The Montreal Gazette Reviews "PRISM"

BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN
Prism
BNC/Thirty Tigers/Red

On this two-CD concept album, Beth Nielsen Chapman, who’s provided hits for Bonnie Raitt, Faith Hill and many others, sings beautifully while exploring the worlds of spirituality and religion from a pluralistic perspective. Most of the first disc is devoted to contemporary songs – many of them her own – which seek to find common ground among all the major religions. On the second, and more interesting, CD, she performs a dozen songs borrowed from various religious traditions: Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Zulu, Hindu, Native American and more. While her renditions are well-researched, her performances hardly feel like academic exercises. It’s quite remarkable how seamlessly the songs flow together. ***1/2

Podworthy: Pilgrim of Sorrow

--MIKE REGENSTREIF

Mike Regenstreif

Acting Editor: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin
Music Reviewer: Montreal Gazette
Music Reviewer: Sing Out Magazine
Host/Producer: Folk Roots/Folk Branches features, CKUT radio

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