Jake Shulman-Ment

Jake Shulman-Ment stands out as a leading figure in the contemporary klezmer music scene. Born in New York City, he has gained recognition as one of the most highly regarded klezmer musicians, known for his solo work as well as collaborations with notable artists and groups such as Midwood, Daniel Kahn, Joey Weisenberg, Abigale Reisman, and Pete Rushefsky, among others​​. Shulman-Ment’s dedication to his craft is evident in his extensive travels and studies in Eastern Europe, where he immersed himself in local violin traditions and researched old Jewish music, becoming fluent in both the musical and spoken languages of the regions he explored​​.

His musical journey began at the tender age of 3, studying classical violin technique before diving into klezmer music at 12 under the mentorship of Alicia Svigals. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including a stint as a Fulbright Scholar in Romania, where he joined the famous folk orchestra “Rapsozii Botoşanilor” and apprenticed under master violinist Ciprian Potoroacă​​. Shulman-Ment has contributed to the revival of Yiddish dance through the Tantshoyz program, working to rekindle the synergistic connection between dancers and musicians​​.

Jake’s influence extends beyond performance to education, having taught at prestigious festivals and programs worldwide. His debut solo CD, “A Redele,” received critical acclaim and was nominated for the German Record Critics’ Award. His work with his new group, Midwood, continues to push the boundaries of klezmer music, blending tradition with contemporary expression​​.