2008 Presenter Full Presenter List

Socalled

Klezmer Music Modernizer

Josh Dolgin, aka Socalled, is a Canadian rapper and producer known for his eclectic mix of hip hop, klezmer, drum & bass and folk music.

A pianist and accordion player, he has taught at Klezfest London, a Klezmer celebration in the UK, where he has also run workshops in “hiphopkele”, the melding of Jewish rhythms, modes and melodies with contemporary technologically driven music forms. Josh has also worked with a number of diverse and talented artists from his work with Fred Wesley, James Brown’s legendary funk trombonist and a musical icon in Josh’s life.

In addition to his musical talents, Josh is the focus of a feature length documentary being produced in association with the National Film Board of Canada, The Socalled Movie, which will feature footage of the first Klezmer cruise, a journey down the Dneiper river that gave klezmer fans from all walks of life a chance to reconnect with their rich cultural traditions. Josh’s latest album, Ghettoblaster (2007), is what really caught our attention.