Release Date: May 15, 2015
Label: Rhythm House
Some artists in today’s contemporary top 40 simply blend into the background, but not Mary-Kathryn. She takes a spiritual approach to music, singing about faith, angels, and the oneness of us all. Humanity is all the peoples of the world and with her New Age and world music slant she manages to pull it off. There is an emotional depth to this album that reaches across all borders and gets to the center of what it means to truly be human - the uncertainty, the faith and the love.
Guest musicians on this album include Carl Albrecht (percussion) Fergus Marsh (Chapman stick & bass), Mario Sangermano (stand-up bass), David McKay (piano), Benjamin Wolaver (cello) and Michael Lewandowski on mandolin. Five-Time Grammy Award winning audio engineer Paul Salveson mixed the project. Paul Buono and Mary-Kathryn co-produced the album making this a star studded cast of artists and music professionals. I knew when I started listening I was in for a profound experience and I was right.
The first song on the album is “Hear My Cry.” Percussion and crystal clear vocals reach up toward the heavens giving a vivid picture of man against the vast world, seeking shelter and solace in the arms of the Lord. As human beings we often struggle to find our way and this song with its upbeat rhythms and stirring beat grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
“Mediterranean Passage” brings the textured beat of world music with chants in both Mary-Kathryn’s angel sweet voice and a background of male voices. Percussive elements and stringed instruments wind around you and take you away from the now until you are wrapped in a shimmering world of light and color. It is an audible vacation with the vast array of instruments and skilled musicians at the helm.
“Nathaniel’s Song” is sweetly spiritual with tender observations. It made me think of an angel watching down over us as we go about our daily lives. The sadness, the pain, the perseverance and the foibles. God in all of His forms is all around us and I am reminded of the Footsteps poem. We may only see one set of footprints in the sand but that is because sometimes He has to carry us. Today, more than some, I found this to be a timely piece as a member of my family succumbs to blindness and I reach out for answers when there really aren’t any to be had. It takes faith and perseverance to live this life to its fullest, even when we stumble and don’t understand. Music like this helps us remember our blessings and that we are not alone.
Sometimes music comes to you at the right time and Wonders In the Deep is no exception. In an ever changing landscape of health issues for loved ones and life trials, this album reaches down and plucks at the very pieces that hurt, only to spur them into healing. That is truly a gift and Mary-Kathryn makes the most of her talents. She combines contemporary music with world beat and envelopes a faith based message that transcends just one religion; reaching out to all in the name of love and spiritual peace. I highly recommend it.
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Hear Me Cry, Mediterranean Passage, Nathaniel’s Song
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
May 27, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Hear My Cry
02. Beyond
03. Deep Calls to Deep
04. Ships
05. Mediterranean Passage
06. Elohim
07. Nathanael's Song
08. Where Can I Go
09. Into the Heavens
10. You're With Me
Tracks:
01. Hear My Cry
02. Beyond
03. Deep Calls to Deep
04. Ships
05. Mediterranean Passage
06. Elohim
07. Nathanael's Song
08. Where Can I Go
09. Into the Heavens
10. You're With Me