Meet Menachem
Finding faith through Music – My Journey!
Get a cup of coffee, & take a break, Welcome to Menachem’s life!
Real name: Menachem Cecil Herman
Born: April 16th, 1960 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Genres: Classic Rock, Pop, Ethnic, a unique Jewish mix! Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Electric & Acoustic.
Canadian–born Israeli, Chassidic Rock guitar player / vocalist, Menachem Herman, since 1995, was best known as the leader of the Menachem Herman Orchestra MHO, which bears his name. By 2006, Menachem Herman was just "Menachem" & enchanting audiences all over the world at concerts and weddings. Having travelled globally for 30 years, he understands different kinds of people. He shares his inner feelings about life, good & bad, and his interpretations of the world we live in can be heard in his music.
Over the years Menachem has recorded many successful albums. In 2010, he has recorded his first of many to come, an exploratory solo album that expands upon his unique musical style. "Sweet Home Jerusalem". The lyrics echo a deep yearning for world peace and all bothers and sisters to come home.
His style is one-of-a-kind & reaches deep for a soulful expression in a troubled world. Menachem’s music, an authentic mix of old and new school, is big on classic rock drama and power, whilst still making room for blues and ethnic styles. Playing with his heart n soul, you feel music is not only on the pages of his music books. Time and time again, whether a concert or private event, the producer or client emphatically states that he “made" the evening a true success; each of his events, fun, elegant and authentic!
Early Years:
Growing up in Canada, his mother being a concert violinist, he was enveloped in classical music throughout his childhood. As an only child, and even while very young, he spent much time in solitude, trying to figure out the world. Music was his reference point for anything he would plan for his future. He started out as a drummer, moving to (parents couldn’t take the banging!) accordion and piano, then to bass guitar, electric & acoustic guitar evolved from that. He started with the Perry Como School of Music, “basement bands”, and graduated from Joseph Wolinsky College with honors in 1978. Barely out of high school, he won the "Winnipeg Musical Festival" song of the year for his original song, "Israel IsReal". From as early as he can remember, his parents were big supporters of Israel, his father, at the height of the 67' war, remortgaged their house in able to send funds to the new state for the war effort.
Although young, he was already playing Bar Mitzvahs, Chanukah shows & executive dinners with Bobby Weisman of Blue Rodeo in Toronto & Peter Gannon, the Creator of the internationally famous software programs "Band in a Box", moving on to play some solid Rock & Roll which started his personal evolution.
Travelling briefly to the Holy Land and finding his soul mate, they dreamed of having their wedding in the Old City of Jerusalem, amongst new found mentors and dear friends, but decided to tie the knot back home, with beloved family they would leave behind. The Old City will hold lasting memories for the both of them forever. After getting married in Winnipeg, Canada, they decided that Israel was their destination.
After making Aliyah in 1980, the time was ripe to pioneer new musical frontiers. His early musical beginnings in Israel started out with the "Diaspora Yeshiva Band" (DYB), on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem.
Menachem reminisces, “Years spent playing music with Avraham Rosenblum, BenZion Solomon, Ruby Harris, Gedaliah Goldstien, Chaim Dovid, Rabbi Shimon Green & Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach were years "of plenty", we had everything…and we're not talking money here – no one had any, but we were happy. The tchuva movement was in full swing & those were times of peace. Musically, crowds felt our love for them & showed up faithfully, winter or summer! The feeling that materialism is not the main goal for happiness is something I took with me & has stayed with me…”
They performed weekly on Mount Zion for a couple years by King David's tomb to packed audiences, and they kept playing with the new name "Selah" once DYB disbanded. Selah performed weekly at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem & the OU Israel Center for 2 years straight, & had a full house every week.
During that time, the DYB band did an MTV clip & interview with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, his band was in Israel for a concert, & DYB members took them on a blast of a tour of the Old City. All the rumors about Menachem might come from this time; Menachem played with Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc. During the interview, (this is where the famous saying comes from), Menachem told the interviewer when questioned about his new found look, (side curls & beard), he simply answered, "Hey…, I can be Jewish & still play Rock & Roll…!"
Menachem toured with DYB in America in 1990 and again in 1992 with a final reunion concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City where our beloved Rabbi Shlomo played his last time with them as a band.
Late 80's & early 90's
For Mordichai Ben David concerts in Israel in the late 80's and 90's, Menachem was his lead guitar player, until today, he works with MBD at private parties, & appears on MBD Live album. "I've learned from all the giants I worked with in the music world. What can I tell you about Reb. Mordichai? He is a true Yid and a professional performer…before a show, we'd go back stage, or in my car to have a little peace, & learn from a sefer (Holy book), some words of chizic (strength) to get balanced before the show…this is a practice I use, but learned from him."
