Music Recordings
Music Reviews
I find you to be a first-rate hazzan and a consummate artist…your cds are a shining example of what we should aim to emulate.
Cantor Pinchas Spiro ( of blessed memory)
If a teacher had but one student- you- it would be Dayenu!…
…your songs bring joy to my heart!
Elie Wiesel
**** Four Stars!
Katchko-Gray is a fourth generation cantor and the founder of the Women Cantors’ Network, and she possesses a lilting soprano voice and a poise you can almost hear. This set is clearly designed to show off her range, moving from a terrific Yemenite “ Et Dodim” to a Yiddish chestnut like “ Mayn Rue Plats” and a faux-cuontry song, “ Peel One More Potato:. There are some very strong selections here, particularly a live duet with Benjie-Ellen Schiller on “ Shiru Shir Chadash” and her version of “Hashkivenu” composed by Adolph Katchko, her grandfather. “
George Robinson, The Jewish Week
REVIEWS of Jewish Soul
“If your tastes run to such classics as Yerushalayim Shel Zahav and you enjoy everything from Sephardic to Yiddish to contemporary pop, Katchko’s soprano renditions and acoustic rhythms are the perfect musical menu for you. Her inspiring version of , ” The Place Where I Belong” will have you singing along.”
Hadassah Magazine
“Impressively eclectic, Deborah Katchko – another pioneer female cantor puts a refreshing, colorful spin on quintessentially Jewish songs and stories. Drawing upon Middle East rock, Country Western and traditional and contemporary Jewish melodies, Katchko’s powerful voice can sound both sensual and spiritual”
Hadassah Magazine
“Connecticut based Cantor Deborah Katchko has wide appeal. With a strong and soulful voice, she covers a broad range of songs in several languages, exposing us to Jewish culture from various times and places.”
Boston University Alumni Magazine
“Nurturing our family’s Jewish identity is an art, rather than a science. Fortunately people like Deborah Katchko can help. Her three cds offer a rich array of traditional and contemporary Jewish music suffused with her warm and welcoming spirit. “
Jewish Woman Magazine
Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray’s Cantorial Masterpiece of time and spirit combining the unique genius of her grandfather Cantor Adolph Katchko’s work with the melodic soul of her father Cantor Theodore Katchko and her contemporary interpretation of the nusach. Cantor Debbie brings Jewish music to life honoring the standards of Cantorial music and providing guidance for the contemporary Cantor who wishes to use guitar adaptation.
“This edition marks one of the most innovative, important, and creative blending of guitar and Jewish music. It surely will not take away from those Cantors who wish to chant either capella, or with piano or organ, but for those Cantors skilled in playing guitar, this will be a loving and long lasting companion which, I am sure, will touch the hears and souls of the next generation of Jews to hear this incredible music.”
Rabbi/Cantor Jon Haddon
Rabbi Emeritus
Temple Shearith Israel
Ridgefield, CT
Passover Seder Songs
Fabulous collection of Cantor Debbie’s favorite Seder Songs….with harmonies, cello, percussion and Rhythm and lead guitar mastery!
Reviews for Kinder Songs
I’ve listened to a lot of traditional Jewish holiday song recordings and most, for one reason or another should not have been made. But, this one is significantly different. First, Deborah Katchko has a warm, rich voice. Second, she sings honestly. What do I mean? There are no tricks to this recording, just Deborah and her guitar and she’s making music. Third, she includes 25 ethnic songs full of information and history. This is a Hanukkah gift for the entire family.
Washington Parent
…Try playing it in the car and singing along!