Mandolin
Eric Stein
The mandolin has been part of Jewish music bands for a long time, although not for traditional Jewish wedding bands. The new Ger Mandolin Orchestra resurrects a quintessential Jewish musical form that was at one time ubiquitous in the villages of Jewish Eastern Europe and in North American immigrant communities. Photos of Jewish mandolin orchestras
Mandolins were frequently on the curriculum of Yiddish schools, and was closely associated with left-wing social and workers' movements. The instrument also provided one of the only means of musical expression for women in pre-war Jewish communities. Read more on the Ger Mandolin Orchestra website.
Klezmer mandolin players in the later 20th century and today include:
Canada Eric Stein
Germany Andreas Schmitges (also guitar)
UK Ben Samuels
USA Andy Statman (also clarinet), Jeff Warschauer (also guitar)
Ukrainer Khosidl, also known as Barbara's Song, played by the Andy Statman Trio
Flatbush Waltz, composed and performed by Andy Statman
Andy (mandolin), Jim Whitney (bass) and Larry Eagle (drums and percussion) with very special guests Jon Sholle (guitar) and David Grisman (mandolin).
Concert of the Ger Mandolin Orchestra in Toronto (2013)
Various pieces and some background about the mandolin and Jewish music