Mary-Kathryn
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Pop, with some world pop/New Age influences
Status:
Most recent release, Wonders in the Deep (2015)
See also:
Mary-Kathryn's site
Comparisons:
Nijole Sparkis
Covers/own material:
Co-written
General comments:
Her press says "New Age/New Thought," but her music is far more lively pop than that would lead you to expect. She has a lovely voice, and her songs has wonderful backing vocals, so vocal fans will especially like her work. Her lyrics can be slightly didactic (along the uplifting lines), which may bother some listeners and inspire others. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Recommended first album:
Dreams & Visions is the first we've heard
Recordings:
- One Spirit (2000)
- Stream In the Desert (1998)
- Perfect Gift (1996)
- Dreams & Visions (2007)
- Wonders in the Deep (2015)
Dreams & Visions
Release info:
2007—Rhythm House Records—RHD-7190
Availability:
See Mary-Kathryn's site
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans of New-Age-y pop
Group members:
Mary-Kathryn—lead vocals, piano, backing vocals
Guest artists:
Hugh Marsh—violin
Fregus Marsh—Chapman stick, bass
Ruul DeMeo—piano
Tony Morra—drums, percussion
Paul Buono—guitars, programming, keys, bass, backing vocals
Fire 4 U, New Generation Choir—backing vocals
Produced by:
Paul Buono and Mary-Kathryn
Comments:
This album has a processed sound with wonderful vocals which will delight many ectophiles. Songs like "Incense of Praise" and "Glory Forever" wear their world music influences on their sleeves. If I had a criticism, it would be the slightly cliched use of programmed and overprocessed sounds here—though the lovely vocal stylings make that less noticeable than it might be. Personally, I prefer the more lively tracks like "Incense of Praise," the very pop-y "You Are There," and "Glory Forever" over the slower ballads like "My Father's World" and "Flying Toward the Sun". The only track that I really dislike is "Even of Your Return" where the pop cliches and the didactic lyrics are quite overwhelming for my tastes. The instrumental (well there are vocals, just not words) "Wailing Wall" is particularly lovely. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)
Thanks to Sophia Gurley for work on this entry.
