David Eisenstadt is a journalist turned Public Relations Consultant and now the author of Under The Radar – 30 Notable Canadian Jewish Musicians. His remarkable book started as a hobby, at the outset of the COVID pandemic, by writing a weekly music biography/history column about Canadian Jewish performers, some alive, some having passed on. That’s what drew him to keyboard this one-of-a-kind Canadian Jewish music anthology. In doing so, he unearthed and wrote about an array of 30 talents. 

He selected musicians somewhat out of the public eye. Eisenstadt felt it was important to remember and cherish the contributions of so many talented Canadian Jewish musicians, out of sight and out of mind. His goal was to document the music history of Jewish musicians to possibly assist them (for many still alive) in stepping into the spotlight to achieve the fame they so much deserve. He was spurred on by author/publisher Alan L. Simons, which led him to refresh many of his Sunday stories on the Community Jewish News website. 

No music category was ignored, from a Sephardic cantor to film composers, folk singers, children’s performers, songwriters, classical musicians, and flutists to artists bent on Jewish spirituality. Also, he connected with country music producers, bandleaders, composers, arrangers, conductors, ethnic musicians, and pop and rock n roll singers. Eisenstadt, “the king of acceptance,” truly values each person and their talents as he chronicled their stories with a river of pride. Not only were they Jewish, but they were also so very talented in their respective fields.  His subjects ranged from Salomon Amzallag (aka Samy El Maghribi, the Charles Aznavour of Morocco), who became the cantor at Montreal’s famed Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, Shearith Israel. It’s Canada’s oldest Jewish congregation, established in 1768. Eisenstadt felt it was essential to bring to the forefront the ancient Sephardic traditions rich in culture, heritage, and Judaism. 

Other notable artists featured in Under the Radar are memorable musicians, such as flutist Morris (Moe) Koffman and his familiar tune Swingin’ Shepherd Blues. His group kept George’s Spaghetti House rocking each week in Toronto. You’ll learn about the incredible cellist Ofra Harnoy, who leaves her audiences breathless! Another musician I’ll never forget is Percy Faith, the bandleader, composer, arranger, and conductor. His classic movie tune, Theme from a Summer Place, is unforgettable. Also featured is the award-winning vocalist Aviva Chernick, a polished gem who sings Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish and English songs worldwide. You’ll read about Amy Sky, her husband Marc Jordan, and groups like The Diamonds, The Rover Boys and many more.

“This is a welcome Canadian Jewish Music Anthology,” said the iconic Jerry Gray of The Travellers fame in Toronto.

Eisenstadt came from a family steeped in music. His uncle, Morris Eisenstadt, a pal of Moe Koffman, was a long-serving O’Keefe Centre woodwind player. He’s also in the book. So is Zal Yanovsky of The Lovin’ Spoonful. In Under the Radar, Eisenstadt brings out all the richness of each artist’s storyline by delving, but not intruding, into their lives. He brings to the foreground what kind of people they were. Of course, that’s why the book is so interesting, as it discusses the musicians’ work, where they performed, their lives, their thoughts, their families, and their talents. The reader gets hooked on each chapter. However, that’s what makes this book so interesting as Eisenstadt immerses himself fully into their subjects’ personal and professional lives. On each new page of the biographies, the reader wants to see who and what is next!

“What fun! Under the Radar is like reading the program notes at a music festival where every performer is Canadian and Jewish, and the music is of all genres and every era,” said folklorist Shelly Posen in Ottawa.

All the performers’ families Eisenstadt chose to feature had emigrated from many countries – mainly to flee persecution from Russia, Poland, Romania, Germany and other countries (as did my own grandparents). But these Jewish immigrants carried with them to their newfound countries of freedom not only their love of music, but also their violins, mandolins, clarinets, flutes and saxophones. The “Fiddler on the Roof” weaved their way forward to enrich their new homelands no matter where it was.

“People who don’t remember and recognize the past have no future. Thank you, David Eisenstadt, for remembering, recognizing, and respecting these musicians from the past to open the gates to the future,” said country & western producer/performer Dave Cohen in Nashville, Tennessee.

If you love biographies or don’t, you will greatly enjoy the fascinating tales featured in Under the Radar because these musicians are an essential part of Canada’s history.  Eisenstadt’s book is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca in print and e-book versions and in-store at TYPE in Forest Hill Village and Indigo@ Yonge & Eglinton in Toronto.  
Rosalie Moscoe was featured In Musicians Under the Radar, 36 Notable Canadian Jewish Musicians, 2nd Edition May, 2023.
https://www.amazon.ca/Musicians-Under-Radar-Canadian-Performers/dp/B0C2S27CJS
The first edition was called Under the Radar, 30 Notable Canadian Jewish Musicians by David Eisenstadt.

Rosalie Moscoe is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. She has been twice nominated for a Juno Award for Best Children’s Album. She is formerly part of the Canadian Singing duo, Jim and Rosalie.