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Sabbapath: Your Soundtrack To Shabbos Chill

Saying that you’re listening to an update of traditional folk music from any random part of the globe isn’t such a far-fetched idea in 2011.  From groups like Tinariwen bringing the sounds of the Sahara to your iPod, to A Hawk and a Hacksaw giving Balkan melodies a new twist, you can put your finger on a map, and find that place’s influence on today’s one-world music scene.

In the 1970s, however, you might have thought it was strange if your rabbi decided to put a more folksy twist on traditional melodies sung in your synagogue, by pulling out an acoustic guitar and some finger bells.

When Rob Markoff found a vinyl copy of a Jewish folk rock celebration from 1974, called “Sing Out it’s Shabbos,” he realized that the beautiful sounds he was hearing had not been given the treatment they’d deserved.

Drawing from traditional Jewish songs, as well as mystical folk music of the 60’s and 70’s, Sabbapath features spirited singing, droning voices, flutes, harmoniums, strum sticks, and autoharp.  Think John Fahey and Incredible String Band with some Shlomo Carlebach for good measure, and you’ve got an idea of what you’re in store for.

Whether you’re a record store nerd or a casual fan of Jewish music, you’re probably going to find something you love in this hauntingly beautiful album that you can download for free at JDub.

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