Eli Gerstner Presents "V'ishei Yisroel" A Whole New Approach to Music By Malkie Lowinger You would think that Eli Gerstner would have hung up his hat by now. You would think that he would have been perfectly content to sit back and watch the accolades come rolling in. You would even think that he would have taken a moment - just a moment - to relish the success of his outstanding musical ventures thus far. That's what I thought. After witnessing the Chevra revolution that took this community by storm and after recognizing that Eli Gerstner has developed into a household word, it seemed quite reasonable to imagine that he would rest on his laurels for a while. That's why it came as quite a surprise to see Eli at my doorstep once again with yet another upcoming album about to be released. But those who know Eli best know that making beautiful music comes as easily to Eli as breathing does to the rest of us. And just as we all need to keep on breathing, so must Eli continue to follow his calling, relentlessly, continuously, persistently. Let's backtrack a little bit to get a handle on just how extraordinary Eli's career has been thus far. Eli released his very first album, "Hinei," in February of 1999. That's barely three and a half years ago. In the music business, this would normally be considered a respectable time span to wait between albums. But Eli refused to wait. Instead, he spent this time producing (and creating and composing and arranging) his own second solo album, "Yosis," and two Chevra albums. All this transpired, of course, while making dozens of personal appearances at simchas, concerts and special events. And let's not forget traveling all over the country every time the Chevra is asked to perform. Seems that things have been pretty hectic for Eli and the Chevra over this time. Their status as the leading Jewish music quartet in America seems largely uncontested. They've been presented with the highest honors in virtually all categories at the Jewish music awards in Eretz Yisroel. And they've received invitations to perform at a wide range of musical venues all over the world. Things have gotten pretty hectic for Izzy Taubenfeld at Sameach Music as well. No matter how many Gerstner or Chevra albums he distributes, people always seem to be begging for more. When the Chevra's first album was released, it sold out in just two days. That's pretty incredible. So incredible, in fact, that when Izzy called Eli to tell him the good news, Eli thought he was kidding. "We have to reprint the album," said Izzy. "Yeah, sure," said Eli. That second printing sold out in just four days. In less than a week, the Chevra sensation had taken on a life of its own. By now it's become quite clear to Eli that Izzy isn't kidding. He is thrilled with the overwhelming and seemingly insatiable response to his music. He feels a tremendous hakoras HaTov to the Ribono Shel Olam for this special gift and the siyata dishmaya that enabled his success to happen. He is also grateful to all those who sincerely believe in his music. Now that he is embarking on this newest venture, he recognizes that he has a deep responsibility to all of his listeners. A responsibility to fulfill their expectations and provide them with more of the music that they have come to know and love. Wondering what's the secret behind the Gerstner and Chevra mystique? Bottom line, it's the songs. These songs have a certain charm about them. They are uncomplicated and catchy, easily recognizable, eminently singable and thoroughly enjoyable. Thus does Eli present us with his newest album, "V'ishei Yisroel." Success hasn't dampened his spirit. He is every bit as thrilled with this fifth album as he was three and a half years ago with his first. This latest venture promises to be universally appealing, transcending all age groups and every type of listener. In a way, the success of Eli's previous albums has forced him to upgrade and create his most exceptional endeavor yet. He now has a name to live up to. It's been something of a challenge for him. That's why Eli spent more of his energy and resources on this album, than on any of his others. And he was more meticulous with the slightest details in the music than ever before. On two tracks, he worked with members of the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, including a 36-piece string section and a full brass section that included French horns. The results, according to Eli, are "majestic." And with this he hopes to cultivate the approval of listeners with the most discriminating and cultured tastes. The title song, "V'ishei Yisroel," sets the tone for the entire album. It's as if he took the niggun of "Yehai" and built upon it. Let's put it another way. When the Chevra first heard the song, they were just a little bit perturbed. It seems they would have preferred that Eli save this winning number for their next album. The theme of tefillah continues in the song "Ov Horachamim," which is said by kriyas HaTorah. Here Eli asks HaShem to protect us during difficult times. Eli sings this heartfelt song together with child soloist Yehuda Davis, and it leaves a tremendous impression. "Children represent purity and innocence," Eli explains. "Their prayers are more powerful than ours and they are accepted in Shomayim in a very special way." If "Ov Horachamim" brings out the spiritual yearning in all of us, then "Siman tov" brings out the simcha and joy. The song is composed by Eli and arranged by Eli and Larry Gates. Larry, who is probably the premier mixer on the Jewish music scene today, mixed the entire album. It turned out to be one of Eli's favorite songs on the album, maintaining the perfect balance between hartzig and leibedik music. It's a hartzig song that you can really dance to. Every time you hear it, you just can't sit still. A song like "Ohev Shalom" best illustrates Eli's ingenuity and creativity. The songs begins as an a cappella, continues with acoustic guitar a la Carlebach, and ends up with a massive and stunning orchestral accompaniment. He pulls this off effortlessly. No wonder Yisroel Lamm, Mr. Music himself, is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Eli on his songs. Searching for a distinctive and singular sound? Consider "Yismechu," a tribute to the Big Band era. Yisroel says this is his absolute favorite song on the album, and he clearly enjoys the opportunity to arrange this selection in his own inimitable way. The song evokes the ambience of the 50's, with its snappy beat, full brass and saxophone ensemble. As Eli says, "Only Yisroel Lamm, an arranger and brass player himself, could do this so well." And only Eli Gerstner could present us with a repertoire of music that is so attuned to the tastes of this generation. He's written close to 400 songs, and has chosen the very best ones to use in his albums. His listeners appreciate his sincerity, his ability and his uncanny intuition. It's as if Eli is expressing, through the music, exactly what they themselves are feeling deep inside. How else to explain the fact that his albums consistently seem to fly off the shelves in every country around the world? "V'ishei Yisroel" - it's not just another album. It's a whole new approach to music.