Todd Herzog

October 8, 2006


To Whom It May Concern:


I was Mr. HezogÕs student for the last two years of high school. Throughout this time, my musical ability and insight were able to grow rapidly because of Mr. HerzogÕs instruction. In our band class, we wrote many songs together under Mr. Herzog, and with each song I felt I learned more about music and how to compose a good song. Band class was also very fun, since Mr. Herzog was exciting, very real, and never treated us as just students. Rather, he treated us as band members. In class it didnÕt feel like he was a teacher or an instructor, but just a more experienced member of our band with lots of insight. Because of this, we respected him, and we were therefore able to be very productive. His technique and personality allowed all of us to broaden our visions as musicians much more than in a situation where we are taught specifically how to be a band.

Mr. Herzog was also very helpful to me musically outside of the classroom. A friend and I had the idea to perform cover songs at different school functions, and we decided asked Mr. Herzog to sing for us. Not only did he agree to learn a few new songs to sing at a campfire performance, but he agreed again two more times to do much larger performances in the following years. He learned over 20 new songs just to play with us so that we could have that experience. Mr. HerzogÕs hard work at school definitely made my love for music stronger, and I feel I am a much better musician because of my time with him. Mr. HerzogÕs class was by far my favorite part of high school, and I believe without a doubt that it made my high school experience. Even now in college I canÕt find anything musically that can replace the experience I had in that class.


Sincerely,

David Mayman
- David Mayman

April 10, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

It is a pleasure to write this recommendation for Todd Herzog.

During this past year Todd has been our regular Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Beth Israel. He has led our congregation of over 900 families in Shabbat worship on both Friday evenings and during our Shabbat morning B'nai Mitzvah Services.

Todd is, without a doubt, one of the most gifted and spiritually uplifting musicians I have ever met. His voice is brilliant and his musical style and engagement with the congregation over this past year has been moving to everyone who is present. Our members enjoy each moment of Shabbat when Todd is leading the liturgical music. It has been a pleasure to work with him as well. Todd is extremely easy to collaborate with both on and off the bima and I have enjoyed working closely with him during this past year.

I would highly recommend Todd for any number of appearances as both a Cantorial Soloist or as a performer of his beautiful and deeply spiritual music at any congregation.


L'shalom,

Rabbi Stephen Kahn

Letter of Recommendation #2
May 16, 2007

I am happy to recommend Todd Herzog to serve as your Cantorial Soloist. Todd has served as our Cantorial Soloist this past year at our congregation which is blessed with approximately 915 families and 250+ ÒregularsÓ who attend Shabbat evening Services. You will find Todd to be extremely capable of leading the congregation in these sacred Services. ToddÕs vocal abilities, commitment to learning and passion from the pulpit will be a source of great comfort and meaning for the members of your congregation. Our Music Director, Jackie Huber, has commented on several occasions to me that Todd has the unique ability to sing each song from beginning to end both fluidly and without Òmissing,Ó anything. His guitar playing skills along with his many other talents truly make him a Òslam dunk,Ó for the members of your board of directors. His will unquestionably serve your congregation well this year.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me personally. I wish you a safe and healthy summer.


LÕShalom,

Rabbi Stephen Kahn - Rabbi Stephen Kahn

October 2006


"Todd Herzog is a striking artist, a kind of triple threat that you don't
find very often...great songwriting, fantastic live performance and that
incredible gift of interpreting a song in such a memorable way. He's got the whole package."


---Dave Koz, world-renowned saxophonist and co-founder of Rendezvous Entertainment



Dave Koz is one of the most respected celebrities and leading ambassadors in Smooth Jazz. Mr. Koz is an award winning and 4-time Grammy nominated RIAA Certified Gold recording artist. As a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, Dave spearheaded the establishment of the Grammy Contemporary Instrumental category. He was recently elected as a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Trustee.
- Dave Koz

October 18, 2006

Todd Herzog is among the finest human beings IÕve ever encountered. He is warm, sensitive, empathic, thoughtful, thorough, responsible, and incredibly talented as a musician.

At New Community Jewish High School, located in West Hills, California, I am responsible for editing and submission of course descriptions to the University of California (UC) System. Approval of our courses by the UC System is essential for our students when theyÕre applying to the UC SystemÕs various campuses.

