lxviii. SIDRAN, Ben: Ani Ma'amin

lxviii. SIDRAN, Ben (1943-       )

Ani Ma'amin (1993)
BS, keyboards
Lynette, vocals
Bob Mintzer, bass clarinet
David Rivkin, guitar
Howard Levy, harmonica
Deb Dobkin, percussion
Danny Gottlieb, drums
Mike Richmond, bass
(3:59)

From Life's a Lesson.

This beautiful album features many of the most famous Jewish hymns and prayers set to jazz feels. It also features some of the finest (Jewish) musicians in the contemporary jazz field.

From Sidran's liner notes:

"This song was sung by Jews as they rode in boxcars to the camps during the Holocaust. In the face of the most unspeakable horror, there was this majestic affirmation of hope. The words come from a prayer written in the 12th century by the great Judaic philosopher Moses ben Maimon, who believed, literally, in the coming of the Messiah. The poignancy of people going to their deaths singing his words of affirmation reminds us both that there is nothing new under the sun, and there is nothing more powerful than 'perfect faith'."

Beginning with the sound of train, this mournful song features tasteful interjections by Mintzer's bass clarinet and Levy's harmonica.

Ani ma'amin beemuna shelema
beviat hamashiach
B'af al pi sheyitmameya
im kol zeh ani ma'amin

I believe with complete faith
In the coming of the Messiah, I believe

Believe in the coming of the Messiah
In the coming of the Messiah, I believe
Believe in the coming of the Messiah
Believe in the coming of the Messiah

And even though he may tarry
Nonetheless I will wait for him
And even though he may tarry
Nonetheless I will wait for him

Nonetheless, I wait for him
I will wait every day for him to come
Nonetheless, I wait for him
I will wait every day for him to come