Knitting On The Roof

Knitting on the Roof is an anthology album based on the Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. It features contributions from The Residents as well as Negativland.

Background

The album is based around the 1964 musical Fiddler on the Roof written by Jerry Brock & Sheldon Harnick. It follows a Jewish milkman named Tevye as he attempts to hold onto his faith and culture as outside influences encroach upon his family's lives. The play itself was inspired by a 1914 collection of short stories by Sholem Aleichem titled Tevye (or Tevye the Dairyman) and his Daughters.

The Residents were most likely familiar with the popular 1971 film adaption, released just as the group formed into their earliest official incarnation, Residents Uninc. For the compilation, the group covered 'Matchmaker', the first song following the prologue. At that point in the play, Tevye's family were visited by the local gossiping matchmaker, who says that a wealthy butcher wishes to marry the family's eldest daughter. However, the daughter is unhappy and instead wishes to marry a childhood friend.

Knitting on The Roof began production in early 1999 and was organized by Michael Dorf for Knitting Factory Records' Jewish Alternative Movement series of releases, promoting alternative Jewish acts. It was released on November 16th, 1999.

Legacy

Matchmaker, was included on the 'Best Of' compilation albums 'Cover Versions' and '80 Aching Orphans'.

Track Listing

_{All Songs Written by Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick except where noted}

1. New Orleans Klezmer Allstars - Tradition (4:35)
2. The Residents - Matchmaker _{(Residents/Bock/Harnick)} (3:16)
3. Magnetic Fields - If I Were A Rich Man (5:08)
4. Uri Caine & Lorin Sklamberg - Sabbath Prayer (3:52)
5. Naftule's Dream - To Life (3:59)
6. Dr. Eugene Chadbourne - Miracle Of Miracles (4:30)
7. Negativland - Tevye's Dream _{(Negativland/Bock/Harnick)} (3:57)
8. Jill Sobule & Mark Goldenberg - Sunrise, Sunset (3:16)
9. Hasidic New Wave - Wedding Celebration (4:43)
10. Come - Do You Love Me? (4:10)
11. David S. Ware - Far From The Home I Love (3:03)
12. Elliott Sharp - Chava Ballet Sequence (4:51)
13. Paradox Trio - Anatevka _{(Darriau/Bock/Harnick)} (7:21)

Cred

• All Songs Written by: Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick
• Produced by: Michael Dorf
• Design: Davebias