JMR Spotlight: Shua Kessin

JMR Spotlight: Shua Kessin

by Mendel the Sheichet

As you may have noticed, one of our favorite things at the Jewish Music Report is introducing our readers to emerging  artists. We are always looking for fresh new talent that we feel have the potential to be the Jewish music stars a few years down the road. We especially look for rising stars who we feel have something new and different to bring to the table. We are therefore very excited to introduce Shua Kessin, an artist that we have had our eyes on for some time now.

What makes Shua special? Among other things his versatility. He sings at weddings, leads Carlebach style kumzitses, writes songs and plays several instruments  and he does them all effectively. He is one of a rare new breed of Jewish artist that takes music seriously as an art and even to some degree as a science. When we consider that the Jewish music listener is getting progressively savvier with the passage of each year, it holds to reason that artists like Shua – who strive to excel by the standards of their contemporary counterparts – will have a clear edge in holding the ear of the Jewish listener. Another thing that makes him stand out from the crowd is his soul. He is always invested in the moment with his whole being whether he’s singing at a wedding or leading a Teffiloh.

Below are my personal two favorite Shua Kessin video clips. While I enjoy his wedding and event footage, being a Carlebach fan myself I am naturally drawn to the Kumzits footage he did. I always like it when R’ Shlomo is emulated instead of imitated. Shua performs in the true spirit of R’ Shlomo all the while never losing his own unique voice, individuality and personality. Not an easy thing to pull off.

To book Shua for your next simcha or event, or for more information and footage, you can visit him at www.shuakessin.com