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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 11, 2010 9:12:51 GMT -5
Steve Lieberman, an observant Jewish punk rock artist from Long Island, has been making quite a name for himself on the local bar scene peforming his eccentric mix of punk rock, Jewish folk and seventies classic rock. His act has been described as a "Jewish Flute Punk," and a cross between Jethro Tull, Flogging Molly and The Sex Pistols, and his greatest musical hero is Ian Anderson. He is a one-man band peforming as "The Gangsta Rabbi" and many of his songs consist of him singing, playing guitar, bass and alto flute in the Tull style. Steve's songwriting clearly displays his admiration and love of Jethro Tull, but also contain just a hint of satire. Song titles include: Jethro Tull Fantasy Camp, Punk Rock Jethro Tull Song, The Genre Police Never Sleeps and Poor Man's Ian Anderson, which is about a band trying to make a living as a Jethro Tull tribute band. There is also a non-Tull song called "A Zit Named Saddam." Here he is (with the tzeetzeet from his prayer shawl hanging down), onstage at Madison Square Garden, triumphantly holding up his flute, with the members of the band Weezer, who he opened for in 2008:  And here are some of his albums, "The Jewish Pirate," "Desert Fever Brigade" and "Badlania Rising":    I am definitely going to invite this crazy meshugunah here! Check him out, he's really a riot: gangstarabbi.com/www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=17209www.outsiderezine.org/gangsta.htmlitunes.apple.com/jp/album/jewish-lightning/id6110730Jeff |
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 11, 2010 10:33:46 GMT -5
Here is the Gangsta Rabbi playing "Bonkey on the Donkey" live: I'm not sure what this one's called, but I really like it. The flute starts just after the three minute mark: And here is a link to his song called "I'm Jethro Tull" which rocks in a totully Tull way, and is really a must-listen for Tull fans: www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=6119252&q=hi&newref=1Jeff |
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Apr 12, 2010 12:01:03 GMT -5
Jeff! this is the coolest thing ever! thank you so much for the inciteful write-up and having such a cool tull site. you are so right that Ian Anderson is my musical and otherwise hero. i tried e-mailing him in 2002 when bad'lania came out and again in 2004 when "jethro tull" was a similar artist to me on my AMG page, but still wait for a reply. i will visit here often dude!
steve
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 12, 2010 14:27:16 GMT -5
Jeff! this is the coolest thing ever! thank you so much for the inciteful write-up and having such a cool tull site. you are so right that Ian Anderson is my musical and otherwise hero. i tried e-mailing him in 2002 when bad'lania came out and again in 2004 when "jethro tull" was a similar artist to me on my AMG page, but still wait for a reply. i will visit here often dude! steve Shalom, and pleased to have you with us, Steve! I just cannot believe it took me this long to learn of the Gangsta Rabbi! We look forward to your participation here, to the extent you are able. We have a very liberal policy here, and pretty much anything can be discussed. Also, you will find some Jewish-related topics here as well, including a Yiddish Word of the Day thread, for instance. But, be warned, we can be a bit naughty at times, as well. I love your innovative and original Jethro Tull-related songs, and your non-Tull songs are great too. I'm looking forward to sampling more of your stuff on soundclick. Also, since I am from the NYC and frequently visit my folks on Long Island, I'm sure I will be able to make it to a Gangsta Rabbi gig, or three. Please feel free to post any videos, links, tour dates, etc. here in our 'Members Sites' Department, as well as any other information you would like, and of course, your insights, stories, opinions, lyric interpretations and whatever else you'd like to write about, whether pertaining to Tull or anything else on your mind! Jeff P.S. If you need any assistance with posting videos, photos, etc., just let me know and I will be happy to help, although it certainly looks like you already have mastered the internet! |
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Apr 13, 2010 12:24:49 GMT -5
Jeff--if you're gonna be on the island sunday 5/16 i'm doing a show at the crazy donkey. i'll set ya up with all the free tix you need! steve
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 13, 2010 13:38:55 GMT -5
