LIVE: David Broza @ the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 3/3/16
Review and photographs by Andrzej Pilarczyk
Singer, songwriter and interpreter of Jewish historical poets and songwriters David Broza was sporting a wide grin as he came on the stage of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Sitting alone on a high stool in the hall he spoke about, years back, having passed it from time to time on his way to Bennington, Vermont, where he taught at the college.
He never imagined that he would ever perform here in Troy.
In front of several hundred people Broza unleashed a majestic performance filled with his intense guitar playing and vocal firepower, filled with a passion that few singer-songwriters can match.
Prior to each song he spoke in English, explaining the song’s meaning and then he launched into it, singing in Hebrew with honest power and conviction. He was taking no prisoners; nor was he waging a war. He simply wanted those into attendance to understand the historical and contemporary meanings of the songs. Remember, he was a teacher once, and therefore always.
Broza is one of the most important Israeli musical ambassadors to step onto a Greater Nippertown stage in years, and for those with open ears and hearts, his performance was magnificent.
Thank you Andre For such a great review and the photos.
My synagogue, Congregation Berith Sholom, worked in partnership with the great staff of the Troy Music Hall to bring David Broza here, as this show was part of our 150th anniversary festivities throughout 2016! David was a wonderful performer and totally engaged the audience, many of whom were not conversant in the Hebrew language.
Our Choir performed an opening set of three songs and the Hall’s wonderful acoustics were just perfect for their voices.
I had the opportunity to speak with David later that evening and he totally loved being on stage of The Hall, playing and singing there, so hopefully we can bring him back again to our region.