There was a time not too long ago that Doni Zazloff (pictured left) was known as Mama Doni, touring synagogues and Jewish Community Centers throughout the United States (and beyond) playing music that would get children ages five through 11 up on their feet and singing along. One of the musicians in her band was guitarist-mandolin player-banjo picker Eric Lindberg (on the right side of the picture). The band played a style of music one could easily call "Jewish kids rock" with albums based around the Sabbath, Hanukkah, and food!
Today, Doni and Eric front a quintet known as Nefesh Mountain ("nefesh" being the Hebrew word for "spirit") – the five now tour the world playing concert halls, performance spaces, festivals, camps, and, yes, synagogues and Jewish Community Centers. They have been playing this music for the past four years and have recorded two albums. 2018's "Beneath the Open Sky", featured several guest artists including guitarist Sam Bush, dobro master Jerry Douglas (longtime member of Alison Krauss's Union Station), and banjo guru Tony Trischka.
This delightful ensemble – vocalist Doni and vocalist/guitarist/ banjo player Eric plus violinist Alan Grubner, mandolin player David Goldenberg, and bassist Max Johnson (the latter two joined the band earlier this year) – are performing on Friday at 8 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown. NM's repertoire often includes traditional folk and country tunes mixed with Jewish folk songs as well as prayers. The music really has a fire to it, the musicianship excellent, and Doni's vocals are heartfelt. Nefesh Mountain doesn't get to this neck of the woods often and I recommend a trip to Middletown's North End should be on your schedule for August 9.
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