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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Passionate Voice |
| By Lisbeth Scott |
| Label: Zone Records |
| Released 1/5/2005 |
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| Passionate Voice tracks |
1. Reveal
2. To Love And Be Loved
3. Give
4. All Of These Years
5. Grace
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6. Surrender
7. No One But You
8. Stones
9. Passionate Voice
10. Reveal (Reprise)
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Vox Celestia |
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Let me see if I can describe this earthly angel’s singing. Somewhere between the tinkling of a pure, rainbow-emitting crystal and the peal of a venerable mission bell is the celestial voice of Lisbeth Scott. She is noted of late for her seraphic contributions to the “Passions of the Christ” soundtrack. The music climbed to #17 on the Top 200 Chart. You probably heard her voice in other films such as Shrek 2, The Scorpion King, and Troy.
I first learned of Lisbeth’s talents when I listened to Paul Schwartz’s State of Grace II: Turning to Peace. I have to admit hearing her voice for the first time was a very moving experience. With her newest release, Passionate Voice, the experience can be felt by the rest of the planet. The new album consists of ten vocal tracks as Scott traverses the New Age genre with contemporary adult tracks, contemporary Christian songs and even a more or less pop tune. It is almost like finding all your favorite foods on one plate.
Joining songwriter and singer Scott who plays piano, harmonium, and guitar on Passionate Voice is husband, producer and guitarist Nathan Barr (he did a bit of mixing as well), Greg Ellis, touring drummer with Mickey Hart on percussion, world acclaimed instrumentalist Chris Bleth on duduk, and Dan Lutz on bass. Most of the songs were written or co-written by Scott.
The first and last cuts called Reveal and Reveal (Reprise) reproduce some of the Middle Eastern sounds made famous in the Passions of the Christ filmscore. Singing in ancient Hebrew, Scott’s voice has an incredible degree of clarity that sends shivers through the skin, tingling all the way into the nerve endings and settling directly into the spirit. The words she sings translate to say “Your peace, your truth, God’s grace reveals”.
To Love And Be Loved is an outstanding track written by Bernard Locker who also plays guitar on the song. It is a number about inner strength; a kind of fortitude that is displayed only after a great deal of pain is balanced by a great deal of faith. Can you be strong enough to love someone that cannot love you? And still be there for them? The refrain repeats over and over, “Heaven knows that we’re all here to love and be loved”.
It is difficult to describe what being in a state of grace means. Perhaps you could say that your God smiles down upon you and you can feel the warmth in the deepest part of your soul. Grace, written by Scott and John Luker may be Lisbeth’s homage to Paul Schwartz. Her soaring vocals chill you to the bone as she sings about doubt and uncertainty and then faith renewed. Her convictions once again become solidified as she remembers a Promise, one that she can feel inside; as she is once again… full of grace.
There comes a time in everyone’s life when absolutely nothing goes the way you think it ought to. When all you seek is beyond your vision even though you can see it or when everything you have ever wanted is beyond your grasp although you can almost touch it. I Surrender is not so much a song of hopelessness, as it is one of conciliation. Lisbeth sings that she accepts her fate and acknowledges that her path may already be chosen by a higher authority. Scott’s piano is an optimistic friend to the mournful tune. The music is very emotional and yet, sad. It is one of my favorite cuts.
The reflective title track Passionate Voice once again features the Old World instruments found on the score from Passions of the Christ, but the song has high aspirations with the lyrics written by Scott. The track was mixed by Sally Browder and it is an affirmation of Scott’s faith and convictions. “One peace, one soul, one God, one home.”
Lisbeth Scott’s singing is like the structure of a diamond, pure, crystalline and reflective. Scott’s music has many facets to it that moves you emotionally as well as spiritually. Even though there is pain, negativity and evil lurking around every corner in our lives, Scott’s music says there is hope for all and that love is meant for everyone if only we believe. I like that message. It is just the restorative we need.
For more insight on the artist, be sure to read Jamie Bonk’s interview -Conversations with Jamie: Artist-To-Artist Series: A Conversation with Lisbeth Scott
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Rating: Excellent  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 8/21/2004 |
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