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Presenting .....The American Jewish Songbook
Deborah Katchko-Gray Vocals and Guitar
David Zimmerman Lead Electric Guitar
Matt Model Percussion
Gigi Van Dyke Piano
A concert celebrating wonderful, moving and entertaining songs by American Jewish composers.
Gershwin-Secunda-Solomon-Finkelstein-Picon-S. Schwartz-Heisler/Goldrich, Shlock Rock, Julie Gold-Carol King.
Gems of Yiddish Theater, Broadway, Cabaret, Folk Rock, Jazz, Blues and Jewish Parodies- Sing along sheet gets everyone singing!
Rave reviews! Reasonable fees!
"Your American Jewish Songbook selections were a perfect blend of English, Yiddish and Hebrew-appreciated by all. Your stage presence and hamische introductions of hte band and the songs added and extra measure of charm to the beauty of your voice and the wonderful sounds of your group. Your lead guitarist David, and the pianist were particularly outstanding......we were all blown away by the warmth and family feeling you created on our stage/bimah.!!
Steve Stein, MD
Past and Incoming President
Congregation Beth El
Norwalk, CT
"I am almost without words to say how much I enjoyed your concert at Beth El on Saturday night. You are so multi-talented and you have a beautiful radiant quality that truly glows and really touched me. I was impressed with your story telling and also with the way you shared your personal experiences and your family with us. I hope I have the opportunity to see you and hear you again! WOW-thank you !
Warmest Regards,
Susan Pomerantz
Congregation Beth El
Norwalk, CT
Israel in Song
60 years of beautiful music in honor of Israel’s milestone anniversary. Pioneer, Chassidic Festival and Songs of Peace connect us to Israel’s history and culture in a moving and uplifting way.
Jewish Soul
Traditional synagogue music tweaked for modern ears- guitar and nusach together creating a new sound. New synagogue music that helps elevate the meaning of prayer will have you singing along.
The Good Old Days- Jewish Nostalgic Music
Gershwin and Yiddish together at last! The sentimental music of Gershwin and wonderful Yiddish theater and folk songs will have you singing and tapping your toes!
The Lighter Side of Jewish Music- Parodies and Singalong!
Some of the most wonderful music put to clever Jewish words for holidays – Enjoy an array of Israeli and Yiddish singalongs to get in the mood for any holiday!
The Evolving Role of Women in Judaism
As founder of the Women Cantors’ Network, Deborah is a pioneer woman cantor whose organization is now 300 strong from 5 countries and 34 states. What is the history of women in Judaism? How did the issue of Kol Isha evolve? What new traditions are being created? What has been the impact of so many women rabbis and cantors in the United States?
Finding Family Through Song
A beautiful and moving story of music, faith and family. Featured and interviewed by national public radio, "The Story" for Yom Hashoah, April 21, 2009.
Gems of my Grandfather
Deborah shares the innovation and creativity of her esteemed grandfather Hazzan Adolph Katchko through his music and previously unpublished writings. Recordings are shared showing his artistry as well as recordings of her father with added harmony and guitar years after his death.
Concert Reviews
Katchko-Gray can reproduce “ that old sound” by calling on melodies she received personally in true oral tradition.
Scales Out of Shul May 2007
Hadassah Magazine
Thank-you again for a wonderful concert- Inspiring, beautiful and fun!
Alan Feld
Professor of Law
Boston University 2008
Deborah Katchko is such a wonderful gift to our festival!
Berna Hayden, National Children’s Choir Director
Tzipora Wiesel Children’s Music Festival
Ireland 2006
Hazzan Deborah Katchko-Gray supported by flutist Mattan Klein and Seeds of Sun…just rocked the house and blew the roof off of Beth Judah for almost two hours. A mix between Mid-East, Israeli, Jewish pop, cantorial, Yiddish and kid-family friendly favorites..add to that a rather hot Israeli jazz trio and you have an explosive, energetic reaction. Everyone was clicking on all cylinders and the crowd ate it up.
Debbie is the real deal and can deliver it all. She has a powerful and sweet voice that works well in various styles and involved us locals nicely.
Hazzan Alan Smolen 2008
Cong. Beth Judah
One of our most successful Scholar - In - Residence programs ever ! She brings an accomplished voice, and a lively spirit that will fill your synagogue with music and joy. Cantor Debbie led Friday night and Shabbat morning services and a sing-along program for children and adults on Sunday morning. Her music, voice and personality enchanted all of our members.
Rabbi Martin I. Sandberg April, 2009
Beth Shalom Congregation
Jacksonville, Florida
"The Story" Finding Family Through Song
Yom HaShoah
Click on the link below to listen (32 minutes)
http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_758_Finding_Family_Through_Song.mp3/view
"Finding Family Through Song"- A Story - The presentation given by Cantor Katchko-Gray of Temple Shearith Israel of Ridgefield, CT on Thursday October 29th, 2009 was a remarkable presentation. This was an inspiring and moving story of music, faith and family beautifully told. We think it was definately one of the very best programs that the Mary Brewster Fund has offered!
Zayne McFarlane. Co Chair, Mary Brewster Committee, St. Stevens Church, Ridgefield, CT. October, 2009
In telling her story of living history and astonishing discovery, Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray brings to life the love and faithfulness of holocaust survivors and the generations who remember them. People of faith will be embraced by Cantor Debbie’s generous spirit, learn first hand about the important of remembrance and rekindle their hope for a peaceful world.
Reverend Marc Delcuze, St. Stevens Church, Ridgefield, CT October, 2009
November 27th, 2011
(Gems of my Grandfather)
Rabbi, Congregation Beth David, Amenia NY
Emeritus Rabbi, Temple Shearith Israel, Ridegefield, CT
