Abe Pollack

For over a decade, Abe Pollack has been a fixture in New York City’s traditional jazz and roots music scenes, performing with the city’s top bands at institutions such as Lincoln Center, TV Eye and regularly at the storied eclectic music hub, Barbes. He has showcased his talents at numerous international music festivals, including Bahidora (Mexico City), Charm City Django Jazz Fest (Baltimore), and Django in June (Northampton). His music has been featured during The Super Bowl, Apple TV’s We Crashed, and ABC’s Localish television show.

Abe’s latest album, Unprecedented Time, is a nostalgic, fun, and vintage-inspired collection of original swing-era music. Showcasing his songwriting, production, and arranging, the album marks Abe’s first solo record, featuring him as the band’s upright bass player throughout. Written and recorded during COVID lockdowns, the album explores themes of solitude while capturing the joy and memories of playing together, even while remote. Guest musicians add accordion, klezmer clarinet, gypsy guitar, and vocals. Standout tunes include the musette-style waltz Valse D'urgence, the lively gypsy swing piece Palling Around in The Parlor—which Abe cites as the album’s spirit—and the Cumbia-inspired arrangement of Lullaby of The Leaves. Spicy Matzah Ball brings a fast-paced klezmer vibe perfect for the hora dance floor. Unprecedented Time can be streamed on all music platforms.