Klezmer Clarinet: NYC's Enduring Voice

A new klezmer zeitgeist emerges in 2026 as New York artists like The Klezmatics, Michael Winograd, and Frank London blend Yiddish theater roots with modern 'kleztronica' beats.

Tracklist

  1. Man in a Hat (Live at Lincoln Center 2026) — The Klezmatics
  2. Second Avenue (Klez Hall) — Michael Winograd
  3. Ketzele Broygez (Lover's Tiff) — Daniella Rabbani
  4. Wake up, Midwood! — Michael Winograd
  5. Payklers Tants (Drummer's Dance) — The Klezmatics
  6. Loisaida Quickstep — Frank London
  7. Fun Tashlikh — Amsterdam Klezmer Band
  8. Fun Tashlikh — Dave Tarras

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Evening's here — let's set the mood.

Man in a Hat (Live at Lincoln Center 2026) — The Klezmatics

The klezmer clarinet, a foundational voice in early 20th-century New York Yiddish theater, continues its vibrant evolution in 2026. The Grammy-winning Klezmatics, formed in New York's East Village in 1986, exemplify this enduring power with "Man in a Hat," live from Lincoln Center.

Second Avenue (Klez Hall) — Michael Winograd

Michael Winograd, a Brooklyn-based clarinetist, bridges historical roots with contemporary approaches, showing how artists blend traditional expressiveness with modern genres. His 2026 single, "Second Avenue (Klez Hall)," directly evokes the vibrant heart of New York's Yiddish theater district.

Ketzele Broygez (Lover's Tiff) — Daniella Rabbani

The Yiddish theater provided a significant platform for klezmer musicians, rivaling Broadway in its heyday. Daniella Rabbani brings that theatricality into 2026 with "Ketzele Broygez (Lover's Tiff)," a single from her upcoming album 'Klezmerette,' produced by Winograd.

Wake up, Midwood! — Michael Winograd

The clarinet's ability to emulate the human voice and evoke emotion makes it central to klezmer. Michael Winograd's prolific output, including "Wake up, Midwood!" from his 2026 album '101 Nice Klezmer Melodies (Part 2),' showcases how contemporary artists are actively releasing new works. His sound is recognized for having deep, historical roots whilst also being contemporary and forward-thinking.

Payklers Tants (Drummer's Dance) — The Klezmatics

Early 20th-century recordings by masters like Naftule Brandwein, known for his wild trills in "Firn Di Mekhutonim Aheym," were crucial sources for understanding klezmer style. The Klezmatics continue this legacy of innovation with "Payklers Tants (Drummer's Dance)" from their 2026 album 'We Were Made for These Times,' which topped the World Music Charts Europe.

Loisaida Quickstep — Frank London

Frank London, a Grammy-winning trumpeter and Klezmatics co-founder, demonstrates how contemporary artists blend traditional expressiveness with modern genres. His July 2026 single "Loisaida Quickstep" embraces 'kleztronica,' mixing traditional klezmer with upbeat techno. London notes a "Zeitgeist moment now with these musicians in their 20s and 30s, who are starting to have the same kind of fun of mixing the traditional roots klezmer with dance beats."

Fun Tashlikh — Amsterdam Klezmer Band

The vibrant evolution of klezmer extends globally in 2026, with festivals like Shtetl Berlin and Safed showcasing international talent. The Amsterdam Klezmer Band, from their 2026 album 'Diaspora,' brings us "Fun Tashlikh," signifying a return to their acoustic roots while maintaining a dynamic sound.

Fun Tashlikh — Dave Tarras

Dave Tarras, who immigrated to New York in 1921, quickly became a preferred accompanist for Yiddish theater stars, known for his "smooth and dignified" style. His recording of "Fun Tashlikh" reminds us that the clarinet remains prized for its ability to emulate the human voice and evoke a range of emotions, as Ilana Cravitz noted.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo and exploring those vibrant sounds with us. It's a reminder of how powerfully music can carry a culture's heart through time and change.