Jeff--if you're gonna be on the island sunday 5/16 i'm doing a show at the crazy donkey. i'll set ya up with all the free tix you need! steve That sounds good, Steve! I hope to be able to catch you there, just have to work out transportation. (I don't have a car in the city.) By the way, do you happen to know of the Tull tribute band, War Child? My friend Mike is the keyboardist, and I am sure he would be interested in seeing you perform, so maybe we will go together. Also, there is a Jethro Tull Meet-Up Group that was recently formed by a long-time fan. I will send you an invitation to join. In the meantime, we are having our second meeting tomorrow night at the House of Brews in NYC, located at 363 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th, at 7:00 p.m. You are welcome to join us there. See details are below. www.meetup.com/Jethro-Tull/calendar/12579494/Jeff |
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Apr 13, 2010 16:35:51 GMT -5
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 13, 2010 22:19:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the plug, Steve. I view this board not so much as a "Worship Tull" or "Idolize Ian" site, and not really as a Tull reference manual either (although there is a ton of that kind of information here), but more so as a place where members can exhibit their love of Tull through their own Tull-inspired creativity, whether it be original Tull-influenced musicians like yourself, Tull tribute bands, artists like our own Quizz Kid who has drawn some titillating renderings of several Tull vixens, photographers who have taken cool Tull pictures (see for instance our "Jizz Flutarist" thread), or members who are not artists or musicians, but simply enjoy writing about their personal feelings regarding the music, their interpretations of the lyrics, their amusing Tull-related stories, their weird Tull dreams, etc, etc.
I haven't heard that much of your stuff yet, but I have heard a few of your songs, and I really like your interesting mix of styles, punk rock, classic rock, Jewish music, with the Tull-style flute enhancing it all. Plus, there is something about the raw early Tull, around the time they played the Isle of Wight Festival, that is very "punk-ish" so to speak, and many of the punk rockers from the late seventies have lately admitted that they loved Jethro Tull.
Ian himself likes punk, if you recall he has stated that he really likes the Ramones, and also did you know that he has played flute with a punk band called The Six and the Violence, two songs I believe, one of which was called "Bursting Bladder"?!! I think he would like your original songs that are about Tull -- that's something nobody else has really done before, dude-- and I think it's a humorous concept. I'm really looking forward to getting into more of your music!
Jeff
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Apr 14, 2010 16:57:30 GMT -5
the Isle of wight show was def punk--like 7 years before the fact! the 'punk rock jethro tull song' was actually inspired by 'no lullaby' on bursting out -first martin's distorted guitar-and then ian wails away above it-i learned the flute cause of that one! i got 'bursting bladder' on 12''--it skips, but it's like the coolest ever. do you have a link to warchild's music? the certainly got the look down--you rock Jeff
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Post by Nonfatman on Apr 23, 2010 11:14:34 GMT -5
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Apr 23, 2010 17:38:11 GMT -5
and you too Jeff--you soooo rock!!
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Post by Nonfatman on May 20, 2010 21:35:06 GMT -5
For our newbies here, this thread is devoted to Steve Lieberman, an Orthodox Jewish Tull-inspired singer/songwriter/bassist/flutist from Long Island who records and performs Tull-related and non-Tull-related original songs, as well as Tull covers (War Child, One Brown Mouse and Locomotive Breath), which I have posted earlier in this thread. The guy is a huge Tull fan! He performs under the name Gangstarabbi, mixing punk rock, hip hop, classic rock and metal together with Jewish folk, and let me tell you, it's a very unique act, partly because the guy is a bit of a psycho, as he'd be the first to admit!
Anyway, in previous posts I have featured some of his Tull covers and Tull-inspired original music, songs with titles such as 'Jethro Tull Fantasy Kamp', 'I'm Jethro Tull' and, one that is simply called 'Ian Anderson' and is a tribute to his (and our) musical hero. I will also be featuring some of his non-Tull songs and lyrics in subsequent posts.
