We’ve been checking in with some local artists, writers & critics to get their thoughts on what makes the Wellington Music scene unique, and to get their take on some of their favourite Wellington sounds. You can check out some older posts from critics Nick Bollinger, & Grant Smithies, Blue Smoke writer Chris Bourke, and musicians Samuel Flynn Scott & Alistair Fraser, but since it is New Zealand Music Month we thought we would check in with some more people over the course of May.

Whether offering an opinion on the uniqueness or elusive qualities that make up Wellington music, or just some of their favourite albums, the most important thing is the music itself, and we hope these posts lead you back to some favourite albums, or help you to discover something new.

Up today is David Weinstein from Klezmer Rebs, Wellington’s great ‘Ethnic and European’ band…

Klezmer Rebs have been going since 2002. The Klezmer Rebs play an eclectic mix of up-beat ethnic dance and wedding music, along with a few familiar and unfamiliar Italian, Russian, French Latin and English language tracks.
What makes Wellington music unique? Great musicians, cool venues, good camaraderie, and of course the Newtown Festival!
Top 2 or 3 bands/albums:
Phoenix Foundation – Buffalo
Klezmer Rebs – Just Add Shmaltz

You can buy some of Klezmer Rebs music here or on their Bandcamp page here.

Just Add Schmaltz cover sourced from Klezmer Rebs.