The Music of Urth Caffé

Ever been at your favorite Urth Caffé sipping on an exquisitely crafted heirloom, organic coffee or fine tea, or nibbling on a healthy bite—and wondered where the music came from? It is a carefully curated playlist of songs personally chosen by Co-Founders Shallom & Jilla Berkman. This beautiful and eclectic combination of songs is a mix of their own personal favorites, music heard on their travels and even songs they've heard their kids play and thought, Wow! That would be great for the Urth mix. They are things they have listened to many times and enjoy and appreciate. Present day classics in a sense. 

Urth Caffé Co-Founder Shallom Berkman and daughter Golda at Caffé Florian in Venice - 2005

The songs range from classical to modern and span such diverse artists as Elvis and Pavarotti.  It is a carefully crafted selection that is broken down into morning, mid-day, afternoon and night with 1000 tracks per playlist for each time slot! 

In the morning the emphasis is on classical, classics, jazz and sacred music. For classical the immortal Beethoven, Mozart, Handel, and Vivaldi live on along with the American jazz greats including the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans. The most popular Urth playlist is the daytime (11:00am to 3:00pm) which is curated to include an eclectic mix of different genres and is more upbeat. A lot of world music is included and there are songs from every continent. The most common countries included are Italy, Spain, and the United States. But you will also find South American Fado from Brazil and Portugal, Mexican folk music, Japanese, and even some Mongolian chant! Middle Eastern music is weaved throughout. And much of the African music on this mix was introduced through Shallom's travels while visiting the regenerative, sustainable farms that Urth Caffé sources it's heirloom organic coffee from. These songs are selected from first-hand knowledge from farmers, colleagues, and local residents. 

Shallom Berkman dancing with the heirloom organic coffee farmers at the Urth Caffé Mountain Gorilla Coffee Estate in Uganda.

Sipping a delicious warm soothing latté at one of your favorite cafés in the afternoon? Enjoy the sounds of opera, Broadway ballads, vocal jazz classics, Frank Sinatra, and romantic Italian and French selections. The music provides a serene escape. A moment away. A bit of peace in the afternoon.

The evening is the most vibrant time for this very special music mix. You'll hear the sounds of lively Spanish music and Flamenco inspired and Gypsy King-style guitar. It is a selection of music that is upbeat and expressive. Middle Eastern and Arabic beats are woven in for their ancient rhythms and vibes. It is all about unwinding and letting go and leaving the day behind. You may also hear the great R&B masters such as Marvin Gaye and Al Green, 80's pop from England and the U.S., Italian pop from the 80s and a range of classic rock artists from Queen, Dire Straits, Elton John—to the Beatles—to Elvis—to Ed Sheeran. 

Left & Right: Treasured guests and staff interior, Urth Downtown.
(All enjoying Urth's beautiful music, ambiance, healthy tasty cuisine, drinks, and heirloom organic coffees & teas!)

Shallom and Jilla Berkman have made a very intentional effort to find things that are classics or pieces that they think will last. They are constantly listening for new things with the listener in mind. Songs that you would want to keep listening to and never get tired of. Says Shallom, "It is like introducing people to sounds from all over the world. We invite you to come and savor all these flavors from different genres." 

The Urth Caffé music mix was created with much thought, heart and soul, just for you. And it is part of what makes each visit to your favorite café feel so special. It is part of the feeling that Urth Caffé imparts while you are visiting. It is part of what makes each Urth Caffé feel so warm and welcoming. And like—it is your home. Music is life they say! We agree. 

Shallom Berkman's grandfather - Al Berkman's first record that was recorded at Al Berkman Vocal Studios on Melrose
(where the Urth Caffé Melrose is today). 

Written by: Lisa Mouhibian