As previously mentioned here, this Madman with a Flute -- another one of his song titles -- recently performed at a Long Island club called The Crazy Donkey. Unfortuntately I could not make the show, but hopefully he will have another one soon, maybe even here in the City? Let me know, Steve, I was sorry to miss your show and really do want to come see you!
Jeff
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Post by Nonfatman on May 20, 2010 21:51:52 GMT -5
Part 1 of 2
This is a two-part post consisting of two of Steve's non-Tull-related songs, but the lyrics to both of them -- which are very sad, very moving and truly excellent -- remind me so much of the great Tull song Valley from the Roots to Branches album.
Unfortunately, I was not able to post the mp3 files of either of these songs -- they are not on Soundclick like many of his other songs -- but the point I am trying to make in these posts has more to do with his lyrics. Still, maybe with Steve's help we can locate and post the links to the songs as well.
First up is 'Unholy War in the Holy Land'
(lyrics reprinted with permission):
Written by: STEVE LIEBERMAN
from the album LIQUIDATIA-455(2004)
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There was a great Prophet
The grandfather of Isra'el
Had a son when he was old
And named him Ishma'el
Thirteen years later: a miracle boy named Isaac
For 4,000 years to come
These two brothers they wreaked havoc
From Ishma'el - all the Arab nations
From Isaac - all the Hebrews
their children killed each other in droves...
Terror attack in the Holy Land
Another civil war gone out of hand
Brother Vs Brother-that's what it's called
Our father Abraham would be appalled.
RAT TAT TAT IN THE DESERT SAND.
UNHOLY WAR IN THE HOLY LAND
WE GOT THE SAME FATHER BUT DIFFERENT MOTHERS
BY ANY INTERPRETATION-THAT MAKES US BROTHERS
Land where our Patriarchs tread
Now polluted with our brothers dead
Holy desert with blood now red
"DON'T KILL YOUR BROTHER" the Prophets said.
school bus explodes on the Gaza Strip
Suicide bombers now killing kids
Shopping mall blows up in the Golan Heights
Hey , that's your brother in gun site
RAT TAT TAT IN THE DESERT SAND.
UNHOLY WAR IN THE HOLY LAND
WE GOT THE SAME FATHER BUT DIFFERENT MOTHERS
BY ANY INTERPRETATION-THAT MAKES US BROTHERS
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Amen. You said it gangstarabbi. Shalom,
Jeff
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Post by Nonfatman on May 20, 2010 22:04:33 GMT -5
Part 2 of 2
Next up by Steve is 'For the Children of Gaza'
(lyrics reprinted with permission)
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Rockets fired on our homeland from terrorists
our brothers don't want us to exist
rockets aimed at Isra'el from the Ga'za Strip
for our own survival.
