Annapolis native, Jesse Rifkin knows a thing or two about getting his music into the hands of the masses. Rifkin first started out as a solo act, playing whenever and wherever the opportunity arose. From time to time he would call on fellow budding musicians to lend a hand, a project which slowly became known as “The Wailing Wall.” Historically, The Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) is the most sacred ground of the Jewish faith… so naming your band after such a startling monument no doubt adds some extra pressure for success! Rifkin doesn’t see it that way however; He looks at the title as an expression of self and the pride he takes in his music. “I am Jewish and grew up Jewish and went to a Jewish high school… I liked the musicality and alliteration of Wailing Wall… it is certainly not a political thing!”

After several previous EPs, Jesse and The Wailing Wall put out their first full-length album this past March - a collection of Rifkin’s style, personality and sound called “Hospital Blossoms.” Rifkin’s individuality doesn’t end with just rocking out as an accordion carrying front man; “Hospital Blossoms” also comes packaged in an environmentally-friendly, 100% recycled cardboard arigato pack – something most bands would never consider (but should!). Rifkin says, “We took a long time with this record, and I am very proud of it,” adding, “It is different from the other records in that a lot of the musicians on it are different. I guess the older stuff was also more lo-fi, and mostly me just playing all of the instruments.”

Adding more musicians to a record is one way to get ahead in the music business, but when I asked Rifkin,”How is ’Hospital Blossoms’ different from other music out today?” He says, “I don’t know if I can answer that question. There’s a lot of music out today! With that much information available, everything is bound to be like something else that already exists. I am not going to tell you that my music is absolutely unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. But, it is my own particular take on things, and I’ve worked very hard to try and make it the best record I could possibly put out.”

Rifkin calls “Hospital Blossoms” his best effort. This is an understatement. The album has a fresh sound, meshed with classic harmonies – which you don’t see in today’s mainstream music. Rifkin says he is “Constantly being influenced by things I am listening to, and constantly seeking out new things to be influenced by. Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Will Oldham, Bill Callahan (Smog), The Microphones/Mount Eerie, Bjork, The Mountain Goats, and Neutral Milk Hotel. I never really get sick of any of their records.” Quality influences. Rifkin’s sound is a lost art that has long since been replaced with skinny guys wearing jeans that looked painted on and donning $100 “vintage” t-shirts. Hopefully, The Wailing Wall can help bring back the truth in modern music.

For more information, check out:  http://www.MySpace.com/JesseRifkin

Don’t forget to catch up with http://www.PensEyeView.com and http://www.RichieFrieman.com for the latest in today’s pop culture and insights into the world of art and music.

Richie’s insight and perspective are always “right on”.  Where does he find this stuff??  And TIME to write so thoughtfully?

Frieman truely captures “Wailing Wall’s” work. I always listen to his recommendations and am never disappointed. I truely enjoyed this new artist.

Article is well written and adds an aura of excitement to buy.  Very interesting young man Jesse is to name his band based on his own faith.

I like these kinds of artists - the type that just wants to make music for the sake of making music. He doesn’t mind working with anyone or any style it seems. That’s art.

One thing I will agree with, is that not many musicians can say that their sound is unlike any other musician. He makes a good point, perhaps the most important to any artists; that is to create something that you are proud of, something you enjoy and something that deserves the work that went into it.

-A