures and customs, resulting in a thick, dizzy, electrifried jazz/folk/funk/rock stew, Abdul proves richly entertaining, a clear creative progression from their previous CD. While overwhelmingly an instrumental ensemble, the title track features lyrics and vocals by Zano of Atlanta hip-hop act Social Studies. The 4WAKO are playing the East Atlanta Strut on Sept. 15th and an album release show at 529 on Oct. 27th, and may or may not be opening a House of Ribs and Chinese Food next year.

[PHILLYQ]

Folks, Jeffcrom's got a winner here! I listened to this new disc last night and liked it a lot, and tonight I'm listening again and it's even better. Jeffcrom's offering it for a nice price, so a word to the wise...

[AllenLowe]

terrific stuff. Just listened to it.

[jeffcrom]

Thanks, Phil & Allen!

[jeffcrom]

Abdul the Rabbi debuted at #20 on the CMJ World Music chart. We're showing up on various other airplay charts, too - #4 on the Jambands.com radio chart, for example. Hope this translates to some sales.

[colinmce]

Any word on vinyl?

[jeffcrom]

Any word on vinyl?

Problem after problem. Test pressing six (!) is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

[jeffcrom]

I'm not sure what/who nextbop.com is, but Abdul the Rabbi made their Best Jazz Albums of 2012 list, tied for #12 with Charlie Haden and Hank Jones. (How's that for ridiculous?) The album is getting lots of airplay, but none of this is translating to much in sales. For what it's worth, the vinyl LP is finally out, after six test pressings. Let me know if you want one.