Track Listing

1. Lech Lamidbar V'hitpalel

2. Ma Testahalchi

3. Kol Dodi

4. Vidui

5. Erev Shel Shoshanim

6. Mama Yo no Tengo Visto hit rag'ut

7. Meditations on a Judeo-Babylonian Ritual Song

8.  Yedid Nefesh/Shema

9. Cholomot Ha Kirkas

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   More info & reviews  

The AJME was formed around the idea that, in its breathtaking diversity, Jewish music can be revitalised through fusions with other genres of music, different compositional forms and the inclusion of improvisation, which is the lifeblood of musical creativity.

By funnelling Jewish migratory paths through a contemporary musical prism, the AJME hopes both to create for itself a repertoire that will make a lasting contribution to the body of Jewish music, and to encourage more people to engage with this tradition.

The Australian Jewish Music Ensemble was formed after the second So Many Notes concert, a Jazz concert featuring jazz compositions/arrangements of Jewish music. The concert took place at BMW Edge in November of 2008, featuring Jewish jazz musicians from around Australia.

The concert was a fundraiser for the Australian Jewish Museum. Adam and Simon Starr were the artistic directors of both So Many Notes concerts, and have played at countless Jewish wedding ceremonies. Before and after the ceremony, interspersed between Klezmer, jazz, modern Israeli and traditional Jewish music, the brothers would improvise jazz versions of traditional Jewish melodies. From these experiences came the inspiration for So Many Notes, which in turn lead to the formation of this ensemble.

"...a feast to be savoured at length.  ....drink in the profound history of a people who have journeyed, a people who have lost, a people who have triumphed, and a people who have been chosen, if for nothing else, to be the custodians of some truly sumptuous music."

"Celebrates the kaleidoscopic history of not only Jewish musical traditions, but also the diverse geographies that have shaped them .... all through the prism of an earnest jazz exploration that resists the temptation to segue into kitschy lounge pastiche." Review by Adrian Elton