The Alta Rocker, The Bar Mitzvah Singer,

Sidtrea Music and Jeff Janning

would like to personally

thank you for the Mitzvah's

Thank You

Cleveland, Akron, and Canton

for your warm reception, your help,

and your overwhelming response to the CD

"American Jew"

 

New American Jewish Muzik 4 all Jewz 

 

The Alter Rocker, Sidtrea Music and Jeff Janning would like to personally thank

 

Phil Fink of Jewish Radio, Shalom America and WMMS Radio

Jane Scott, Rock Critic at the Plain Dealer

Arlen Fine at the Cleveland Jewish News

Jeff Niesel, Music Editor at the Scene

Mrs. Portman and Fairmount Temple

Rabbi John Spitzer and Temple Israel

Miriam Shaffer and Temple Bethaynu

Ellie at Frank's Hebrew Bookstore

Larry Solomon at Merkaz Judaica

Jacob of Jacob's Judaica

Mike & Barbara Janning

Debra Janning

Don & Barbara Etkin

Scott & Laura Etkin

Harriet & Jeff Herbst

Bob Speser

Faith & Bob Barnette

Your Photographer

Deluxe Auto Lease Co

Dave & Melissa Tanno

Sid Janning

Virginia Janning

Jim & Terry Juliano

Alan & Becky Narvy

Randy & Sandra Gerzeny

Valerie Koss

Buddy Maver

Marriott Residence Inn

 

 

Phil Fink (Mr. Jewish Radio) and The Alter Rocker

 

Phil Fink interviewed Sidtrea Music recording artist and creator of the CD's "Don't Eat Pork" and "American Jew" CD, Jeff Janning AKA The Alter Rocker/Bar Mitzvah Singer on his radio show..

 

 

 

 

A great gift for Chanukah. the “American Jew” CD, It is on sale at Cleveland's Judaica shops: Merkaz at 27629 Chagrin (in the old Executive Club Building), Frank's Hebrew Bookstore at 14425 Cedar Road near Green, and Fairmont Temple's gift shop.

 

 

 

Jeff with The SenSations

one of Cleveland's Top local Bands in the 60's

from left to right

Jeff, Joey Gee, Jim Hughes and Ricki Biagiola who also played with the Outsiders

 

 

10/13/2000 ...........4 Tishrel 5761

Page 42

 

Using Rock 'n' Roll To Promote Judaism

by Arline Fine

As Jewish songwriter Jeff Janning strolls onto the Mandel JCC, you know he is not there to work out. Wearing a bright purple blazer over an open black silk shirt, with a large necklace that reads "Jewish Star," popping from his neck, he definitely projects a strong aura of razzle dazzle.

"You should see my tallit made by my wife Terri, a special effects seamstress for Disney," winks the Los Angeles based composer "it's made of a glittering fabric, and is decorated with the moon sun and stars-all in gold. I look like a sorcerer. It's gorgeous"

Like his glittering tallit. There is nothing subtle about Janning, a native Clevelander, who came to town to promote his recent CD "American Jew."

As he sips an espresso from the Cafe at the J. Janning says he has been working on the "American Jew" CD for the past five years, and it has been a life transforming experience for him.

"This collection of Jewish music is unique in that I have used my extensive experience in pop music to incorporate Jewish melodies into that genre," explains the entertainer. "The rhythm and lyrics appeal to all generations."

Just as bagels have gone main stream, Janning is hopping Jewish music like his will soon have a wider, broader market. "I know my version of the "Shema" is relaxing and inspirational enough to prevent road rage," he says confidently. "While snarled in traffic I recommend listening to "American Jew," sitting back and calmly waiting for traffic to move."

Along with writing music for such stars as Anthony Newly, Engelbert Humperdink, and Wayne Newton, Janning is also a skilled audio/video engineer. He has built a career designing home audio/video systems. He used those skills when putting together his CD.

Janning's interest in writing and playing music began at age 14 when he lived in East Cleveland. "A buddy of mine from Shaw High School invited me over to hear the "Theme from Peter Gunn, by Henry Mancini that he learned to play on his guitar," recalls Janning. "That music blew me away. I wanted to learn to play the guitar just like him.

His friend sold him the guitar for seven dollars, Janning taught himself to play and he has been making music ever since. "While other people were buying drugs, I was buying music and sound equipment," he says.

Although Janning, 55, has been composing music most of his adult life, the impetus for the "American Jew" CD is a direct reflection of his involvement in his Conservative Synagogue, Burbank Temple Emanu El.

Five years ago he was asked to write a song for a prominent couple in his congregation. The upbeat song he wrote was such a big hit he received a five minute standing ovation. "I realized that evening there was a real market for Jewish Music that reflected popular music from the '60's, '70's and '80's," he says. He spent the next years writing and composing songs for his CD. Because he felt such a strong connection to his Synagogue, the CD even includes the voices of his Rabbi and the members of the sisterhood.

"My dream is that Jewish Music and upbeat songs like "Amen Hashem," will serve as an entry point to motivate people to come back to Judaism," he says. "Who would have thought when I was confirmed at Beth Am in 1959 that I would come back to Cleveland to talk about a CD filled with Jewish Music that I wrote. How wonderful to have music rekindle the light of the Lord in all of us."

 

 

AMERICAN JEW"© CD

 

 

CLEVELAND LINKS

Below

 

 

"American Jew"

NOW IN STOCK

 

 

Merkaz Judaica

"American Jew"

NOW IN STOCK

 

  

Fairmount Temple

Gift Shop

"American Jew"

NOW IN STOCK