"SOULS ON FIRE by Lainey
Bernstein, 2007, is a spiritual project that contains six songs
penned by Ms. Bernstein and four cover songs. Ms. Bernstein is an
agile mezzo-soprano with good range and power in both the upper and
lower registers. Her tone is banner and especially rich in the lower
register. She presents the songs well, singing with faithful passion.
The backing band plays in stellar fashion throughout. The CD opens with
"The Power Of Prayer," a
spiritual about the uplifting and uniting nature of prayer. Ms.
Bernstein's "Miracle's Ledge" tells of letting one's
spirit soar and of being all that one can be. Her voice is especially
effective on that song; Steve Curry delivers a strong electric guitar
solo. The title song is a joyful, up-tempo duet with Michael Gott.
Drummer Rob Avsharian moves the song along crisply. "Llorando (Ten Years Later)" is a
Middle Eastern flavored song that features Ms. Bernstein's a cappella
opening par excellence. When Curry's first rate acoustic guitar
accompaniment begins, it accents the song's Middle Eastern
flavor. Ms. Bernstein closes the CD with a beautiful rendering of
"Ave Maria." Although
this surprising choice steps outside of the modern spiritual theme of
the CD, it is nonetheless an excellent choice that rounds out the CD
well. If you enjoy uncommon and uplifting spiritual music, this CD is
for you. Highest recommendation."--Jim
Shortt. "The SCENE" Magazine
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