Sam Reider - Golem & Other Tales [CD]

On The Golem and Other Tales, Sam Reider and the Human Hands expand the boundaries of instrumental roots music. Led by Latin GRAMMY-nominated composer, accordionist, and pianist Sam Reider, the ensemble includes contemporary instrumental luminaries Alex Hargreaves (Billy Strings), Eddie Barbash (Jon Batiste), Dominick Leslie (Molly Tuttle), Duncan Wickel (Rising Appalachia), Roy Williams (Stephane Wrembel), and Andrew Ryan (Kaia Kater). At the album's core is "The Golem," an epic tone poem about the Jewish legend of a clay man brought to life by a Rabbi to deliver his community from evil. It's a cautionary tale of humanity's hubris, a commentary on the act of artistic creation, and a gentle nod to the contemporary debate over artificial intelligence. The suite features alongside five other original compositions that elicit diverse echoes of Django Reinhardt, Duke Ellington, and Astor Piazzolla. With The Golem and Other Tales, Sam Reider and the Human Hands cement their status as a dynamic force in acoustic music, fully realizing their instrumental virtuosity and emotional depth.