As one of the first instructors of our music-related courses, Todd was responsible for writing a number of course descriptions. Working on these descriptions with him was, truly, a joyful experience. He put forth Herculean effort, he was unfailingly receptive to feedback, and ultimately, he produced products of the highest quality. In fact, his course description for our Jazz Ensemble class is now used by the UC system as a model of excellence; it is posted on their website for viewing by all California high schools.

While our school community undoubtedly benefited from ToddÕs work on course descriptions, and from his efforts in the classroom, I believe it is through his music that he had the greatest impact on us. On several occasions, Todd performed for our school, sometimes along with student musicians, other times as a solo artist. His music is beautiful, viscerally pleasing, a medium that reaches those of various ages. And I believe it is all of this because it so very clearly emanates directly from ToddÕs soul. Creating and performing music is his passion. When heÕs able to share this passion with others, his heart beats the colors of the rainbow and all those present bask in the glory of his creation.

It is an honor to write on behalf of Todd. I hope to maintain contact with him for the rest of my days.


Marc Lindner, Ph.D.
Director of College Guidance
New Community Jewish High School

- Dr. Marc Lindner, New Community Jewish High School

October 11, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Todd Herzog.

From the first time I heard him perform, I knew I would be a fan. Little did I know that I would also find a friend and a trusted colleague.

Todd has the voice of an angel. His heart is pure, and he has a unique spirit that wanders into the soul and inspires all who are privileged to hear him. He connects with his audience in such a way that they feel as if the songs were written only for them.

I highly recommend Todd not only as an entertainer but as a teacher and prayer leader.


Sincerely,
Craig Taubman - Craig Taubman

September 1, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

Todd Herzog taught instrumental music at New Community Jewish High School from fall, 2004 to June, 2006. Although his time working with our high school was relatively short, his impact on our students was profound.

Mr. Herzog took a struggling instrumental music program and built two full band programs as well as teaching all 9th graders the basics of instrumental music. Students flocked to his classes because of his fabulous skill as a teacher and musician, his reputation for kindness, and his extraordinary charisma. He inspired his students to love the music, to work as a team, and to understand the contribution music makes to building community.

As a professional, Mr. Herzog performed all of his duties in a timely and fully professional manner. Moreover, he was always willing to lend a hand in areas of school programs outside of his own discipline. He worked on our all-school retreats, helping to organize student performances, shared his own vocal talents, and worked with kids one-on-one in the areas of both music and life.

Finally, as a human being, Mr. Herzog's character and integrity is of the highest quality. He fully understood the ethical and moral vision of New Community Jewish High School and helped us all to establish that vision as a reality.

Without reservation, Todd Herzog has earned my highest recommendation and personal regard.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce Powell
Head of School - Dr. Bruce Powell, New Community Jewish High School

A brief explanation of CD entitled Proverbs:

Growing up, I never saw the value of religion in my life, and yet I considered myself a spiritual person. Over the past several years, I have undergone a transformation and have come to see the importance of these religious teachings in our culture. However, I still felt that something was missing Ð a bridge between the structured world of organized religion and the undefined spiritual sense that there was something more to this world than meets the eye. This album is my attempt to bring those two worlds together.

For each song, I have taken a quote from the Bible, from a writer or from another source of wisdom and put it through the filter of my own life experience. My intention is that this will render these ideas more accessible to those of you who may feel that same sense of disconnection. For everyone out there who is searching for that ultimate truth and a sense of belonging, this album is dedicated to you.

Proverb: a brief familiar maxim of folk wisdom usually compressed in form, often involving a bold image and frequently a jingle that catches the memory.

Below each song, you will find the quote from which it was derived as well as my own take on the proverb.


MEMORY LANE
ÒWhat of the future? Are we compelled to relive the past? Or if we become familiar with what lies fluttering in our hearts, can we reinvent ourselves?Ó
Rabbi Rachel Sabath

TH: How can we know ourselves when all the familiar things we used to define ourselves by have gone?

ON THE WAY HOME
ÒTrips do not end when you return home--usually this is the time when in a sense they really begin.Ó
Agnes E. Benedict and Adele Franklin

TH: Sometimes it is only by going away and returning that we gain a new perspective on our lives and ourselves.

