Accompanied by Alexander Botwinik and Marvin Weinberger
Drop your hat and Sherm Labovitz might sing; he loves to! From childhood on, never professionally, but in varying venues of student, salesman, lifetime social-activist, professor, author, husband, father and grandfather -he sang!
Responding to requests -and at times to commands- from relatives, friends, students and colleagues. Performing at simchas and celebrations, memorials and funerals, at meetings and demonstrations, in a prison cell or in a classroom, he would sing! In the late 50's, a most beloved founder of the Sholom Aleichem Club, Max Rosenfeld cajoled Sherm into singing his first Yiddish song, accompanied by Sherm's wife Pauline, to a most enthusiastic audience at one of the Club's monthly meetings. Pauline Sherm, Max and his wife Rose became a foursome Through such productions as "A Bunch of Beads", "Breads and Schmaltz", and "The Family Revisited."
Recently, it was suggested to Sherm Labovitz that he might record a collection of Yiddish songs. When the Sholom Aleichem Club agreed to sponsor the recording, he turned to Bob Fredman for advice and assistance.
When questioned about an accompanist who knew the music, was familiar with the idiom, was expert in the language and could coach, Freedman, without hesitation recommended Alexander Botwinik as "the best person in the Philadelphia area."
"Sender" Botwinik did, indeed take hold; his impact on the music and the use of language has been huge, enabling a passionate performance that respects the beauty and musicality of Yiddish and captures the joy and pathos of the Jewish experience.