Vayter

In Vayter, vocalist Anne Kalmering joins Stahlhammer Klezmer Classic, comprised of accordionist Miriam Oldenburg, cellist Isabel Blommé and violinist Semmy Stahlhammer. The Swedish trio has its roots in Stahlhammer Klezmer Orchestra, active in Poland until it was ended by the harrowing events of World War II. Yiddish for ‘Further’ or ‘Forward’, Vayter is, then, an appropriately-named tribute to klezmer musicians past, and to ongoing Jewish musicianship.

Grounded in rootsy sounds and traditional repertoire, the album begins with wedding music, a brief instrumental introduction bursts into Yiddish song, instructing part guests to dance ‘Higher! Better!’. Vayter is nonetheless diverse, including instrumental pieces, songs in Yiddish and Ladino languages. These range from celebratory dances to religious nigunim, lullabies to songs of hardship and love, at times performed with a cabaret-like playfulness, at others with deep sorrow. Throughout, the album feels full of intention, with a chamber-like quality that invites attentiveness and creates a depth that appears to grow with each listening. The musical space is thoughtfully balanced, with exquisite group dynamics as instruments weave and support each other, providing space and giving generously. Kalmering's vocals adapt equally well, from smoky storytelling to suggestive optimism, evocative and full of meaning.