A Song Is Born Mitch Smolkin Independent Advance copy
The smooth, silky and
velvety voice of Toronto-based actor and singer Mitch Smolkin is the
major draw
and aural focal point of “A Song Is Born”. Sure, he has assembled a
fine
collection of artists to back him up including guitarist Levon
Ichkanian,
Marcelo Moguilevsky, Cesar Lerner, Boris Sichon, Paul Brody and singer
Aviva
Chernick. One can’t really go wrong with such an esteemed group of
artists, but
Smolkin’s voice captured my attention in every cut. The former Artistic Director
of the Ashkenaz festival, Smolkin has undoubtedly been influenced by
the
countless artists he has brought to Toronto for this festival. But he
has gone
one step further by using these musical influences as a starting point
in which
to develop his own sense of Yiddish, and on a broader scale, World
music. His
strong theatrical skills are apparent throughout. After a more
traditional
introduction, his upbeat rendition of Rozhinkes (Almonds and
Raisins)
was surprisingly enchanting and reminiscent of music played at a
Parisian cafe.
The sweet clarinet and vocal stylings featured on Papir Iz Dokh Vays
reinforce all the thought put into this enjoyable release. My advance review copy did
not include liner notes, but we have been assured that theywill include
full
production credits and song lyrics with English translations. “A Song Is Born” is a
well-produced first release that Mr. Smolkin can be very proud of!
Tiina
Kiik Editor’s
Note: Mitch Smolkin will launch “A Song
Is Born” in concert at the Ashkenaz Festival at Harbourfront on
Saturday August
30.
