Biography
Tennessee Schmaltz originated in Knoxville, Tennessee, during 1995, blending traditional klezmer from the Old World with elements of Appalachian string band traditions alongside infusions of jazz, country, bluegrass, and Yiddish music hall sounds. While the group's roster has experienced changes across time, its present configuration—featuring Larry Hoffman on clarinet, Dan Shapira handling accordion, Manny Herz at the piano, Rob Heller managing washtub bass along with clarinet, and Carolyn Silver-Alford providing vocals—has remained relatively stable. In 2000, the ensemble issued their self-released effort Old Country Klezmer, which they followed six years later with Pachelbel's Canon & Other Jewish Hits.