Menachem's performed 100's of concerts with numerous performers. To mention but a few: Mona Rosenblum and Moshe Lauffer, Yehuda Katz of Reva L'sheva, Yehuda Glantz, Chaim Dovid, and Menachem also appears on most of his albums. Dedi Graucher was a favorite to play with, loads of energy; along with Michael Streicher, Robert Lederman of Pirchei Efrat, Mottie Kornfield, and Suki Berry (Uncle Moishe recordings). Menachem Herman Orchestra also played at several leading performers own private weddings, such as the recent bash of Suki Berry in Israel.
Aside from Menachem's traditional events, a real rock and roll band was created in the late 90's, called "Metalish". The did it as a spoof take off from "Metallica", but, it took off on its own! Joining him were dear friends Yochi Briskman on drums, Jeff Horvitch on Keys, Danni Maman on guitar. Yochi is producer of today's top Chassidic singer, Yaacov Shwekey. Jeff, producer / arranger, owner of "Creative Audio Studio" in Jerusalem, has produced 100's of Jewish stars over the years. Dani Maman, from the rock band Gan Eden in Israel, all did some dynamite work together. 3 "Metalish" albums have been recorded and can be found in all major Jewish Music stores and at Menachem discography , get ready to rock!
The Metalish band headed north for a Russian tour. They played for universities, and in the historical Old Opera House in Kiev, where Menachem and Jeff dueled with real swords in the dressing rooms, full of old costumes and fun stuff. The crowds were blown away – Rocking Rabbis from Israel? We made close connections there and with the help of Rabbi Bliech, the main Ukrainian Rabbi of the whole country, who fed us and had a good time with us, we sorely felt the Jewish peoples plight, the struggling to survive spiritually and materially is a day to day nightmare and we pray our performing there gave them a new perspective, hope. Menachem snuck way for a Shabbat in between, a 5 hour drive away, to be in Uman with his Rebbie, Rebbie Nachman for some "up" time.
Touring Russia again many times for Kiruv, (ingathering of brothers), in the early 90's with one of his dear friends, Moshe (Musa) Berlin, the "grand father" of Klezmer, were all special. Menachem says it was those, “…the crowd blew me away, experiences…the love & gratitude we received back was worth every bit of snow trudging and the whiskey! Those shows were spiritually uplifting, not only for the crowd, but for us...we have survived and here we are to sing and play about it!”
Together with them on tour was Leib Yaakov Rigler an international songwriter, arranger and producer in today's music scene.
MHO – Menachem Herman Orchestra is born
In the late 1990's, Menachem became musically restless. He had "been there, done that" & needed a serious change. After much deliberation, the decision was made to start his own band. He wanted something new and unheard of; a fusion of professionalism, tradition, with a generous dose of true Simcha (Joy – Fun), a sound that bridged the gap between traditional Jewish music & genuine classic Rock & Roll. After many a night of "auditioning", "The Menachem Herman Orchestra", while holding true to Menachem's unique blend of guitar playing, “Traditional Jewish Rock” was born!
MHO is a totally versatile band, unique & un-rivaled! They are seen playing at a vast variety of musical events, world wide, & many times, each event has a totally different musical taste & need. With Menachem's guidance, & careful planning of each event, the band is not only comfortable with each style of music, but they are brilliant.
Menachem Herman Orchestra "MHO" Disks recorded:
2001 – Records album – "Chassidic Guitar"
2002 – Records album – "Wedding of the Year"
10 albums for "Toldot Aharon" - Much of the music you hear when you pass through Guelah Neighborhood in Jerusalem is Menachem’s. He created 10 albums for the Toldot Aharon Chassidim in 2002 and are extremely popular sellers!
2003 – Records album - "Menachem Herman Live!"
2004 – Records album – "Rockdim"
2005 – "Taamu" – "Come taste" - An original single of called "Taamu", (Come Taste), shot to the top of the hit parade overnight & is very popular single, very often requested as the “entrance” song for the Bride & Groom!
2006 - "Records album - "Nachas Ruach" (Feeling of Happiness)
2007 – Records album – "Gush Katif Wedding Festival and Tribute!"
2009 – Records single "Sweet Home Jerusalem" his first English tune.
2010– Records English/secular music solo album – "Sweet Home Jerusalem", 1st of the Emuna series.
His specialty?
Breaking stereotyped thinking.
By the way he looks, by the professional performance and by his style of performing, he draws people together. He bridges the ever scary generation gap, for all aged crowds. All identify with his words of encouragement and love. He bridges all sides of identities. For a Concert, he draws crowds from all walks of life. For a wedding, his band is considered THE elegant band for private affairs, weddings; he spends the time necessary to understand what the client needs. On top of that, he is the "mixed" wedding genie. For example, people come to him to do a wedding where one side is the very proper English, and the other is very Israeli Moroccans with some secular folks mixed into the pot, a problem on a few different levels... The results, each side was happy, he was like a buffer for disaster, he guided them through, gave advice and everyone danced up a storm, everyone heard the music they liked, as he can do a powerful mixed show, he made the event a complete success.
