Rebekah Wolkstein: Drew Jurecka – The Legend of Carau
Payadora
Independent (payadora.com/legen-of-carau)
This stunning, multi-media project is the brainchild of founding members of the Payadora ensemble, writer, violinist and vocalist Rebekah Wolkstein and multi-instrumentalist and composer Drew Jurecka, who also serves as producer and recording engineer. The package involves a children’s book with original text by Wolkstein, illustrations by Camille Dumaine, and an original score by Jurecka, as well as related dance videos by PointTango Dance. The CD (or digital download) can easily be coordinated along with the book, for the optimum listening experience.
The spine of this ambitious project is an Argentinian folk tale, The Legend of Carau (the weeping bird of Argentina), which is beautifully re-told here and accompanied by a stirring 14 song original score. Payadora expertly performs Jurecka’s score, replete with Wolkstein on violin and vocals; Jurecka on bandoneon, violin and mandolin; the late Robert Horvath on piano; Joe Phillips on bass and guitar, and vocalist Elbio Fernandez.
Things kick off with the rhythmic and bombastic Gaucho de las Pampas featuring Fernandez, and segues into the lovely violin and mandolin-centric bolero, Remember What’s Important. The Call of the Bandoneon is a stand-out, featuring Jurecka’s ridiculous chops, and morphs seamlessly into Fruta Prohibida (Forbidden Fruit) – a red-hot tango, masterfully sung by Fernandez. Also superb is the lovely ballad, Zamba del Carau which features the artistry of the entire ensemble. Horvath’s emotional and consummate piano solo on the reprise Ojos Que Mienten (Eyes That Lie) is the perfect closer for this radiant, potent and meaningful collection…which is not only a succinct “Morality Play” about what is “truly important” (suitable for children), but a verdant, irresistible, cross-cultural journey to a rich country of mystery, music and passion, with plenty of appeal for all.
