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The Katinas CD a Tribute to Christian Classics

The eight-time Dove Award-nominated The Katinas have released a collection of Christian classics. Timeless, which released October 11, 2005 on BHT Records, features 11 tracks penned by such artists as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Andrae Crouch and Keith Green. The CD, which was produced by Grammy Award and Dove Award winner Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Point of Grace, Steve Wariner) and Dan Needham (Stacie Orrico, Steven Curtis Chapman), is a carefully chosen collection of classic Christian songs that have inspired the five brothers during their lives. For The Katinas, this project is a musical timeline that traces their faith journeys as individuals, as family, and as a band.

"We grew up listening to these artists," says James Katina. "We lived in American Samoa, 2,000 miles south of Hawaii, so the only way we could keep up with what was happening in Christian music at that time was through the cassettes and records our cousins mailed us from the states. That's how we discovered these songs; they're the reason for our love of music."

Choosing the tunes for the new release was no easy task. The list started with more than 100 songs. "There are so many great ones in Christian music," Joe Katina notes. "We'd have five to 10 meetings on just one song choice."

"It was a long process, but it was worth it," James adds. "We're excited-we feel that the Christian music lover and audience is ready for a record like this."

Recognizable Christian hits on the project include "I See You" (Rich Mullins), "Until Your Love Broke Through" (Keith Green), "Secret Ambition" (Michael W. Smith), and "I'm Forgiven" (The Imperials). The group's rendition of The Imperials' hit "One More Song for You," is currently going for adds on radio stations nationwide. The CD also features the upbeat "Love For A Lifetime," an original song written by The Katinas.

"We first heard many of these songs when we were really young," says youngest brother Jesse Katina, who sings lead along with John. "When you're younger, you get a sense of the melody, but you don't pay as much attention to the lyrics because you're not at a place in your life where you can relate to them as well."

One song that is not a Christian classic, but a must-have inclusion for the group, is the Mike & The Mechanics tune "The Living Years." "It's not a blatant Christian song," Joe says. "It was the first or second one picked. When we decided on the concept for this album, 'The Living Years' was an immediate choice." The song is a well-known lyrical plea for people at odds with each other, including family members, to forgive and patch up differences before it's too late. "The Living Years" addresses age-old issues that The Katinas have observed not only in their fans' lives, but also in their own - including overcoming wounds inflicted by their strict disciplinarian father.

The Katinas are adored by audiences around the world, having performed more than 200 dates a year for the past decade. Their albums include Destiny, Lifestyle (a live, Dove-nominated worship album) and Roots. In addition to four #1 radio hits and several ASCAP awards, they have performed on many of Michael W. Smith's popular "Christmastime" tours and numerous Amy Grant tours. They headlined their first tour in 2002 and continue to be a favorite with the summer festival crowds as performers and devotional leaders. The Katinas were also a featured performer at Bill Gaither's 31st Praise Gathering event in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Timeless is available on BHT Records and distributed by Word Distribution. BHT Records is a division of Brentwood-based independent label group BHT Entertainment, LLC, founded by industry veterans Mike Blanton, Dan Harrell and Steve Thomas. Blanton and Harrell are recognized for introducing superstars Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith to the industry through Blanton/Harrell Entertainment, Inc., established in 1980. Interested in music and its positive effects on culture and the younger generation, a partnership was formed with Thomas, who is credited for leading well-known artists Jennifer Knapp, Relient K and The O.C. Supertones into the spotlight. To learn more about The Katinas, visit the band's website at www.thekatinas.com.

Provided by BHT Records