Beth Schafer releases new CD, "The Quest & the Question" a groundbreaking collection of new Jewish music

Noted Orlando-based writer/performer, Beth Schafer will release her 5th collection of contemporary Jewish music at the Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) National Biennial in Houston, TX, on November 17th at her show during the convention. What makes the release of her new CD, entitled "The Quest & the Question," so innovative is that it is steers the genre away from its roots as music written for worship and education and enters the world of personal torah; Jewish journey with universal themes of introspection and growth, decision-making, love and loss.

(PRWEB) October 27, 2005 -- Schafer leaves the 70’s folk flavor behind while using those influences to ground her more cutting-edge sound. Randee Friedman, president of San Diego-based Sounds Write Productions, Inc., the largest distributor of quality contemporary Jewish music notes, “[Beth’s lyric writing has matured with each album, really grabbing the listener’s attention. As Beth reaches across divisions that often separate people, she is intent upon spreading a universal message, and she succeeds...Her tremendous skill, as a songwriter and awesome guitar player, make [her recordings something very special! “

Feature songs include "Slow Me Down" speaking about recharging on Shabbat, "What Is This Land?" in memory of personal friend and fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. David Solomonov, who died defending Israel’s borders, "Psalm 69," for victims of hurricanes, "Ruth," in honor of those who are Jews by choice, and many, many more. Fourteen tracks in all are performed by Beth and her band who include: John Marsden on keys and vocals, Bill “Giff” Gifford on bass and vocals, Charlie Morgan on drums and percussion, Amy Gifford on vocals and 1-track guest artist, Josh Nelson of Boston-based group, Yom Hadash, on slide guitar and piano. The group has spent 4 years developing their sound to be truly American in it’s harmony and groove. Rich vocals, Schafer’s articulate acoustic performances, seering electric guitar solos and beautiful arrangements written by Schafer and Marsden bring well-crafted songs to life. Their musical influences include the Eagles, Finn Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Sting, Sarah McLaughlin, Bruce Springsteen, and many other melody/harmony driven-greats who also excel at storytelling within their music. A 30-minute podcast with Orlando radio personality, Alan Spector, about the making of The Quest and the Question will be available as a free download at www.bethschafer.com on November 7th.

Performance highlights include being the featured opening performer for the 1999 URJ Biennial as well as being a musician-in-residence for every subsequest conference. Her band was featured at the 2004 Chicago Jewish Folk Festival and played the halftime show for an audience of 10,000 in October 2005 as the Orlando Magic basketball team took on Tel Aviv’s Maccabi team. Her music is featured in numerous compilation CDs representing the best of new Jewish music. Schafer’s reputation as a thoughtful writer and producer led to being commissioned to write the theme song for “Voices for Israel,” a CD of music that raises money for victims of terror in Israel, recorded by over 30 of today’s top Jewish recording artists. Her band tours with her nationwide as she is one of the most sought after woman artists in Jewish music today. CDs are available through soundswrite.com, cdbaby.com, towerrecords.com bethschafer.com and many download services including itunes, musicmatch and rhapsody.

For more information on Schafer, her music or for booking, or for interviews, call 407-342-2027. Pictures and other press related material can be downloaded at www.bethschafer.com.

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