Pure

Album Summary
Notes & Reviews
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Album Summary

Traditional, Maori : Pokare Kare Ana

Sheyne, Pamela : Never Say Goodbye (after Ravel)

Nel, Sonia Aletta : Who Painted the Moon Black?

Dore, Charlie : River of Dreams (after Vivaldi)

Martin, George : Beat of Your Heart

Newton, John : Amazing Grace

Jenkins, Karl [Composer] : The Armed Man

Princess Te Rangi Pai : Hine e Hine (Maori Lullaby)

Class, Sarah : Across the Universe of Time, song

Matteo Saggese / Umberto : Dark Waltz

Orff, Carl : Carmina burana

Ronan Hardiman / Frank Mu : Heaven

Bush, Kate : Wuthering Heights

Performers

Chris Barrett (Programming)
Robbie McIntosh (Guitar)
Francois Rive (Cello)
Hayley Westenra (Voice)
Steve Pearce (Drums)
Ian Thomas (Drums)
Anders Kallmark (Programming)
Giles Martin (Keyboards)
Guy Davis (Piano)
Giles Martin (Programming)
David Hartley (Piano)
Mary Hammond (Voice)
Rolf Wilson (Violin)
Andrew Williams (Viola)
Ian Humphries (Violin)
Gregory Knowles (Cimbalom)
Thelma Owen (Harp)
Roy Benson (Double Bass)
Tony Ingleby (Guitar)
James Brett (Keyboards)
Tom Windriff (Drums)

Conductors

Ensemble

Composers

Notes & Reviews:

Personnel: Hayley Westenra (vocals); Giles Martin (guitar, keyboards, programming); Robbie McIntosh, Tony Ingelby (guitar); Dave Hartley (piano); James Brett (keyboards); Steve Pearce, Mark Brown (bass); Andres Kallmark (programming); Mary Hammond (background vocals); Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Recorded at Air Lyndhurst, Eastcote Studios, London, England in 2003.

Personnel: Mary Hammond (vocals); Giles Martin (guitar, keyboards, programming); Tony Ingleby, Robbie McIntosh (guitar); Greg Knowles (cimbalom); Thelma Owen (harp); Rolf Wilson, Ian Humphries (violin); Andrew Williams (viola); Francois Rive (cello); David Hartley, Guy Davis (piano); James Brett (keyboards); Roy Benson (double bass); Steve Pearce (bass guitar); Ian Thomas (drums); Chris Barrett , Anders Kallmark (programming).

Recording information: Air Lyndhurst, Hampstead, London, England (02/2003-12/2003); Eastcote Studios, London, England (02/2003-12/2003).

On her debut, Hayley Westenra, a 16-year-old singing sensation from New Zealand, endures the inevitable comparisons to Charlotte Church, but it's the impression she's made that's placed her in such lofty company. And not many fledgling artists can boast of having the legendary George Martin contribute songs and arrangements to their album. PURE might be the best description of her singing--crystal clear and devoid of mannerisms. It's not simply the beauty of her voice that impresses, however, but how effectively she uses it.

The precocious soprano demonstrates the poise, versatility, and musical instincts of a seasoned pro. Westenra moves gracefully through a program made up primarily of Euro-pop ballads but also includes arrangements of well-known classical melodies, as well as a pair of Maori songs. Highlights include affecting renditions of "In Trutina" from Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' and the traditional spiritual "Amazing Grace." And, in what might be an effort to defy easy categorization, she changes direction on the closing track, and lets loose on Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights." Given such eclectic song choices and Westenra's impressive voice, PURE is certain to bring plenty of attention to this talented young artist.

Reviews

no bonus video tracks

Just a note - this does not contain the bonus tracks as indicated.
Submitted on 01/28/11 by JAMES R. OESTREICH, The New York Times

Works Details