Music is not just for the ears. Music permeates the soul. It has the power to move us to tears and the spirit to get us jumping. It transcends gender and generation, and can bring us closer to each other and closer to Hashem. When music is done right, it fuses sound and spirituality into a unique blend which reaches all of our senses. If you are looking to hear something which touches your soul and amazes your ears, you need look no farther then Eitan Katz.
Eitan learns in the Kollel at the Yeshiva of Greater Washington in Silver Spring, MD. His love for learning is well known, and his quiet manner of hasmadah belies the energy which comes out in his music. He is always available to help younger bochurim with their learning, or to just give some encouraging words to all he encounters. Together with his wife Malki, they open their home to all who need, and to many who just want to bask in their warmth.
Eitan is also studying at night in the John's Hopkins School of Clinical Counseling. Although his natural gift of song could be a career for him, he has chosen to also dedicate himself to help those that need a sensitive and understanding soul to be reached. Anyone who meets him for a few minutes feels like they have known him forever and always strive to maintain a kesher with him. This is evident by his ever growing number of followers who waited impatiently for his new album to be released.
In writing his music, he shows a special regard for words which help us feel the power in the music. Carefully chosen from throughout teffilah and tanach, his songs bring out the true meaning of the words. As one of the few singers with the gift of writing songs, Eitan is very selective of what he chooses to sing.
Most of the songs on the album, L'ma'ancha, were written by Eitan himself and is easily evident by his flawless mastery of them. The songs are a personal tribute to Hashem that everyone can share in, just by listening. The emotion that they are instilled with enhances the beautifully arranged music. As you listen to the songs, you may find yourself humming along right away, even before you know them well. There is some unique quality to them that just makes your neshomah want to sing and serve Hashem.
Eitan's first album, "Eilecha", which was released in the year 2000, featured him together with his brother Shlomo and his father, the well know chazzan, Avshalom Katz. The wonderfully orchestrated melodies, well placed harmony and blend of beautiful voices made this album an instant hit. His second album, "Biglal Avos", which came out a few years later, is still a top seller and anyone who hears it can instantly see why. Arranged by Eitan and his brother Shlomo, the stirring niggunim and upbeat tone are very unique in the world of Jewish music.
Eitan's newest release "Eitan Katz, Unplugged" is a compilation of nigunim of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, ztl - some never heard before, and some known, but rarely sung. You will find yourselves humming and singing along, even when the CD is not playing. The melodies are sweet, fun and some touch the very essence of your heart. As is Eitan's trademark style, he sings from a place deep from his neshama in a way that only Eitan knows how to sing.
