about echad

Echad means “one from many” in Hebrew. A diverse group, G-d's people are both Jew and Gentile and all of us are different yet we are all one in Messiah - Echad.

Echad was formed from a unique song-writing partnership between guitarist, Mark Houde and vocalist, Marni Esposito that began when they became the worship leaders for their congregation, Simchat Yisrael Messianic Jewish Synagogue in West Haven, CT. G-d has given them new original contemporary songs rooted in the reflection of faith and the love for the Messiah. Through much prayer and reflection on this new path G-d was leading them on, they formed the group Echad to pursue G-d's calling for their lives. With their original Messianic music they set out to win praise for the L-rd and reach the hearts of all of G-d's people.

Echad has a mixture of cultural styles, giving their music a unique and distinctive sound. Guitarist and composer, Mark Houde, having a musical background in Jazz, blends soft, melodic rhythms with traditional Jewish sounds making their musical style unlike any other Messianic group. "We have a ‘world' sound to some of our songs because we incorporate multi-cultural instruments into our music".

Lead vocalist and composer, Marni Esposito, draws her inspiration from the Hebrew prayer Siddur, the bible and from her own personal experiences with G-d. "Hashem has a powerful message that he wants his people to hear. We believe that G-d has given us this original music to share with his people. We are merely the vehicle in which He chose to convey it." She has recorded and performed with other artists such as Steve McConnell and Brad Smolken.

Echad is blessed with the guest talents of some of the members of the Simchat Yisrael worship team. Felipe Soltero, vocalist and percussionist, adds a layer of uniqueness to the group's sound. His singing comes from the heart and brings a beautiful touch of expressive feeling to the songs while his Latin instrumental rhythms add soul. Howard Zarabet on electric bass brings a distinct vintage sound and style to the music.

Maryann Houde plays Tambourine and assists in production of the music. “I really try to help the group with arrangements and structure. I can listen objectively when they are immersed in writing and playing in the creative stages.” She also handles the overall band management, marketing and promotion of the group.

Echad's songs speak of G-d's desire for the Jewish people to know their Messiah - Yeshua HaMashiach - and they have just released their first CD titled "One From Many" to bring the message to His people. To hear some samples from the CD click here.

our prayer for you

(in our words)

Music is a depository for prayer in the mind and heart of His creation. It is banked and safeguarded; stored and then retrieved. used for a time when a message from the heart is expressed through the lyrics as thought and the melody as emotion.

As we composed our original music we heard the voice of the L-rd in a way that was deep and personal, reinforcing G-d’s intimate relationship with each of us.

We see this as a reciprocal process- G-d gives life to us, His creation, and we submit our lives and all the works of our hands back to Him.

Our prayer is that you will be blessed by this music and allow G-d to touch you in a way that will elevate your praise to the heavenlies, filling the ears of Hashem with the adoration from His creation.

davidic dance

Davidic Dance – Music for your body

Davidic or Messianic dance is the physical demonstration of communal praise and worship. Dance has always been the Jewish depiction of celebration, life-cycles and religious holidays.

Worship and praise dance can bring us into the presence of G-d, allowing us to worship and draw nearer to him more intimately than ever before. It's another way to communicate with G-d when we are at a loss for words in prayer. The lyrics in songs may say what we want to convey to G-d and meditating on those words in music, while physically expressing our worship, draws us closer to G-d when words just don't seem to be enough.

Those who observe the dance without participating are drawn nearer to G-d as well. Their worship experience can be enhanced just by watching others dance.

messianic judaism

Messianic Judaism is a movement comprised of Jewish and Non-Jewish people who proclaim Yeshua (Jesus) as the promised Messiah and express their faith in a Jewish context.

Messianic believers have embraced their Jewish roots and history, sharing in its identity, while at the same time faithfully acknowledging the completeness of the new promise through Yeshua the Messiah.

Messianic Synagogue Shabbat services are rooted in the traditional worship services of Judaism. The Jewish Holy Days and life-cycle events are observed as well as Jewish practices. As the covenantal responsibilities of Judaism are maintained, Messianic synagogues present Yeshua as a legitimate Jewish option for Jewish people.

