Chana Rothman: Living in Six-Part Harmony
Tikva Hecht
Issue date: 8/26/07 Section: Arts and Culture

If Amanda Marshall, Lauren Hill, Bob Marley, and Shlomo Carlebach had reared a love child, they might have ended up with a nice Jewish girl by the name of Chana Rothman. “We Can Rise” is the latest CD from this up-and-coming singer and songwriter. Rothman’s music is an amalgam of traditions—the self expression of folk music, the prayers of Judaism, and the classic emergy of hip-hop—all brought together in one clear and encouraging voice.

Rothman’s eclectic musical taste finds its roots in her equally diverse upbringing. She is classically trained, but her website attributes her source of inspiration to “living in the mountains, growing up outside the mainstream, and song-leading with lively kids from Kathmandu to the Lower East Side.” Her music, rather than symbolizing a specific genre or community, is about representing herself. She sings about her beliefs, her loves, and her desires, which are all influenced by the cultural wisdom and tools the world has provided for her. Although Rothman sings about herself, her music is for something much larger than herself.

“I think all Jews—but young Jews in particular, since I am also a teacher and youth worker—deserve fresh, original, thoughtful music that reflects our changing world. To use Jewish values, text, and concepts as a base for exploring the challenges in our lives can be very powerful. And if it’s done well, it can become universal,” she says. More than just a form of entertainment, she wants her music to be something which is relevant and meaningful to Jews and non-Jews alike.

The first two songs on her latest CD, the title track “We Can Rise” and “Ana,” highlight the best music this young artist has to offer. Her voice is powerful and full. Her excitement towards the words and their meaning complements the upbeat tempos and lively accompaniment by an acoustic guitar. ‘Ana’ is particularly effective as a modern day prayer for a contemporary woman. As Rothman’s voice rises and falls between the English stanzas and the Hebrew chorus, the song manages to display both the strength and the fragility of faith… On the whole, “We Can Rise” does manage to be both fun and compelling. It is infused with Rothman’s dynamic presence, one that shows both promise and determination.

Produced by C Lanzbom of “Soulfarm,” “We Can Rise” will be released on October 24 at the Oyhoo Music Festival. Rothman can also be seen at Jewzapalooza on September 9. For more information, check out chanarothman.com.