Alicia Svigals, widely considered the world’s greatest klezmer violinist, leads a full-on old-school klezmer dance band in a mix of original compositions, traditional arrangements and tunes by mid-century clarinet masters. Fidl Afire is the long awaited spiritual sequel to her beloved and groundbreaking 1997 album Fidl. On Fidl, Svigals explored and elevated an old-world sound, centering violin, tsimbl and bass accompaniment, but here on Fidl Afire Svigals’ violin is situated in the 20th century American party sound, alongside trumpets and trombones. Here is a joyous, kinetic and unique album, a quarter century overdue, worth all the listening and re-listening. Feast your ears and enjoy!