we must resist
Staged an offensive to save our land
but blameless people died with the terrorist man
our missiles killed so many innocent
I mourn for you all: my soul is rent
CHILDREN OF THE GA'ZA: WE BEWAIL YOU
TRAGEDY OF A HATRED SO OLD
WE PRAY FOR OUR PEOPLES' PEACE FOR 4,000 YEARS
BUT AN ANCIENT GRUDGE JUST can't BE LULLED
We called for a cease-fire we stopped the raid
to let in humanitarian aid
to help the innocent, but peace always fades
when war is rooted in ancient hate
We know just how it feels to lose our babies in war
they gassed them they shot them they flogged them raw
innocent people tortured as the governments all saw
the deafening slam of the death camp door
[Bridge]
in Europe, they just firebombed the homes of the Jews
retaliation for what they didn't do
I see racism has survived way past World War II
Ga'za: once a principality of the Philistines
They stole our Ark, oppressed us they treated us mean
'til King Dav'id quelled them with his siege machines
we got the same father we both agree
We pray for de-escalation
the miracle of peace for our two nations
serving One G-d in jubilation
til then: from the Diaspora: I shout out lamentations
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Righteous, my brother, God Bless you,
Jeff
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Post by Nonfatman on Jul 14, 2010 9:28:03 GMT -5
The Gangsta Rabbi is on the road to recovery from a series of health scares, and is bringing his meshuggunah blend of classic rock/heavy metal/punk rock/Jewish folk music, as well as Jethro Tull covers and Tull-inspired original material, to the Recoup Lounge, on Rivingston Street in the East Village, on July 22, 2010! Here's a look at this one-man band in action, and you can tell he is not messing around:  I am so there. Would anyone like to join me? I am sure the Rebbe of Rock will hook us up with some free tix! Jeff |
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Post by Nonfatman on Jul 21, 2010 16:01:16 GMT -5
Tomorrow night, Steve Lieberman, the notorious Gangsta Rabbi, performs at the Recoup Lounge in the East Village. He promises to do several Tull covers, and hopefully some of his original songs that are about IA and Tull!  +  +  +  = The Gangsta Rabbi! Here he is in full Ian mode:  The Recoup Lounge is located at 210 Rivingston Street in NYC. I am not sure what time the show starts, but I should have that info soon. Come and check out Steve's unique Tull-related act tomorrow night!  Jeff |
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Post by SilverHamer on Dec 12, 2010 10:07:20 GMT -5
WOAH BABY! This is so entirely radical that it's AWESOME! Thanks for the sharing this on FaceBook, Jeff! I have somehow missed this one.
Steve, a belated welcome to the Tull Board, my friend! I am still in the process of delving into your material and digesting some of it, but so far I have enjoyed the heck out of it and I'm sure I will continue to do so. You have a fantastic niche going on, dude! Keep up the great work!
LC
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Post by Nonfatman on Dec 13, 2010 14:47:06 GMT -5
WOAH BABY! This is so entirely radical that it's AWESOME! Thanks for the sharing this on FaceBook, Jeff! I have somehow missed this one. Steve, a belated welcome to the Tull Board, my friend! I am still in the process of delving into your material and digesting some of it, but so far I have enjoyed the heck out of it and I'm sure I will continue to do so. You have a fantastic niche going on, dude! Keep up the great work! LC I agree, Larry, I think he's got a truly original act....radical is a great word....and he's a one-man band. I like his raw and kind of psycho interpretations of Tull songs, and his own original songs that are on the subject of Tull and Ian. He brings a certain craziness and energy, or edginess, that reminds me of the way Tull used to be, for instance their show at The Isle of Wight. That set was almost like punk rock! Plus, I am not really aware of anyone else who has written and performed songs that not only resemble Tull musically, but that are also about Tull! And the lyrics to some of his non-Tull songs -- particularly those dealing with the strife in the Middle East -- happen to be very good. I hope your convalescence is going well, Larry, and that you will be back playing music again soon, if you are not already!  Jeff |
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Post by Nonfatman on Aug 19, 2011 14:24:16 GMT -5
Congratulations to the inimitable "Gangsta Rabbin-ian" on getting his own Wikipedia article! Folks, if you haven't heard of this guy, whose real name is Steve Lieberman, you've got to read through this thread from the beginning, where you will find photos, videos and links to mp3s of some of his Tull covers and other stuff. He's an orthodox Jewish Tull freak who plays Tull-style flute, bass guitar and other instruments as a one-man act, blending a unique mix of punk rock, classic rock and Jewish folk music, with a healthy dose of hip-hop and rap thrown in for good measure. The guy has a quite a following on Long Island and NYC, and once opened for the punk band Weezer (or was that Ween?) at Madison Square Garden. He is quite the character, no doubt, and he'd be the first to admit that he's a little crazy (which I say only jokingly, because he has suffered from some real problems with depression and bilpolar disorder), but I can tell you he is a devoted father and a gentle soul, who has not only covered a bunch of Tull songs (as well as Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen and others), but has written a number of original songs in honor of Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson, along with a lot of other meshuggunah stuff, including, somewhat incongruously, some rather, shall I say 'interesting' songs regarding women and sex. But the songs of his that I like most are those where he expresses his sincere hope for peace in the world, and specifically Israel and the Palestinians. For more info on the Gangsta Rabbi -- who hasn't checked in with us for awhile, so how about it Steve? -- read through out this thread and Steve's brand new Wiki page, which happens to be more extensive than the one devoted to Tull. Here's the link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_LiebermanAnd here is my favorite passage from the article: The Jethro Tull / Gangsta Rabbi Connection Being a long-haired male rock flutist,playing in a similar style to Ian Anderson[70] the connection between Steve Lieberman and British rock band Jethro Tull was established as soon as the 2002 release of Bad'lania Rising. With songs entitled "Ian Anderson"(1999), "Punk Rock Jethro Tull Song" (2001), "Jethro Tull FantasyKamp"(2004) and "I'm Jethro Tull"(2008) and the A.M.G.placing Jethro Tull as a similar artist on the page of Steve Lieberman the Gangsta Rabbi [71]
This connection brought reaction to both sides of the Jethro Tull community, those who hate Lieberman and those who love him.
