LETZ is a modern Jewish-roots musical trio, composing original works of klezmer ballet. Weaving traditions from Eastern Europe, the American Southwest, and beyond, the ensemble features evocative and haunting performances from violinist Odetta Hartman, accompanied by bassist Jamie Mohamdein and guitarist/composer Perry Foster. LETZ is currently developing a series of new works: musical adaptations of various folk stories, short histories from across continents, and other tales both true and false - to be developed into theatrical productions.
Check out a live video HERE
and HERE
and a few demos HERE
Odetta Hartman and Perry Foster first began collaborating over fifteen years ago in a beloved folk ensemble The Sparrows, while students at Bard College. Their time together included constant experimentation and development, regular performing and rehearsing, moderate touring, and multiple studio records - they really learned how to play together. Jamie Mohamadein was introduced to the ensemble by Odetta, having worked together in the New York City theatre/music scene. He immediately became an integral feature to the ensemble with his signature style on bass. While pursuing their individual artistic tracks, they frequently collaborate - cutting records at The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, and performances including Frederic Church’s Olana and Beacon’s Open Studios at the Yard.
Odetta has become renowned for her cowboy soul, original music where country can clash with computers and bluegrass isn’t afraid of bass. In addition to session recordings and live performances with various artists, she has released three solo albums. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Odetta has played violin in sever; experimental theatre productions, including Heather Christian’s award-winning Oratorio For Living Things. She is the co-founder of the burgeoning arts community and healing homestead Ladybug Land, located in Cochecton Center, NY.
Perry lived and worked out in Arizona for years before moving back to the Hudson Valley, New York. He is singer-songwriter, performing and writing for most of his life - from pub singing to art installation. As a video artist he regularly collaborates with choreographers, and has been awarded project grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Scottsdale Public Art, and nue[box]. He was recently commissioned by the Phoenix Art Museum to compose and perform a musical response to Ragnar Kjartansson’s The Visitors. He has served as artist-in-residence at the Gershwin Hotel (NYC), Whiskeytown National Park (CA), and Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Jamie is an actor, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist, whose credits include Broadway: Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (The New Group), The Wildness (Ars Nova) Regional: Pump Boys and Dinettes (Flat Rock Playhouse). TV: Blue Bloods (CBS), Friend Zone (MTV). Jamie has performed with Cecily Strong (SNL), Chris Redd (SNL), Melissa Villaseñor (SNL), Eliot Glazer (Broad City), Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Tom “Bones” Malone (The Blues Brothers), and Tony Winner Katrina Lenk (The Band’s Visit). He performs in multiple bands: Youth in a Roman Field, and Matt Wolpe and the Bedside Romeos.
