If you are seeking the unique sound of minor tunes to add to your setlist, June Drucker’s “Going Back To Israel” is an excellent choice. June is a multi-instrumentalist, best known for her bass playing with a number of Old Time and Contra bands over the years. This original tune was included on her 2003 “Tumble and Leap” album. “Going Back To Israel,” is slightly crooked and in the key of A minor (played in standard tuning). It has become a Festival favorite and has been covered by several other bands. 

We reached out to June for some insight on the tune’s origin. She said, “...it was written in about 10 minutes sitting on the counter in Godfrey Daniel’s Cafe in Bethlehem, PA on the way up to the Hudson River Festival. It was almost written as a joke for my friend Tara Nevins who had written some tunes and we were both going to be at the festival, so I gave that tune to her as a birthday present. There was really no thought put into it, just a noodle and ended up a tune.” June credits Tara Nevins’ playing as contributing to its popularity, because, “...she is a much better fiddler than me…” 

As for the title, June stated that she didn’t name it. A friend of hers suggested “Going Back To Israel” after joking that the tune sounded like something some of their other fiddler friends would play - and as June explained, “...that was that. It really has nothing to do with Israel. So that’s about it. Not too exciting a story, but hope this helps.” 

Included below is the original from June’s album, and a version performed by June with Bruce Molsky, Rose Sinclair, and The Horse Flies’ Judy Hyman and Jeff Claus at the 2001 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Goshen CT. A high octane rendition by The Mando Mafia from their 2004 “Get Away” album, and (on the mp3 player), a unique jammy rock/electric fiddle interpretation from Seattle’s Celtic/Surf/Roots band “The Irish Experience,” provide additional takes on the original.

Going Back To Israel

(fast forward to 39:15)

(then go back and listen to the whole set!)

Bruce Molsky, June Drucker, Judy Hyman, Rose Sinclair, Jeff Claus

7/29/01 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival