Schmaltz and Pepper is a comparatively newly formed band (November 2023) but it contains quite a few familiar faces; Rebekah Wolkstein (vocals, violin) and Drew Jurecka (vocals and assorted instruments) from Payadora, Eric Abramowitz (clarinet) from the TSO plus multitalented Jeremy Ledbetter (piano) and Michael Herring (double bass).  Between them they have backgrounds in classical, klezmer, tango, calypso, Yiddish swing, jazz and much more.  The focus of the new band appears to be klezmer and Yiddish swing but since most of their material is original there are lots of influences.

Tuesday evening’s appearance in Walter Hall as part of Toronto Summer Music was maybe their third gig but word had clearly got out because the house was packed and enthusiastic (even discounting for the Abramowitz clan who were clearly out in force).  The atmosphere was terrific.

They are a brilliant band.  They are all first rate musicians; Abramowitz and Wolkstein are especially stunning.  She is also a very engaging vocalist in both English and Yiddish.  As mentioned earlier almost all their material is original with various band members contributing.  I’m just remembering highlights but there were riffs on traditional folk tales and a klezmer take on a Bach fugue,   There was Mozart the Mensch; how Mozart might have sounded if he had beenJewish and not such a screw up.  I’m Sorry Mama was Wolkstein’s apologia for serially dating unsuitable men (i.e. musicians).  And there was a version of the Judgement of Solomon that morphed into an Irish Reel (Tom Lehrer might have approved).  And more…

All in all it was terrific fun and one imagines this group has a great future.  I think there next gig is in September as part of the Ashkenaz Festival which always has some great shows.  Catch them if you can.

Photo credit: LuckyTang