snobb Two years after her debut, violinist Jenny Scheinman releases her second album for John Zorn's Tzadik - "Shalagaster". Her quintet is almost the same here, with bassist Trevor Dunn, drummer Kenny Wollesen and trumpeter Russ Johnson. The only difference comparing with her debut is the addition of renown pianist Myra Melford instead of guitarist Adam Levy. The album's music is the same klezmer-influenced, and there are some differences too.

Scheinman's debut, "The Rabbi's Lover", contained a quite eclectic and complex mix of Jewish klezmer, Middle East, Latin and Irish influences, all-mixed with chamber and free jazz arrangements, accessible but far not so straightforward by nature. "Shalagaster" is stylistically still mixed, but technically simpler and more accessible by nature. Klezmer motifs are dominating, with more fire and emotions, the other musical components are pop, classical and even country here. A big part of the more interesting and subtle improvs have gone too, Jenny's violin even sounds as fiddle in moments.

As a result, the listener gets well-done chamber pop/ art pop/ world music album with a lite jazzy touch. I believe many fans will like it, I still prefer her debut for her unpredictable take on the tradition, more adventurous and creative spirit and more sophisticated music in general.