|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
ELEMENTS FOR TRANSFORMATION
by Jim Loftus |
 |
Here is a selection of new recordings for you to enjoy. As always, if you have any trouble finding this music at your local record store, feel free to contact the record company for details.
Karen Therese
WARRIOR OF THE HEART
(Red Feather/PARAS 800/456-5444)
This soulful diva makes music ripe with the heritage of her Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and African American roots, seamlessly blending blues, gospel and Native styles into a uniquely heartfelt work of art. Her healing tunes are a beautiful vision of peace, delivered in the voice of an angel singing in both Cherokee ("Wohenge") and English. The R&B-influenced show-stopper "Have Mercy" kicks off with a prayer spoken by Jerry Alfred and features the soaring electric guitar strains of producer Jim (Robbie Robertson, Walela) Wilson. It also manages to succinctly capture a unique balance of anticipation and poignancy not heard since Phil Collins' "I Can Hear It In The Air Tonight" added dark percussive drama to a seminal episode of Miami Vice. "Eagle Song" offers a sweet mandolin solo for Alfred as Therese rhapsodizes in dramatic fashion over the light and lively rhythm. The lyrical "Peyote Love Song" finds vocalists Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike enhancing an exquisitely tender arrangement of a traditional melody. Therese, as producer, is not heard, but one can see why she chose this prayerful and moving tune to close out her masterwork. It's like hearing the blessing of an ancestor being given after one strives to accomplish a seemingly impossible endeavor; here, it is the making of a perfect record.
Laurel Massé
FEATHER & BONE
(Premonition 312/243-7323)
Massé may have started her career as a founding member of the famed a cappella group Manhattan Transfer and earned plenty of gold records throughout the '70s, but her best work can be heard here, on her first nationally distributed record in ten years. With a jaw-droppingly dynamic, five octave vocal range, Massé makes unforgettable mouth music with a repertoire ranging from spirituals and Celtic tunes to vocal renditions of cello suites penned by J.S. Bach. Possessing one of the very few perfect voices of her generation, Massé's tonal control is nothing short of amazing. When soloing on "Minuet," she goes from crystalline to warmly sonorous within a single note! Her serpentine duet with tradition fiddle on "I Am the Mountain Singer" (featuring text by Joseph Campbell) allows Massé to emote more fully, utilizing a more earthy delivery that perfectly suits this timeless folk tune. Harmonizing with the drone from a crystal bowl, Massé interprets the ancient Greek "Hymn to the Muse," the oldest complete notated piece in Western music. Dating back to 1 B.C., it is primal, yet transparent, sound. But it is her soulful renditions of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Ave Maria" that are true showstoppers; literally, as this amazing set was recorded live in the exceptional acoustic space of a music hall built in 1875.
Sally Oldfield
FLAMING STAR
(New World Music 800/936-7321)
Sister to pioneering musician Mike Oldfield ("Tubular Bells") and popular New Age composer Terry Oldfield, dynamic diva Sally Oldfield is returning to the international limelight with a beautifully intricate and kaleidoscopic melding of ambient textures and worldbeat rhythms enhanced with the voice of an angel. European music journalists compare Sally's dynamic range to that of Sarah Brightman, her complex weaving of vocal lines into intricate musical arrangements to that of Enya, and her uncanny use of unusual sound samples to that of Yoko Ono's mid-career work. But Sally's unique amalgam of global song influences comes from a life overflowing with travel and adventure, and from having an open mind, open heart, open ears. Sally hears things between musical notes, and realizes them in sound. Her lyrics are fruits of a fertile imagination and a heart that almost feels too deeply. Her potent words arise from dreams, visions, mirages of the mind as well as from the trials of love. Sally's deliberate use of hypnotic repetition is trance-inducing; her melodies will lift you up. Featuring a new re-mix of her 1980 hit single, "Mirrors," this visionary recording is a transcendental listening experience.
Secret Garden
DREAMCATCHER
(Philips/Universal Classics 212/333-8204)
Featuring guests Derek Bell of the Chieftains, the Celtic choir Anúna, Uilleann piper Davy Spillane, singer Nikki Matheson, the Irish National Symphony Orchestra and many other world-class musicians, DREAMCATCHER presents favorite tracks from Secret Garden's first three albums, plus a new bonus track, "Last Present (Sun-Mol)." Several selections' use of haunting vocals transcends Secret Garden's signature instrumental sound while celebrating a new vision of world music through beautiful ballads, spirited Celtic songs and moody rhythms. Norwegian-born composer/keyboardist Rolf Løvland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry are Secret Garden, and their music has been pleasing listeners since they won the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest with the tune "Nocturne" (included here), the first time an instrumental piece was so honored in the competition's 40 year history. "Nocturne" typifies the unique melding of Norwegian, classical and Irish folk song influences that helped shape the uniquely romantic, soothingly seductive sound that is distinctively Secret Garden's. But fans of Enya, Clannad and Maire Brennan will also savor songs like the ethereal "Prayer" and the light patter of spoon percussion on "Elan."
Sawt el Atlas
DONIA
(Tinder Records 415/491-0733)
Singing in both Arabic and French, Sawt el Atlas balanced their love of French-based raï with their passion for the microtones and orchestral elements of classical Arabic music by recording in both Paris and Cairo. The resulting stylistic melding is as delicately textured as it is driving, with sweeping strings in counterpoint to dynamic drum 'n' bass, and dub rhythms spicing up intricate vocal lines. The ten-member ensemble also melds its Moroccan heritage with the pulsating sounds of reggae, funk, hip-hop, flamenco and traditional Egyptian string orchestra, making their sound an incredible soundtrack for dance and uptempo activities. While already an established sensation in Europe -- where they've toured with Grammy-winner Youssou N/Dour and Cheb Mami, among others -- DONIA is the North American debut recording for this extended family band. Featuring special guest vocalist Natacha Atlas (of Transglobal Underground) and flamenco soloist Chico Ocaña, DONIA is an incredible summer party record, offering both great grooves and scintillating songs.
Submissions for review consideration may be sent to: PJ Birosik, MUSIK INTERNATIONAL CORP., 154 Betasso Road, Boulder, CO 80302-9606. Since 1977, Birosik has been a music industry consultant specializing in marketing, promotion, publicity and A&R/foreign licensing; she is a member of NARAS, NARM, NAIRD, CMC, IMA, and a past member of the Board of Directors of Los Angeles Women In Music who has been profiled in 11 international editions of Who's Who. Calls may be placed to her at 303/444-9575 between 9:30am - 5pm MST regarding review criteria, consulting services for signed & unsigned musicians, and data list rentals.
Homepage