The Ab that gets repeated in the bass is that mortal ending we all share. No matter how the bass line strives to rise, it is inevitably pulled back down.

In 2020, we were all thinking about COVID-19 and everyone suffering from it. I wanted to draw from the traditional text of the Mi Shebeirach prayer…

I wrote this song to all those facing a leap into the unknown, to remind them (and myself) that all we can do is bring our best efforts and intentions to each moment.

I think the best covers bring something new out of a song, highlighting an emotional angle or a depth of interpretation that the original doesn’t get to.

I felt overwhelmed by how bad things seemed and my utter lack of control over the world.

Restless Heart pushed forward the vision I first articulated with In Pursuit — Jewish worship music reimagined for a secular setting.

The live album from the release of In Pursuit, it has Jamie’s fan favorite covers “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen and “Supernatural Superserious” by REM.

In Pursuit was the culmination of many years’ dreaming and crafting a new vision of Jewish music.

The text of the Priestly Benediction comes from Numbers 6, and God asks Moses to use that famous formula to bless the people.

I was at a Ben Folds concert on South Street in Philly, reveling in the storytelling skill of his music, when a line popped into my head: “You are the book…”

I wrote this in honor of my dear friend Monika’s wedding.

I wanted to bring out the joy and awe of the psalm text, heightened by the harmony and power of a choir.

When I discovered it, I was confused why we would bless the “years” every day, but I realized that it teaches us to treat every day as an opportunity to begin again.