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Psalms and Prophets
David ZIEMS

23rd Psalm (2000) [3:10]
Stephen SCHWARTZ

On the Willows (Psalm 137) (1971) [3:05]
John FOLEY S.J.

Come to the Water (1978) [5:25]
Alicia SOLOMON

Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27) (2001) [5:25]
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 – 1791)

Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117) [2:27]
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809 – 1847)

Rest in the Lord (Psalm 37) [3:00]
George Frederick HANDEL (1685 – 1759)

How Beautiful are the Feet 2:20]
He Shall Feed His Flock [3:40]
Dan SCHUTTE S.J.

Here I Am, Lord * (1981) [4:05]
Charles E. CONLEY

What Return Can I Make to the Lord (Psalm 116) (1982) [5:30]
Michael JONCAS

On Eagle's Wings (Psalm 91) (1979) [4:34]
Alicia SOLOMON

I Lift Mine Eyes (Psalm 121) (2001) [3:45]
Alicia Solomon (mezzo-soprano)
David Ziems (guitars, banjo, mandolin and backup vocal)*; Donese Mayfield and Alicia Solomon (keyboards); Giselle Vivian (viola)
Rec. 2001 Albuquerque, New Mexico
EROICA JDT 3090 [46.30]

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Alicia Solomon is an American mezzo who studied with Salvatore D'Aura and Maralin Niska in the 1980s, and who has performed both as soloist and as member of the chorus with a variety of groups across New Mexico. Her solo roles range from the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute in 1987 and 1994, to Britten's Noyes Fludde in 1999, as well as sacred pieces and works from musical theatre. She is currently soloist with the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Santa Fe. This CD represents a mixture of classical favourites, contemporary and original pieces.

A pleasing voice, heard here with a variety of supporting instruments. She is at her best in the original and contemporary works, where her intimate style seems to suit both the words and music. The four classical tracks that form the centrepiece of the disc are less successful to my mind, and my personal view is that this is a direct result of the use of restricted accompaniment. Sung in the same intimate manner and acoustic as the other works, and in a subdued ‘chamber music' setting they do not really work. However, this is a matter of personal taste and for some listeners they may sound well. The 23rd Psalm and On the Willows (from Godspell) are extremely good, and perhaps more appropriate for her voice, with effective double tracking on the latter. Here I Am, Lord and I Lift Mine Eyes are similarly moving and effective and Solomon is convincing in these compositions.

Not profoundly moving music then, but it will find a place with listeners who find quiet, contemplative singing useful in aiding relaxation and assisting the reduction of stress.

Bob Bamlett


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