EYES TO HEAVEN
ÒI lift my eyes to the mountain. From where will my help come? My help will come from God.Ó
Psalm 121 Esa Einai

TH: There is nothing like getting out in nature to remind me of the wonder of the universe and to restore my faith in Spirit.


IF I AM NOT FOR MYSELF
ÒIf I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself then what am I? If not now, when?Ó Hillel Pirke Avot 1:14

TH: How does one balance keeping a sense of self and also compromise in a relationship? It is a constant struggle and a continual learning lesson.

AFTER ALL
ÒBlessing is to be found only in a thing hidden from the eye.Ó Midrash

TH: It seems that the people we hurt the most and take for granted are often those we care most deeply about.

BEINÕ AROUND
ÒLove gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.Ó
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

TH: Sometimes just feeling the presence of a loved one is enough to feel safe in the world.

LISTEN CLOSE
ÒThings can go from the very worst to the very best in just the blink of an eye.Ó Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

TH: Never give up, and never stop listening for that Òstill, small voiceÓ which can help remind you of your divine nature.

LIFE SHAPES
ÒFree will is given to every human being. If we wish to incline ourselves toward goodness and righteousness, we are free to do so. If we wish to incline ourselves toward evil, we are free to do that as well.Ó Moses Maimonides

TH: As I go through life, I notice that each decision I make, no matter how small, is carving out a path for me and defining who I am.

EVERY STEP
ÒAll journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.Ó Martin Buber

TH: There is logic and reason to the universe, even when we cannot perceive it. The most difficult thing is to trust the process.

GIVE ME THE STRENGTH
ÒGod brings the healing before the calamity.Ó Yiddish proverb

TH: When we are faced with a crisis, we can tap into a force beyond ourselves to get us through it. Until then, we may not even realize how truly powerful we are.
- Todd Herzog

QUOTES AND PRAISE FOR PROVERBS


ÒI have really been enjoying listening to it (and singing along in my car -- it's a fun CD to sing along with.) The production, vocals, and the guitar playing are terrific.Ó

--Stephen Schwartz, composer for Godspell, Pippin, Prince of Egypt


ÒReally great work in every area. IÕm especially knocked out by your voice. So beautiful, Todd. And your upper register truly takes my breath away. Great melodies.....ear candy in the best sense of the words. Production is really fine....quality sounds and performances. And the mix.....perfect for my ear. Ò

--J.D. Martin, writer for artists such as Reba McEntire, Terri Clark, Jennifer Paige, Peter Cetera and B.J. Thomas


ÒYour CD is a perfect masterpiece! It is just beautiful on every level and your voice is a miracle. Heartfelt congratulations on finding your truth and your stride! I get it! It will be in regular rotation here for sure.Ó

--Troy Dexter, award winning indie producer/studio musician whose live and studio credits include Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Stephen Bishop, Gloria Loring and Michael Lington among many others


ÒIn my 20+ years as a radio programmer and nationally-syndicated producer, I have yet to come across as fine an independent artist as Todd Herzog. It's just a matter of time before the rest of the country discovers his many talents; as a singer-songwriter, musician and producer. I highly recommend Todd's song ÔOn the Way Home.ÕÓ

--Jeff Parets, Acoustic Storm Radio Network


I have now had the chance to listen to your new CD a number of times and I have been repeatedly reminded of your God-given gift. You have been blessed with a voice and a vision that have thankfully intersected here in our lives. I feel blessed to know you and you best get your butt to LA soon!

--Craig Taubman, world-renowned Jewish singer/songwriter
- VoxArt Music

I listened to your songs on sonicbids. Beautiful, but I expected that! I especially like Tree of Life - I wish I'd known about it last weekend, as it would have been perfect for Father's Day - I'll file it away... with any luck, you'll have sheet music by then and save me the trouble of figuring it out on my own!

My congregation really appreciates it when I use pieces that combine the Hebrew liturgy with an English interpretation or translation, as appropriate, because many of them didn't grow up as practicing Jews and are rediscovering their Judaism through our congregation. Although Tree of Life doesn't include much of the Hebrew, I like the way you use a close translation and then interpretation to build on the meaning. These are exactly the types of pieces I am looking for!

Thanks again, and shabbat shalom -
Deb Rogers
Cantorial Soloist
Congregation Kol Chadash, Solon, OH - Debbie Rogers