|
By Malkie Lowinger
Haven't we all experienced it? Just as we thought everything was going smoothly, something happens to shatter our complacency. As life unfolds, challenges and setbacks inevitably greet us along the way. How do we react? Where do we turn? At times like this, we need chizuk. We need to feel the hashgacha of the One Above, who guides our lives every step of the way. And most of all, we need to accept these challenges "One Day at a Time."
Introducing Shloime Dachs and his stunning new debut album, "One Day at a Time". This album is totally "today." The title song alone, "One Day at a Time", has managed to capture the very essence of our time, the very sentiments of our generation. In this imaginative number, Shloime delivers courage and strength to those who are struggling to survive in this unpredictable world of ours. According to Shloime, "This is a song of chizuk. It's a gift from Hashem that no matter what happens you could get up and start again." Songwriter Penina Klaver wrote the lyrics, and Shloime cites Penina's personal experience as a major inspiration for this song. "After Penina had the quintuplets, her whole life changed instantly. And yet, if she takes life one day at a time, it doesn't seem quite so overwhelming." This song is so meaningful, that it is certainly relevant to all of us. The catchy melody to this tune was composed by Yitzy Bald. Its inspirational message will undoubtedly continue to encourage us for a long time to come.
Although this may be his debut album, Shloime Dachs is by no means a newcomer to the Jewish music world. You've probably heard him sing and watched him perform countless times. He began his singing career at the tender, young age of six in Shmuel Berger's Amudai Shaish Boys Choir. You might recognize his voice in "Then He Potched Me", a delightful and popular selection from Country Yossi and the Shteeble Hoppers. Since then, his strong and distinctive vocal presence has been heard on 613 Torah Avenue, the Tzlil V'zemer Boys Choir and the Miami Boys Choir. Talent like this is hard to find. As a young adult, Shloime sang in the first Miami Experience at Brooklyn College. He sang the memorable "Pischu Li" so beautifully that it became his special song. Shloime went on to
sing on "Kumzitz" with Suki and Ding and on "Dance With Neginah". His pleasant, lyrical style Pretty soon, everyone was clamoring to hear more from Shloime Dachs. A popular performer at many weddings here and abroad, he has entertained and delighted thousands of listeners. Shloime's next step was suddenly clear — it was time to work on a solo album of his own.
"I was once singing at a wedding," Shloime remembers, "and a man approached me. He turned out to be the composer Yisroel Boruchov. He told me he enjoyed my singing and asked me to sing his songs. He said they would sound great on an album. And, in fact, three of the songs on the album are his."
But Shloime's decision to create "One Day at a Time" did not suddenly transpire because of a chance meeting at a chasunah. It was brewing inside him for quite some time. The inspiration came from several unlikely sources.
"About a year ago, I gave a series of concerts in Russia," Shloime tells us. "It was a whirlwind week, but it was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. Over 2,000 Russian Jews attended these concerts. I cannot begin to describe what a great impact it made. Isolated and distant from the rest of the Jewish world, they are so hungry for our music. People were moved to tears and emotionally inspired. If my music could touch them so profoundly, I decided that I had to continue to inspire them I
realized that a broader audience is out there, desperately waiting for more Inspirational Jewish music. The only way to reach them would be through my own album."
Shloime also performed at the HASC Summer Camp and was similarly moved by the great impact his music made on these special children. "It was absolutely amazing," he remembers. "These kids were virtually energized by the music. As they listened to the songs, many of the children proudly sang along. Their eyes lit up, their faces shone. I then understood that there is no limit to how far every single Jew could be touched by a song." Shloime is also the baal tefilla for the Yomim Noraim at the famous Bialystoker synagogue on the eastside.
One thing is certain. "One Day at a Time" will certainly touch the hearts and souls of thousands of Jewish music fans the world over. Due to be released on November fifteenth, this heartwarming arrangement will no doubt take the chill off the coming winter months. Its title song is truly extraordinary, but so are many others. Shloime dedicates "HaMaloch HaGoel" in memory of his grandfather, Reb Dovid Dachs, A"H. "Everyone who knew him loved him," Shloime remembers. "He would do anything in the world for his grandchildren. In fact, he always encouraged me to pursue my music. Hearing me sing gave him the greatest pleasure. It's a great honor for me to be able to dedicate this song to him."
Another touching melody, "L'maan Achai", was composed by Sheya Mendlowitz and is being dedicated in memory of his mother, Mrs. Belle Mendlowitz, A"H. She was a very special woman and this moving song truly conveys her unique and warm personality. An impressive lineup of talent has joined forces to create this recording. The album is produced by Yochi Briskman, arranged by Yisroel Lamm, was recorded at G.Y.L. Studios by Gideon Levine and features songs written by Sheya Mendlowitz, Yitzy
the individuals whose combined talents have brought Jewish music to the awesome heights it has reached today. And together, they will go on to discover new trends, set the standards, and continue to inspire and delight us all.
Whether you're a die hard music fan or only an occasional listener, one thing is for sure. Your life has been permanently touched by the massive forces of contemporary Jewish music. The refreshing and sophisticated sound is all around us. These songs define our very being, and have become a vital part of our lives. The delightful selections on "One Day at a Time" will join so many others in reaching out to us as we continue to lead our lives.
This music is everywhere. Shloime notes that the younger generation is attracted to contemporary Jewish music in unprecedented numbers. "I've performed in out of town concerts where I was sure the audience was not familiar with this music. But I was wrong. They danced and sang along with boundless joy and energy."
Shloime's mission is clear — To continue to provide good solid musical entertainment coupled with inspiring messages. It's an awesome challenge for a young performer, but Shloime's up to the task. He has travelled all over the world and performed for every conceivable type of audience. And he has learned one thing. No matter how different people may seem, they are all joined in their love for exceptional Jewish music.
Apparently, the search is over. Shloime Dachs' debut album is finally here. As Shloime points out, "People need to be reached and are searching for chizuk. And what better way to reach them than through our beautiful songs and meaningful music."
For more information and concert bookings please call 212-971-1288 or 718-377-8375.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
