T
he release of the latest SIMCHAS HACHAIM album before Purim has become an annual tradition, now in its 8th year. This year’s CD, with quirky album art based on Yitzchok Moully’s Orange Socks painting, was released the week of Rosh Chodesh Adar II.

“I get so excited about this entire project,” says producer AVRUMI BERKO, “but it’s challenging, because I can add the latest hit songs up to days before the album is printed. Selecting another song requires writing more arrangements, getting the instruments recorded, and of course, choir as well.”

Simchas Hachaim has an eclectic feel, with older heimishe songs, or sometimes fragments of songs, played in medley alongside new hits — but the tone is always leibedig. One first-time release is “Yishtabach,” which Berko composed for his own brother’s wedding. It wasn’t long before others requested he play it at their weddings too. Another popular segment is “Btach Bashem.” Chaim Meir Erps (known as C.M.E.) added catchy Yiddish lyrics to his “Trust in Me” song, which was released as a single in December. The words “Gleib in Mir, gleib in Mir, vest du zehn on a shiur nissim veniflaos” (Trust in Me and you will see many wonders) is appropriate for this time, and for always, all year-round.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 754)