Naftule Brandwein

Naftule Brandwein was not only one of the most influential musicians in the history of Klezmer music but one of this century's truly eccentric personalities. Proclaiming himself, "the king of the Klezmer clarinet", Brandwein brought innovation and excitement to the Jewish dance music that originated in eastern Europe. According to "CMJ-NMR", Brandwein was "the Charlie Parker of klezmer, a master musician of the 78 rpm era who influenced everyone in his field who came after him". As outrageous a personality as he was an imaginative musician, Brandwein often performed with a n...