Jordan Hirsch (US; trumpet)

learned to play klezmer music the old-fashioned way: on the bandstand.

He’s been privileged to play with some of the greatest American klezmorim, like Ray Musiker, Howie Leess, and Danny Rubinstein. His experience playing in the Hasidic wedding scene has informed his understanding of the rich repertoire shared by klezmorim and Hasidim alike.

Jordan has performed and recorded with renowned singers like Shlomo Carlebach and Theo Bikel, ensembles like Frank London and Greg Wall’s Ayn Sof Arkestra, and in bands including the Klez Dispensers and Ariane Morin’s Amerike.

He has performed with the Folksbiene National Yiddish Theater since 2010, including in the critically acclaimed production of Fidler Afn Dakh (Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish).

Jordan also led a jazz quintet with Pete Sokolow, The Creole Curmudgeons, that specialized in the “Hot Jazz” of the 1920s and 30s. He taught school brass bands for 24 years and has taught at KlezKanada, Yiddish New York, and D.C. Klezmer Workshop.

His latest project is the NY Simcha Heritage Ensemble (Overnight Kugel), which explores the interplay of the klezmer and Hasidic musical traditions.

Jordan is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Klezmer Institute.

Photo: Amos Rose