Tsufit

Opening with a vibrant version of Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me To The End Of Love,” this Jewish singer creates passionate versions of traditional Hebrew melodies. Tony Quarrington’s guitar blends solidly with Zeke Mazurek’s violin and viola to sustain the musical magic while accordion, flute, percussion and clarinet add extra colours. The lovely Chassidic melody, “Tov Le Hodot,” is a good example of Tsufit’s musical gifts. What I can’t understand is why she insists on spoiling the exotic allure and illusion of this music by writing so many original songs. Unfortunately these are indulgent novelties filled with trite clichés. Tsufit is blind to this because she reprints her dire English lyrics on the CD sleeve. Oy vey!