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CD Reviews
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Using Rock 'n' Roll To Promote Judaism by Arline Fine
"You should see my tallit made by my wife Terri, a special effects seamstress for Disney," winks the Los Angeles based composer "it's made of a glittering fabric, and is decorated with the moon sun and stars-all in gold. I look like a sorcerer's Tallit. It's gorgeous" Like his glittering tallit. There is nothing subtle about Janning, a native Clevelander, who came to town to promote his recent CD "American Jew." As he sips an espresso Janning says he has been working on the "American Jew" CD for the past five years, and it has been a life transforming experience for him. "This collection of Jewish music is unique in that I have used my extensive experience in pop music to incorporate spiritual Jewish themes into the genre," explains the entertainer. "The rhythm and lyrics appeal to all generations." Just as bagels have gone main stream, Janning is hopping Jewish music like his will soon have a wider, broader market. "I know my version of the "Shema" is relaxing and inspirational enough to prevent road rage," he says confidently. "While snarled in traffic I recommend listening to "American Jew," sitting back and calmly waiting for traffic to move." Along with writing music for such stars as Anthony Newly, Engelbert Humperdink, and Wayne Newton, Janning is also a skilled audio/video engineer. He has built a career designing home audio/video systems. He used those skills when putting together his CD. Janning's interest in writing and playing music began at age 14 when he lived in East Cleveland. "A buddy of mine from Shaw High School invited me over to hear the "Theme from Peter Gunn, by Henry Mancini that he learned to play on his guitar," recalls Janning. "That music blew me away. I wanted to learn to play the guitar just like him. His friend sold him the guitar for seven dollars, Janning taught himself to play and he has been making music ever since. "While other people were buying drugs, I was buying music and sound equipment," he says. Although Janning, has been composing music most of his adult life, the impetus for the "American Jew" CD is a direct reflection of his involvement in his Conservative Synagogue, Burbank Temple Emanu El. Five years ago he was asked to write a song for a prominent couple in his congregation. The upbeat song he wrote was such a big hit he received a five minute standing ovation. "I realized that evening there was a real market for Jewish Music that reflected popular music from the '60's, '70's and '80's," he says. He spent the next years writing and composing songs for his CD. Because he felt such a strong connection to his Synagogue, the CD even includes the voices of his Rabbi and the members of the sisterhood. "My dream is that Jewish Music and upbeat songs like "Amen Hashem," will serve as an entry point to motivate people to come back to Judaism," he says. "Who would have thought when I was confirmed at Beth Am in 1959 that I would come back to Cleveland to talk about a CD filled with Jewish Music that I wrote. How wonderful to have music rekindle the light of the Lord in all of us."
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Jeff Janning "American Jew" By: Jason Zaccaria After years of writing record reviews for the Tolucan Times, reviewer Jeff Janning has released his own CD. An album of what he calls "Progressive Jewish" music. The CD, although religious in nature, is steeped in songs stylings and orchestration based the pop music of the 80's and 90's. Kansas, Electric Light Orchestra, and Yanni come to mind when listening to the lush musical arrangements. All the songs were written, arranged and produced by the artist. They pack an emotional punch you might find when listening to Michael Bolton or Andrea Bottichelli. Arrangements on tracks like "Torah Is The Music Of Our Lives" pyramid and cascade into classical movements with sobbing violin solos and Flamenco guitar flourishes. Everything you ever wanted to know about Hanukkah can be found on the track Judah Maccabee/You've Got To Fight For Your Right To The Lord." Janning claims the lyric to be historically accurate. This track serves up a number of sound effects including horses, lightning and marching soldiers. "God Will Find Your Smile," is reminiscent of the classic heart string pulling songs "Climb Every Mountain " and "I Believe " Cover Graphics depicts a waving American flag; however, there is a twist. The stars have six pointes rather than the usual five. The graphic theme is carried onto the CD disk's art work. There are extensive credits given to local Burbank Temple Emanu El. The Rabbi and congregation appear on several tracks. My favorite is "Your Wedding Song," the best new wedding song to come along in years. This is the only track where Janning shares lead vocals with one Terri Janning. Another major player on this album is Andy Cahan keyboardist of the once chart topping Turtles. Cahan offered his programming, engineering and production skills to this package. "American Jew" is a one of a kind, uniquely different, musical experience. The album although aimed at the Jewish market, "du" check the title, crosses religious lines. It tackles the subject of Jewish spirituality in a way anyone can accept it. Mr. Janning claims it is a "Mitzvah album." He claims each time you play this album something good will happen to you on that same day. While this statement may be over the edge, who among us couldn't use a little bit of luck. To put it another way "what could it hurt!" 
