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    "While not as rock oriented or obviously avant garde as The Klezmatics or The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars, The Alexandria Kleztet are expanding the concept of what a klezmer band can be.  Thus, their third CD is appropriately titled Close Enough for Klezmer.
    For example, this CD includes tunes not normally associated with klezmer bands, such as the Jewish folk song “Hine Ma Tov” (this was always a favorite at family gatherings) and two pieces from Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer:  “Chorshat Ha’Ekaliptus” and “Y’rushalayim shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold).”  But what definitely separates this clever band from the pack of klezmer outfits is the strong jazz influence.  For example, on several original compositions, band leader Seth Kibel blows his heart out with hot clarinet and saxophone riffs.  In fact, there’s a fair amount of jazz-like improvisations from Kibel and his colleagues on violin and electric bass on several cuts here.
    Other colors also bring fascinating shades to The Alexandria Kleztet’s music.  For example, “Klezmer Nova,” an original composition by Kibel, has a relaxed, samba-like rhythm.  “Bassist on the Roof,” a piece composed by bassist Scott Harlan, has a lively flamenco feel, emphasized by some deft finger work from Harlan, here doubling on electric guitar.
    Violin and clarinet harmonize well throughout this recording.
    The Alexandria Kleztet may not be international stars yet, but under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Kibel they will definitely get there." -- KR
    - Sing Out! (Summer 2006)

"Here’s another group vying for the title of most-committed klezmer revival act.  Based in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, this quartet had been silent on the recording scene since 2002, but have come roaring back with an impassioned set that includes inspired versions of Hebrew and Yiddish material, including “Ma Navu,” “Hine Ma Tov,” and “My Yiddishe Mame.”  But they also let their jazzy roots show a little on such originals as “Bassist on the Roof.”  And it’s awfully hard to resist “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Waltz.”  Beyond the occasional traditional prayer, the Kleztet has given us good, old-fashioned party music.  And that calls for celebration."
    - Dirty Linen (August/September 2006)

Close Enough For Klezmer - Press Release   The Alexandria Kleztet Releases New CD The Washington/Baltimore area’s premier “alternative” klezmer band continues to mix tradition and innovation on Close Enough for Klezmer October 18, 2005 – The Alexandria Kleztet, an inventive klezmer band based in the Washington/Baltimore region, has released its third album, Close Enough for Klezmer. On this album, the band continues to define their own brand of “alternative” klezmer music, using original compositions and creative arrangements to expand and renew traditional Jewish musical forms. Over the past seven years, the band has developed a reputation for using diverse influences from jazz, classical, rock, and world music in their unique sound.

It is an approach that has earned the band six Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) Awards including Best World Music Recording for both of their previous albums – Y2Klezmer (2000) and Delusions of Klezmer (2002). The band was named Best World Music Group and leader Seth Kibel was chosen as Best World Music Instrumentalist in 2003 and 2004.

“We are always working to expand the boundaries of klezmer music in a way that honors the rich musical tradition while keeping the sound fresh for a new generation of fans,” said bandleader Seth Kibel. “With this album, we hope we continue to prove how dynamic and contemporary klezmer music can be.”

On Close Enough for Klezmer, the band shows its range on creative re-imaginings of traditional and well-loved Israeli, Hebrew and Yiddish material such as “Bashana Haba’a,” “Ma Navu,” and “My Yiddishe Mame.” Four compositions by Kibel, a skilled swing and jazz instrumentalist, and one by bassist Scott Harlan, a noted jazz-fusion player, demonstrate strong jazz roots, as do numerous improvised sequences within songs.

Kibel and Harlan are joined by percussionist Tim Jarvis and Helen Hausmann, making her debut as the band’s new violinist and mandolinist. Violinist Claire Cardon makes a final appearance, recorded before she moved to the Midwest.

Close Enough for Klezmer, featuring 13 tracks and over 40 minutes of music, can be purchased at all band performances, from their Web site, www.kleztet.com, and from major online retailers.

"In its expansive fusion of traditional klezmer melodies and new Jewish compositions with a host of influences including classical, world, jam-rock and jazz, the Alexandria Kleztet could well be the Flecktones of klezmer. In lesser hands, this could be a formula for disaster, but this Washington D.C.-based quartet builds its fusion on a solid foundation of core repertoire and authentic technique. Klezmatics, look out!"     - Seth Rogovoy (Author of The Essential Klezmer) "Profoundly inspiring..." - Laurin Wollan (Music Monthly)

"Klezmer and 'cool' are rarely used in the same sentence these days, but this band changes all those misperceptions. Seth Kibel and friends employ their jazz and worldbeat chops in a context-defying way to show us that klezmer ain't just for old folks anymore."     - Lou King, (The Alexandria Journal) "Many of the songs here will have you hora-ing into 2000." - Julie Hyman (The Washington Times) "Light-hearted, but firmly rooted in klezmer tradition...with verve and a sense of humor." - Ed Silverman (Dirty Linen)