Web Series Wednesday – Tali Jams New York

By: Spring Marie Cullen

WHAT? Tali Jams New York

BY: Dror Pikielny and Tali Rubinstein

WHY SHOULD I WATCH?

Tali Jams New York is exactly what the title suggests…a heroine taking on The Big Apple. The documentary style web series follows talented musician Tali Rubinstein as she makes her way through the city’s music scene with her recorder. Her instrument of choice is what initially drew me to the series. The idea of someone jamming out across the city that never sleeps with a recorder of all things is insanely intriguing. I was interested to see how she pulled it off and if she’d be welcomed by musicians and audiences along the way because, let’s face it, the recorder isn’t the first thing that pops into your head when you think “New York jam session.”

To say I was blown away would be a massive understatement. I have very distinct memories of playing the recorder in my youth, trying and failing to pull off “Pop Goes the Weasel” once a week. And never in a million years did I think it was possible to play the instrument quite the way Rubinstein does. Her background in classical music and jazz studies served her especially well as she jumps into performances with extreme ease and appears to be right at home, despite any nervousness she’s feeling beforehand.

Each episode is broken up into two parts, with the beginning being a day in the life look at Rubinstein and then the following half focuses on the venue she plays that night. The genres of music she tackles are wildly different, from smooth jazz to cool hip hop and the small tidbits she shares about herself are amazing. She’s endlessly fascinating and the list of projects she reveals in the second episode, which include an educational project with Carnegie Hall and a Jewish girl band, left me eager to learn more.

The audience’s reaction to Rubinstein’s performances might be my favorite part of the series. They’re honest, feel good moments filled with kind words and compliments. Artists supporting other artists is always a welcomed sight and the outpouring of love she receives from her peers is incredible to witness. Watching her play two recorders simultaneously at one point was also impressive, not to mention the rock and roll style solos she strung together.

Anyone who considers themselves a musician or an artist will enjoy this series. Rubinstein is the perfect subject for a documentary like this and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

WHERE CAN I WATCH? Episodes and can be found on YouTube.

Follow on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talijamsny

Tali’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaliRubinstein

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talijamsnewyork/