Released 20 years ago
New Shabbos Waltz
David Grisman · 2006
50 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music
A vibrant fusion of traditional Jewish melodies and bluegrass instrumentation that evokes a sense of cultural celebration.
Top tracks — play these first
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New Shabbos Waltz — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, combining intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity that showcases Grisman's virtuosity on the mandolin.
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Yerushalayim Shel Zahav — This track pays homage to Jerusalem through lush arrangements and emotive phrasing, highlighting the deep cultural connections inherent in the music.
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Avinu Malkeinu — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its haunting melody and harmonies, immediately drawing listeners into the thematic heart of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This album effectively fuses traditional Jewish music with bluegrass, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize call-and-response structures, enhancing the communal feel typical of folk traditions.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a lively pace while others slow down for reflective moments.
- The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo and complexity, providing a calming conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- lively communal gathering atmosphere
- steady rhythm for dancing
- celebratory spirit in melodies
- joyful tunes for family gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense, fast-paced music
- seek deep introspection and silence
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Blends klezmer with bluegrass, expanding the cultural context of Grisman’s work.
- Career context
- By the release of 'New Shabbos Waltz' in 2006, David Grisman had already established himself as a pivotal figure in the acoustic music scene, known for blending genres. This album came after notable projects like 'The Grisman Quintet' and showcased his ongoing dedication to exploring diverse musical traditions. It marked a continuation of his work in fusing bluegrass with world music influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tony Rice· Jerry Douglas· Nickel Creek
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Avinu Malkeinu 2:15
- 2 Anim Zemiros 3:21
- 3 Pischu Li 3:13
- 4 Shabbos Ha Yom LaShem 4:07
- 5 Mim'komkha 3:55
- 6 New Shabbos Waltz 4:15
- 7 Ya'aleh 4:02
- 8 Oifen Pripitchik 4:24
- 9 Old Klezmer 2:42
- 10 Yerushalayim Irkhah 4:09
- 11 Yerushalayim Shel Zahav 5:46
- 12 Lekha Dodi 4:48
- 13 Ani Ma'amin 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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