Shlomo Katz has released a new double CD entitled Live in Melbourne. This is the young singer's fifth CD.
The two disc set includes his best known works, such as his version of Niggun Neshama, originally composed by the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. The catchy, upbeat, wordless melody was discovered by Katz and Shlomo Carlebach's daughter Neshama amongst the countless unreleased amateur Carlebach recordings. Since then, Niggun Neshama has become ubiquitous at Jewish celebrations.
"It's always been somewhat of a struggle for me to feel that I'm fully expressing myself in the studio," said Katz in a video interview. "So I was always looking forward to being able to capture all the moments that happen live and share it with the world."
Katz has visited Australia many times and served as the chazzan at Hamayan of Melbourne, known as the musical shul of Australia. "There was magic in the air. I want to carry that spark with me," he stated. Katz, who is also a rabbi, teaches at local yeshivot in the Jerusalem area. He often interjects stories and Torah thoughts during his performances.