The former is evident on one Jethro Tull covers site, a critic says this of Lieberman's covers of Tull's "War Child", "Up To Me" and "One Brown Mouse" 'I have no idea what drives Lieberman to release this unapproachable stuff and why he chose Jethro Tull as a target.'
[72] On a site called The Jethro Tull Board which is actually endorsed by Ian Anderson, there is a thread called "Gangsta Rabbinian" citing 'love for Lieberman's Tull-related songs and non-Tull alike'and posted the lyrics to two of Lieberman's lyrics which express hope to find a peaceful end to the Arab-Israeli conflict,"Unholy War In The Holy Land"(2004) and "For The Children of the Gaza" (2009) [73]Rock on Steve, and Mazel Tov on the article! (Please let me know of any upcoming shows you are planning in the area, you know I will try to make it if I can) Jeff |
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Post by Gangsta Rabbi on Aug 21, 2011 11:14:01 GMT -5
Jeff!! as always-you soooo rock! a wiki article on me would never be complete without sending love to the jethro Tull board who gave me so much support and love over the last 18 months. thank you for everything
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Post by Nonfatman on Nov 4, 2011 20:58:39 GMT -5
The Gangsta Rabbin-ian, Steve Lieberman, brings his unique and highly innovative one-man bass/flute act to the Alphabet Lounge in NYC next Thursday night, November 10th. The venue is at 104 Avenue C, on the Lower East Side, so you know it's going to be cool. [ If you're just joining us on the board, read through this thread from the top, because this guy is a Tull fanatic, who blends classic rock with punk, rap, reggae and Jewish folk, so it's not like anything you've ever heard before!] I promised the meshugganah Rabbi of Tull -- and much, much else -- that I would be there, and I'm looking forward to making it over. I think he goes on at 11:00 p.m., after a bunch of other acts (I'll check that to be sure), and that's fine by me....I've been curious about his show for two years now, and I like the scene down there. Anyway, I'm sure he will play some of his Tull covers and original songs about Tull and IA, since he knows I will be there. You will play those, won't you, Steve?! On a serious note, Steve has disclosed that he's recently been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, so he is dubbing this as "the Rabbi is Dead" farewell tour, but from what I've read, I believe there are treatments that can help him manage the disease, and maybe even beat it, so let's hope Steve gets the best medical care and that this tour is not in fact his swan song. For more on Steve, see www.gangstarabbi.com/The Alphabet Lounge site is here: www.alphabetnyc.com/Jeff |
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Post by TM on Nov 5, 2011 21:02:29 GMT -5
Steve, prayers sent out to you. Get well and keep on rockin!
Paul
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2011 6:07:32 GMT -5
Steve, prayers sent out to you. Get well and keep on rockin! Paul Steve Same here, thoughts and prayers with you. |
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