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Valley Beth Shalom Sisterhood Vol3 No 4 Judaica Gift Shop Feature of The Month The gift shop is now featuring the new CD album "American Jew" by Jeff Janning. The music is described by Janning as progressive Jewish and it's song stylings and orchestrations are reminiscent of the pop music of the 80's and 90's. All the songs were written arranged and produced by the artist. Among the more intriguing examples of this unique musical style are tracks like "Torah Is The Music Of Our Lives" that contain violin solos and Flamenco Guitar flourishes and "Judah Maccabee/You've Go To Fight For Your Right To The Lord." Historically correct, this selection will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Hanukkah. Other inspirational tracks included are "Amen" and God Will Find Your Smile" The CD cover features a waving American Flag, but the stars are six pointed! Janning is a musician who has been composing music for most of his adult life. "This collection of Jewish Music is unique in that I have used my extensive experience with pop music to incorporate Jewish melodies into that genre…How wonderful to have music rekindle the light of the Lord in all of us." Says Janning. The rhythm and lyrics of this CD will appeal to all generations. "American Jew" would make a great family Hanukkah gift this year. The CD sells for $15 in the Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop. The shop has other CD's and audio tapes for adults as well as children. There are several that will help you celebrate the Hanukkah holiday.
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May 4, 2001/Iyar 11, 5761, Vol. 53, No.31 'American Jew' "American Jew," a new compact disc by Jeff Janning, is a collection of Jewish music that reflects popular music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Songs include "Judah Maccabee/You've Got to Fight for Your Right to the Lord" about Hanukkah, and "Torah is the Music of Our Lives," which uses violin solos and Flamenco guitar. Janning has written music for such stars as Engelbert Humperdink and Wayne Newton and is also an audio/video engineer. Cost is $15.99. "American Jew" is available at Israel Connection in Phoenix, Jewish Quarter of Scottsdale, A Taste of Israel in Chandler, Tower Records in Phoenix, on Amazon.com and at www.jeffjanning.com.
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North Palm Beach, Florida By Dave Addison Musician Jeff Janning didn't grow up in a particularly Jewish environment. The Cleveland Ohio neighborhood of his youth was predominantly composed of people from Irish and Italian backgrounds. "Where I grew up the other children were always threatening to kill me for killing Christ" Janning said. For me being Jewish meant having to fight Italians and Irish." Still Janning said there was a Jewish component to his youth. "We went to Temple and celebrated the High Holidays" he said. However no point in his childhood or his early career as a professional pop songwriter could have prepared him for the latest manifestation of his career. Janning has been touring the country promoting his first Jewish-themed musical release the CD "American Jew" from his own label Sidtrea Music. Janning's "Mitzvah Tour" included stops at the Kaplan Jewish Community center in Palm Beach as well as elsewhere in Florida. "American Jew" has already found a fan base in South Florida. "A friend got it and gave it to me to listen to" said Michael Barren of Palm Beach County. "I thought it was weird because I don't usually listen to Jewish Music because I don't remember liking much of it. But American Jew sounded like a pop music album. It's wonderful and you can't miss the Jewish themes." Listeners like Barren are likely only as surprised with "American Jew" as Janning himself. Professionally, Janning is a song writer who wrote for acts around the world including Wayne Newton and Engelbert Humperdinck. "I wrote pop and rock 'n' roll." Janning said. "Pop stuff, not bubble gum music." As for considering a career shift to Jewish Music, Janning said there was "no way" he would have ever thought about it. That was until he was prompted to write a song about a couple at his synagogue in Burbank California for their anniversary. Janning styled a humorous homage to the couple and it was a hit. "I couldn't believe it, but 300 people showed up for it and when I was done they wouldn't stop applauding for five minutes and this was on a Friday night! Looking back Janning sees the event as serendipity. "I had been looking for a speciality market for my songs." He said. "Song writing is the number one thing I do." What ensued was a laborious process of writing and recording, aided by advice from such popular luminaries as Phil Ramone. The resulting album "American Jew" has the same recording quality as pop music albums and a unique approach to Jewish Music pop sound and styling with Jewish themes. "Musically it sounds like what baby boomers love but topically it's Jewish," Janning said. Or as Boca Raton resident Barbara Greenwald said, "You hear these great songs sometimes and it takes a minute to recognize the Jewish themes but than it all makes sense. It's wonderful." She said. Janning described the album as containing songs that are "light but serious." There's nothing funny on it," he said. Despite the unexpected turn in his musical focus, Janning said he's enjoyed the transition. "It's been a wonderful odyssey" he said. "I am meeting great people and learning a lot about my religion." "American Jew" is carried by several area Judaica stores including Little Israel Judaica and Tel Aviv Food Market in Sunrise, Holy Land Judaica in Hollywood and Boca Raton and Judaica Treasures in Davie. The album and more information about Janning and American Jew can also be found at www.jeffjanning.com.
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SHOW BIZ by ...TOM KIDD
American Jew is a new recorded effort by artist Jeff Janning to bring together all these for whom Hebrew is no longer the common bond that it has been historically. Instead Janning speaks the language of music; a decidedly pop oriented approach to the lessons of Judaism. Here are the inspirational cuts including "God's Time Is The Right Time," "Torah Is The Music Of Our Lives'" and "As Torah Teaches You." This is a decidedly targeted product that is more light weight than genre leader Rebbe Soul but should find it's audience. For more information visit the artists web site (www.jeffjanning.com) or e-mail emissory@wgn.net |
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