Who else has influenced him?
Performers admit, when exposed to Menachem’s dynamite playing & energy, you can’t help but become a fast & lasting friend; it just seems like the natural next step!
"Playing over the years with musical giants whether in concert or on albums, has always been exciting, always a learning experience. I've learned what to do and what not to do! There is so much musical talent in the Jewish world it never fails to amaze me!”
He's has a wide scale of influences, from Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Pink Floyd, Jeff beck, Gary Moore, Paul McCartney to Shlomo Carlebach and everything in between.
Although Menachem is the lead singer of MHO, he often teams up with such giants as Yaacov Shwekey, a relationship that started when Menachem mentioned to Yochi Briskman at a Shabbos table, where Yaacov was together with them, "... you know, he has a really good voice, you should develop it...", and develop it he did!
They've been together at a Dead Sea resort for a weekend with Menachem having a “little break” with the families. Yochi and the Lauffer families (father and son, Moshe & Eli) were there, “we did a Malavah Malka for the hotel, we had a ball!”
They've played at numerous events together, including the Hasc concert in New York, (Hasc – Organization for special needs children).
Michael Sacofsky, Shlomie Gerstner, Eli Gersner and Aharon Razel have all been great guys to perform with over the years. Avraham Fried and Menachem go way back, since the foundation concert of "Zichron Menachem", which they played an opening concert for in Jerusalem. (Organization for children with leukemia). They've performed together in Europe & numerous concerts in Israel until today.
The Bamberger Brother's from Europe & Switzerland have been seen together with Menachem in Switzerland, Belgium, London & Israel, since 2004./p>
Lipa Schmeltzer, performed in 2005 with Menachem in London, he was an immediate hit! He says without Menachem and his band, it would not have been the success it was.
Ohad Moskovitz, nominated as singer of the year at the Chassidic Music festival in 2005, and close friend, continues to perform often with MHO and admits Menachem is his favorite choice every time. Yishai Lapidot, has played with Menachem and both enjoy the chance to perform together.
Israel's largest mobile phone company, "Cell Come" got into the act and used Menachem for their 2007 summer advertising campaign. Every billboard in Israel had him smiling and holding a cell phone.
Studio work:
Menachem has recorded in studios over the years on over 100 albums. Playing with top studio session giants such as: Yochi Briskman, Avi Singolda, Ron Veried, Yaron Gotfreid, Arieh Volnitz, etc. he says “its always a pleasure & a challenge.”
Although easy going, the one place that he won't compromise is, on is his sound. He is not happy with a less than perfect sound system. "More than the system is the sound engineer! People don’t understand, if you don’t have a terrific soundman who is a pro at what he does, and can trouble shoot anything on the spot, then even million dollar system becomes totally useless, & we are changing attitudes all over the world, people are understanding true professionalism more & more…” .
True to form, whether in Israel or abroad, Menachem travels with his own personal sound engineer.
When it comes to business, his main concern is integrity. People feel comfortable with him because they know Menachem is going to create a unique evening and be honest. His clients rely on his experience and trust him; your success is his success. He deals on a very black and white level, believing ones livelihood comes from above, which allows for honesty. He doesn't believe in the self made man – "success is a mix of really hard work and a lot of personal prayer to the Almighty!"
People know his love for music is rooted in his belief that the way to one’s heart is through one’s music. For this reason, he has performed several charity functions without cost. Having a Downs Syndrome child of his own, he relates and understands the challenges are not always easy, "...our Neli is the light of our family and our hearts and he loves music…he has taught us so much about non-judgmental love, we thank the Creator for the gift of him in our lives..."
When asked how he can juggle everything seemingly at the same time, he admits, his first fan, Sarrah, his wife & Coach of 30 years, keeps his calendar organized and his office running smoothly. She is his Personal Manager, takes care of business, band members,"...we work together as a team, in my public life, as well as my private life. If I have accomplished anything, it is because she believed in me…" As a couple they've raised 9 kids, and deeply enjoy 4 grandkids (meanwhile!).
Projects Today – 2010 and on...
Menachem has a new project, his solo album series, and is rocking out his message for whoever is out there to listen, "...there is hope, there's a listening Ear, everything's going to be ok…"
Having big dreams, the future looks promising. The first album of it's kind is out, "Sweet Home Jerusalem", it’s a mix of original material and some well know tunes he had to record for himself! This album took serious deliberation and time, as you read here dear reader, the next one is on the way to recording.
He loves his hectic pace and strives to keep his life in balance; time is always the crucial factor; not only in traveling or recording, but the time needed to prepare for each event and then the family. Time never slows down for a hectic schedule!
But, when Menachem performs, there's no clock, no schedule, only magic….