One of the world’s largest Reform congregations, Central Synagogue in New York, announced the March 21 release of their first album in over a decade titled “Sing a Little More.”
The 15-track album features Central’s Rabbi-Cantor Angela Buchdahl, Cantor Daniel Mutlu and Cantor Jenna Pearsall, along with the synagogue’s band, choir and a full-string orchestra. The album was produced by producer and musician Michael Thurber and engineered-mixed by Roy Hendrickson (who has worked with Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney and Paramore).
Recorded at New York City’s legendary Power Station, “Sing a Little More” reflects the musical experience that Central Synagogue provides to all who participate in their globally-viewed, Friday-night worship services.
“At Central, we love to sing together, even when we may not all know the words,” says Mutlu, the synagogue’s senior cantor. “It’s the feeling that motivated us in the making of ‘Sing a Little More’ and is the essence of these songs, feeling a connection to your community and to God as we reflect on our own lives and the lives of others. I hope that resonates for everyone who hears this music.”
The first single, “You Are My Song/Mi Chamocha,” out now, is a powerful new take on the prayer Mi Chamocha (translated from Hebrew: “Who is like you?”).
With its Middle Eastern driving beat, full band, choir and orchestra, the passion hits immediately as the double bass begins and the orchestra takes hold, bringing the listener on an emotional journey as one does not have to understand the Hebrew to feel the intensity of the words calling out in gratitude for new freedom and love for God. The song builds to an incredible crescendo with Mutlu singing in English, “You are my strength, you are my liberation.” The song concludes with a vocal apex that captures the feeling of a community of voices, singing and sweeping you away.
Mutlu explains, “Mi Chamocha was sung after the people of Israel were liberated from slavery. As they departed through the sea of reeds, they spontaneously burst into a song under Miriam and Moses, almost conducting them. How does an entire nation spontaneously burst into singing a new song, the same song? It feels like the song’s origins define the album’s theme.”
Thurber says, “I am honored to have been asked to produce this album as it is their first studio experience, and Central’s clergy were so open to my suggestions on many fronts. It is an important record for our times as it exemplifies the best of what we have inside all of us.”
“Sing a Little More” Tracklisting:
Shiru l’Adonai
Min Hameitzar
Home
L’cha Dodi
Shalom Rav
You are My Song/Mi Chamocha
Come
Broken Hearted
Mi Chamocha
Love Only Love
Oseh Shalom
From My Mountain (Calling You)
Sh’ma/You Shall Love
Peace Will Come
Haporeis Sukkat Shalom
You Are My Song/Mi Chamocha credits:
Piano: David Strickland
Guitar: Daniel Mutlu
Violin: Caleb Burhans
Clarinet: Ivan Barenboim
Double Bass: Dave Romano
Double Bass: Michael Thurber
Drums and Percussion: Benny Koonyevsky
Choir:
Sarah Griffiths: Soprano
Tami Petty: Soprano
Misa Iwama: Alto
Hai-TIng Chinn: Alto
John Ramseyer: Tenor
David Vanderwal: Tenor
Joseph Beutel: Bass
Neil Netherly: Bass
Orchestra:
Joyce Hammann: Violin
Hiroko Taguchi: Violin
Tomo Akaboshi: Violin
Jonny Dinklage: Violin
Erin Mayland: Violin
Angela Pickett: Viola
Todd Low: Viola
Emily Brausa: Cello
Hamilton Berry: Cello
Find “You Are My Song/Mi Chamocha,” the first song from the album, now on all streaming services including Spotify, Apple music.