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news and concerts

Concerts & Bookings

For Concert bookings and schedule, please visit our MySpace page at: www.myspace.com/echadmusic

News

WIHS, FM Radio has Echad as guests on their Crossroads Cafe show to talk about the making of their new CD; One From Many, as well as Messianic Judaism. This is a two part series with the first half airing on Saturday, December 17th at 2:00pm. The conclusion on Saturday, January 21st at 2:00pm. [Click Here] to get the podcasts of this interview now!

Podcasts are now available for this interview and other Echad topics of interest will follow. They are available for download on our site [Click Here] as well as the iTunes store for free.

WIHS Radio in Middletown, CT has added the Echad CD for airplay on the station.
www.wihsradio.org
Inspired Faith Messianic Internet Radio from Israel is airing the Echad CD. Make a request at
www.inspiredfaith.org
CDBaby.com is now distributing our CD. Go and write a review about Echad.
www.cdbaby.com/cd/echad
iTunes is selling our CD for digital download per song or full album. If you plan to purchase via iTunes music store then please write a review and post there. Click below to open your iTunes player and go to our music store. iTunes Store note: (must have iTunes installed)

testimonials

"When I first heard ' Echad ', I thought I was hearing timeless
& perfect hymns , honed to perfection over time - The Spirit of God
is strong in these works." - Paul Avgerinos - Grammy Nominated Producer"

I love this CD. Some of the songs have a Latin flavor to them and I just wanted to dance when I listened. The harmonies are interesting and their voices are unique. I liked every song and I have recommended it to my friends. Their sound is very fresh and alive. I highly recommend this CD. - Donna Levin

"Moving songs that call the listener to a place of peace.
Echad, One From Many, is a truly moving CD with haunting melodies, visceral lyrics and a powerful message. It connects the listener to the Jewish people and the Jewish people to their Messiah. The songs bring one to a place of peace and refreshment, and indeed to newer realms of insight each time they are heard. As a broadcaster at Christian radio station WIHS in Middletown, CT, I have been blessed to offer these exceptional songs to our listening audience." - Reviewer: Mark C. McCann, Host and Producer - Christian radio station WIHS

"This is the most unique and sophisticated sound I have heard yet in Messianic
Jewish music. This music will transport you into the heavenlies.
Tov Maod!!" - Rabbi Tony Eaton

"A beautiful piece of musical art. Breathtaking and inspiring. The melodies, lyrics, instrumentation and vocal harmonies leave me awe struck. " - Marie Wood

"An auditory glimpse of Heaven- truly gifted musicians using their talents to praise G-d.... the music will captivate you and is certain to become your favorite." - K. Natlo

"This CD is soothing, and it touches one's soul. Uplifting, such a pleasure to listen to. Every song on this CD has a meaning and a purpose." - Pat Piasecki

"Echad, One From Many is a CD that will touch your heart and soul. God has blessed Mark and Marni with a phenomanal gift of music." - Anonymous

"The songs from the CD One From Many by Echad have a Jewish/Spanish flavor to the music. Echad speaks of Jewish/Christian unity in Yeshua/Jesus. The guitars and bongos add a unique beat to music, it makes you want to dance. The art work on the CD is also touching. I recommend this CD for its soothing and prayerful affect it has when listening to it but mostly that it honors and praises the most high God." - Connie

"A new sound in Messianic music" - Rabbi Rich Nichol

"This music has a message and it needs to be heard." - Alice Bureau

"Kol Adonai is annointed." - M. Mark

"This music is awsome and many people will like it. It takes me up to the heavens."
- Joe Miterko

"There's something on this CD for everybody" - T. Esposito

"I have been listening to your CD constantly and I find it very inspirational.
I don't think you have to be Jewish to relate to the feelings evoked by the lyrics.
And I love the sound of the Hebrew words. I love the new age sound of the
instrumentals and the lead vocals are pure and clear and sweet. Nice mix of
harmony and arrangements. I wish you the best of luck!" - S. Abate

“Wow! The songs are beautiful.
The music is very inspirational and moving.” - Marie Anderson

music for your soul

topics of interest