Tossi Aaron - Sings Jewish Folk Songs For The Second Generation [ Prestige World + Interview with Tossi]

Tossi Aaron - Sings Jewish Folk Songs For The Second Generation - Prestige International INT-13055 - Original Prestige Pressing, Orange Label, Mono

Tossi Aaron - Vocals & Guitar
Linda LaBove - Guitar & Banjo
Lee Aaron - Mandolin
Kermit Downs - Bass

Recorded - Late 1961, Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ [Per Tossi Aaron]

Produced by Esmond Edwards & Kenneth S Goldstein
Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder [Van Gelder in the dead wax]
Cover Design/Photo -Don Schlitten

Released - January 19, 1963 [Tossi recalls Summer 1962]

Here's the second part of this blog's Tossi Aaron (That's Tossi, seated in the front, strumming a guitar) retrospective-interview (see earlier post with Tossi's comments on her career and her first LP) with coverage of her second and final Prestige side - 'Sings Jewish Folk Songs For The Second Generation'. I think this is the strongest of her Prestige recordings - the Yiddish adds an interesting touch - and there is a warmth and sincerity here which make this side stand out - not cheesy or kitschy at all. The concept of this side - an attempt to import old Jewish folk songs into a then contemporary folk context of the early 60s- was a unique one and entirely the idea of producer Kenneth Goldstein. Tossi adds:

"The Jewish album was recorded late 1961, released summer 1962, was to be a surprise and performance for my parents' 50th anniversary party at a hotel on September 22. Brought the "Preview copy" (as mine says on the cover), but I think it was empty. Showed it to all. Bass player was not available, the three of us performed about 20 minutes of cuts.

Forgot to mention another person you asked about- Esmond Edwards [Prestige Producer, later legendary Argo/Cadet Producer]. I recall him adjusting mikes and moving flat sound reflectors around us, being in the control booth with Rudy Van Gelder and Ken Goldstein. I remember him (brain's memory photo album) tall, thin, glasses, Black, articulate, well dressed. Bob Weinstock's [ Prestige Owner ] name brought no mind photos.

The Jewish album lists Kermit Downs as (real) string bass player, then a music major at Temple, jazz player, great ear and quick! It took three fast run-through rehearsals and he had it -- the whole sensitive feeling for the particular music. A reviewer said it was one of the few collections of Jewish songs that sounded joyful, not sad and "wailing" as do many others. It includes none of the too-often sung "Jewish pop"songs, and only one rare theater piece. You'll see that one in the notes."