Susan Colin: Press/Reviews

Texas talents Susan Colin and Robbi Sherwin
shine at music festival in Washington, D.C.

Through the talent and art of Flower Mound resident Susan Colin and Fort Worth-raised Robbi Sherwin, the Metroplex was duly represented at the Third International Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music, sponsored by Shalshelet, on Dec. 13 and 14. The festival, which previewed in Milwaukee from June 13 to 16 in collaboration with the Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning, Inc., was held at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C.
Of more than 300 entries to the Festival and 34 finalists, Colin was chosen for her song “New Moon,” and Sherwin’s songs, which received finalist status, were “Ma’ariv Aravim” and “Love Adonai.”

Shalshelet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated its first festival in 2004 with artists from around the world. “We want to promote deep music with deep thoughts and connections to the text of our people and what it represents,” said Cantor Dr. Tasat of Shirat HaNefesh, director of the Cantorial School at the Academy for Jewish Religion and musical advisor of the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Music Festival who trained in five countries and received a doctorate in voice performance.

“Music is a living, breathing thing that keeps people engaged,” said Colin, a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, worship service leader and cantorial soloist at Congregation Kol Ami, who has released three CDs: “Every Day,” “Prayer of the Heart” and “Shabbat Favorites.” “To have the opportunity to share my music, to hear composers speaking about their music and to hear how others go through the process was phenomenal. In a perfect world, Shalshelet could go on the road so more people could experience the joy. “My first memories are of sitting at the piano when I was just 4 years old,” said Colin, a New York native who is married to Craig and the mother of Kate, Jacob, and Danny. “The first time I saw a woman on the bimah, Cantor Janice Roger in Indianapolis, I realized it could happen for me too. Now, engaging children is so important to me.” “She has a golden voice beyond belief,” said Cantor Tasat of Colin, who also serves as the cantorial soloist for the High Holy Days, at the Falmouth Jewish Congregation in Cape Cod and occasionally at Congregation Beth El in Tyler, Texas. “She’s truly amazing.” EDITED

Ms. Colin, a cantorial soloist at Congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound, [Texas] believes sacred Jewish music should be heard at home as well as in synagogue. After hearing her voice, you'll want to take this recording everywhere. Her vocals are expressive, but well-controlled. And she sings with a clarity that's breathtaking and rare.
This is a mixed collection of Sabbath songs. Lovers of tradition can celebrate with tunes such as "Mah Tovu" sung to a Chabad melody, and "Yismechu Hashamayim," put to a Hassidic melody. Those who prefer contemporary songs will appreciate Ms. Colin's interpretation of Debbie Friedman's "Mi Shebeirach" and "Sh'ma/V'ahavta."
Some of the music is lively, some of it slow and reflective. But 24 minutes is not a lot of music – most compact discs provide twice the amount of music. That's a huge shortcoming. On the other hand, the quality of the music is quite good.

It's difficult to put into words what Susan Colin's music, soul, and voice mean to me. Perhaps I could convey my feelings by telling you that Susan's album EVERY DAY was the music my wife and I chose to play during the birth of our daughter; perhaps by telling you I often recommend her music to pastoral care providers seeking healing words and melodies for terminally ill patients. In any case, hers is the music that finds its way into my blood, into every corner of my life. Thank God for her creative urge.

Religious longing takes a profoundly personal turn in Every Day, by Dallas-area cantorial soloist Susan Colin. Ms. Colin brings a smoky, spiritual Joan Baez-like quality to original songs that are at once Jewish and universal in their joyous embrace of the mysterious divine. Most of her inspiration for lyrics springs from the Bible (Genesis 22:1 and Exodus 3:4 for "Hineni" and Psalm 148 for "New Moon"). But she also uses words by local writer Robin Paglia-Dennis for four songs and draws on a Native American prayer for another ˆ the haunting "I am with you still," which reminds us that, like God, loved ones we cannot see make their love manifest in the daily miracles of creation. The CD offers a heady mix of folk, Klezmer, jazz and blues, often backed by warm, eclectic instrumentals deftly performed by local musicians.

Dear Susan: I wanted to let you know that this morning I had another opportunity to listen to EVERY DAY. It really is a very special and lovely CD. The songs are incredibly emotional and evocative. The production is top notch and the sequencing with the foreshadowing of tunes is very compelling and clever. The whole package is really very moving! P.S. I hope to use your "Hineni" this holiday!

Her voice is a delight to listen to as she celebrates God. The album is a lovely and soothing addition to any Jewish household.

Dear Susan: I heard that there were 200 people at your service! WOW! That's huge for summertime. People said you were terrific. Thank you so much. I just wish I could have been there to learn from you! Let me know next time you're coming to town.

I had the pleasure of conducting High Holiday services with Susan at Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma, California. Without exaggeration, I have never experienced the degree to which a Cantor or Soloist inspired and moved a congregation the way Susan did during the holidays. She truly sings like an angel becuase she has great talent and because she sings from the heart. Susan's preparation was comprehensive, well-organized, and she was a pleasure to work with. Her energy was positive and she has a wonderful sense of humor.
Any congregation would be lucky to have her on the pulpit for Shabbat, the holidays, or a concert. She is truly gifted.