Top 5 Hanukkah CDs

What kind of celebration would The Festival of Lights be without great music? Even if you don't have the money to hire a professional band for Hanukkah, these great CDs will more than suffice. Each features a number of fun tracks, catchy tunes, and great musicians. And all can be purchased online, whether in album form or in digital format. So, in no particular order:

1. It's a Miracle - Neshoma Orchestra

This CD, featuring fun Hanukkah music by a number of different artists, is excellent for any Hanukkah party. Produced by the Neshoma Orchestra, it has songs in both Hebrew ("Yemei HaChanukah") and English ("Story of Chanukah"). The album is fun and educational for people of all ages, and would be appropriate for either a family gathering or a school Chanukah party. It is available on CD for $14.49 from Jewish Jukebox.

2. Chanukah at Home - Dan Crow

Chanukah at Home features 14 great songs performed by guitarist/vocalist Dan Crow and his band, including Miriam Cutler on clarinet; Novi Novag on viola; and Fred Sokolow on 6- and 12-string guitars, mandolin, Dobro resonator guitar, and banjo. Such classics as "The Dreydl Song" ("Oh Dreydl, Dreydl, Dreydl, I made it out of clay") and "Sevivon" are included. The musicians are incredibly skilled, and the songs are guaranteed fun for family and friends alike. It is available new for $16.98 from CD Universe.

3. Klezmatics - Rhythm + Jews

While not specifically a Hanukkah CD, the Klezmatics' Rhythm + Jews absolutely captures the feel of the holiday. The highly virtuosic lineup includes Frank London (vocals, trumpet, cornet, keyboards); David Krakauer (clarinet, bass clarinet); Alicia Svigals (vocals, violin); and Lorin Sklamberg (vocals, accordion, keyboards). Each melody shows off the complex interplay of the band members, often displaying their skills in fantastic soloing. It is available for $17.98 from CD Universe, and for the same price on Amazon.com.

4. Klezmatics - Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah CD

This particular album is unique, in that it is the first time these songs have been recorded on album. The Klezmatics take Guthrie's amazing lyrics and perform them in their own inimitable way. Among the fantastic selections are "Honeykey Hanukah," "Happy Joyous Hanuka," (featuring Susan McKeown), "Hanukah Gelt," and "Spin Dreydl Spin."

The lineup is slighly different than that featured on Rhythm + Jews: Matt Darriau appears on reeds and Jew's harp; Lisa Gutkin, on violin and background vocals; and Susan McKeown performs background vocals on three tracks. This incredible collection is available at CD Universe for only $14.19, or on Amazon.com for $17.98 (also as an MP3 album for $8.99.)

5. Kenny Ellis - Hanukkah Swings!

These amazing jazz-inflected renditions of classic Hanukkah songs are captured with incredible skill and joy by Kenny Ellis and his band. While there are such favorites as "Sevivon, Sov, Sov, Sov" (garnering inspiration from Benny Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing") and "Hanukkah Candles," a number of the compositions are Kenny Ellis originals.

Definitely give a listen to the medleys "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah/Who Can Retell" (featuring both English and Hebrew lyrics) and "Hanukkah Swingin' Holiday/Pour the Oil," given inimitable flair by Ellis' vocals and the band's excellent soloing. The album is available on Amazon.com, CD Universe, and Tower Records, for various prices. Amazon.com also features it as an MP3 download.

Try Them All!

Each of these albums, in its own way, captures the flavor and the essence of Hanukkah (whichever way you spell it). Whether you download the MP3s and make your own mix, or purchase the CDs themselves, any could add a much-needed melodic flair to your Jewish celebration. That said, turn on the music, and bring out the latkes!