Tumbalalaika (Play, Balalaika), Maxwell Street Klezmer Band

This famous Yiddish riddle song is about a young man who asks the girl whom he is wooing three questions: What could grow without rain, burn without being extinguished, and cry without tears? She answers that only a stone exists without being watered, love burns without being extinguished, and a heart can cry without tears. The rousing chorus says, "Strum (my) balalaika, play (my) balalaika, be happy!"
Lori Lippitz, Cantor Pavel Roytman, Vocals
Alex Koffman, Violin and Vocals
Bartek Warkoczyński, Clarinet
Ivo Braun, Trumpet
Bob Samborski, Trombone
Gail Mangurten, Keyboard
Jim Cox, Bass
Justin Kramer, Drums
Videography by Dmitriy Yakubov
Sound by Packy Lundholm