Elaine Hoffman Watts

Elaine Hoffman Watts: I Remember Klezmer: The Art of Klezmer Drumming

by Elliott Simon
April 12, 2004

Most musicians who continue to redefine klezmer don’t really remember it, however legendary drummer Elaine Hoffman Watts, as her new CD proclaims, certainly does. The klezmer she remembers, and that serves as her inspiration, is the Philadelphia sound defined by her father and accomplished xylophonist/percussionist Jacob Hoffman of “Jakie Jazz ‘Em Up” fame. A “true” klezmer dynasty, new versions of heretofore unrecorded songs from Elaine’s grandfather, cornetist and bandleader Joseph Hoffman, are also presented in a fresh style that stays ...