Reviews are in for Art's new CD, Branch from the Tree

From Seth Rogovoy of the Berkshire Jewish Voice:
"...With his quintet, something of an all-star ensemble including fellow Klezmer Conservatory Band members Jim Guttman on bass and Brandon Seabrook on mandolin, as well as two young, up-and-coming violinists, Bailey revives the lively sound of Moskowitz’s suites in arrangements that should appeal to fans of Andy Statman’s early klezmer recordings. And with this CD, Bailey establishes a place for himself in the forefront of revival-style klezmer, alongside musicians with whom he’s performed, including violinist Alicia Svigals, clarinetist David Krakauer, and trumpeter Frank London."

From George Robinson of the Jewish Week:
"Excellent...the band cooks nicely." Four out of five stars. (full review)

From Ari Davidow of KlezmerShack.com:
"This week brought a long-sought CD from Art Bailey's Orkestra Popilar...The goal is to recreate the ambience of the recordings by American tsimbalist Joseph Moscowitz—traditional klezmer and luscious, long sets. There is no tsimbl player credited, but I could swear that I hear just that on several numbers. In any event, Seabrook's mandolin and Bailey's accordion capture the feeling of Moscowitz' music, plus other traditional tunes and originals, in our time. What I've heard so far succeeds gracefully and delightfully. From the delightful lettering and graphic on the cover, the the music inside, this one is likely to stay on the changer for some time to come. [GRADE: A]"

Art Bailey's Orkestra Popilar releases their first album, Branch from the Tree

Art Bailey's Orkestra Popilar is a newly formed Jewish music ensemble led by accordionist and pianist Art Bailey and includes bassist Jim Guttmann, violinists Jeremy Brown and Jake Shulman-Ment, and mandolinist Brandon Seabrook.

Branch from the Tree features fresh interpretations of rarely heard material originally recorded by Romanian-born cymbalom master and Lower East Side restaurateur, Joseph Moskowitz. On this debut cd, the band also explores early 20th century Jewish fiddle pieces, improvisation, newly composed music, and pieces from the klezmer and Eastern European repertoire. Listen to clips, order the CD, or learn more about the band.