It’s release day, and I’m once again delighted to do a round-up of some of the best of the new releases, including a couple that were missed last time! As always, Classical Crossover Magazine aims to be your go-to source for the latest news and offerings across the genre. From the newest music albums that have been eagerly anticipated to other gems that may have slipped under your radar, we’ve got it all covered.
Tara McNeill and Alexander Bernstein – Across the Atlantic
Tara McNeill is well-loved for role as the current violinist in Celtic Woman. When she took over the role, there were great expectations and Tara has delighted with a sincere charm and exceptional musicality. This album is much simpler from a production stand-out and features the equally talented pianist (and Tara’s real-life husband!) Alexander Bernstein. They compliment each other musically, always in step but what the album also made exceedingly clear is that Celtic Woman is seriously underusing this woman. While she may not be have the experience of some of the other vocalists, Tara’s voice is clear and has a quality that draws listeners in. Those tracks that feature her singing were immediately added as favorites.
Stream “Across the Atlantic” on Spotify!
Emer Barry – Pure Imagination
During the pandemic, Emer Barry charmed her audience with webisodes called “The Happy Bubble.” One of the songs she shared was “Pure Imagination” and it was immediately clear this was a perfect vehicle for her and so it’s wonderful to see Emer has now released it as a single. The beginning of the song is particularly enchanting with the acapella portion. Emer’s has a sweetness and purity to her voice and the arrangement allows her to show off these special qualities.
Stream “Pure Imagination” on Spotify!
Christopher Willis: Lamya’s Poem
The new motion picture soundtrack “Lamya’s Poem” from Emmy-award winning composer Christopher Willis is absolutely captivating. The animated film tells the story of a Syrian refuge whose love of poetry gives her hope and comfort along her journey. Even without the back story, the music is affecting to the lister, powerful, and haunting in it’s beauty.
Stream “Lamya’s Poem” on Spotify!
Cantelina: Nana (Siete Canciones Populares Española’s)
Vocal and guitar duo Cantelina (featuring Sophie Clarke and Ravi Nathwani) have released another piece from the “Siete Canciones Populares Española’s” song cycle from composer composer Manuel de Falla. Sophie’s rich voice rings through clear and the delicate guitar playing from Ravi are a brilliant match.
Stream “Nana” on Spotify!
Mirusia: Raise A Glass
The ‘Angel of Australia’ has a brand new single “dedicated to those who are affected by Dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.” The song entitled, “Raise a Glass” is written by Mirusia and Francesca de Valence and is a hopeful anthem that shows off her clear, pitch-perfect singing. The single is in support of “Silver Memories” so I hope you will consider downloading as well as streaming to support.
Download “Raise A Glass” now!
Leah Barniville: Leah Barniville with Friends In Concert
Irish soprano Leah Barniville has released a professionally filmed concert featuring Amy Penston and Paul Byrom. The concert sees Leah tackling a range of material such as “The Voice” “Le Vie En Rose” “You Raise Me Up” and her 2022 single “La Forza” with dazzling vocal acrobatics. Her stamina and vocal quality are impressive and this release takes me back to the excitement of PBS concert releases and I hope you will support her by purchasing access.
Purchase access to Leah’s concert!
Chantelle Constable: And So It Goes
One of our original contributors and ‘Prairie Gothic Singer Songwriter’ Chantelle Constable has released a cover of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes.” Her version features beautiful acapella soprano vocals, with production adding multiple layers and delays that sets an atmospheric mood for listeners that lies somewhere between Gregorian and New Age chant.
Stream “And So It Goes” on Spotify!
Jay Dref: You Make the Angels Smile
American tenor Jay Dref teams up again with the McGerty songwriting team for another original song, “You Make the Angels Smile.” The song is a romantic ballad, perfect for date nights and wedding dances. Jay’s voice remains a stand-out in a fast growing genre and I hope to see a full length album from him in the future including many more originals.
Stream “You Make the Angels Smile” on Spotify!
Laura Shore: In Dreams
Howard Shore’s beloved “In Dreams” from Lord of the Rings is rediscovered by Laura Auer. Laura and her team do what they do best, breathing new life with an arrangement that features gorgeous acapella singing to begin and then an orchestral that allows the voice to take center stage. More please.
Stream “In Dreams” on Spotify!
Aled Jones: Panis Angelicus
The new album “One Voice: Full Circle” from Aled Jones features pairings of the now tenor with his younger treble self. It is incredible to be able to listen to this production wizardry that points to how long and stable Aled’s career has been, a rarity in this industry.
Stream Panis Angelicus on Spotify!
GéNIA: Ujjayi
Ukrainian pianist GéNIA has released another yoga inspired piano composition “Ujjayi.” The word which means “victorious” is associated with the breathing techniques from Yoga and will be part of a full-length album in the near future. The piece has a repetitive feel that will no doubt be suited to peaceful relaxation and meditation.
Stream “Ujjayi” on Spotify!
Alina Zamalieva: Nessun Dorma
Soprano Alina Zamalieva is finding recognition through Germany’s “The Voice.” Her blind audition of “Nessun Dorma” has been released as first single and the quality is impressive especially given the pressure she was under. It will be interesting to see her progress on the reality TV show.
Stream “Nessun Dorma” on Spotify!
Have you already listened to any of these songs featured in our round-up? I’d love to hear from you, so please share your personal favorites in the comments below. What’s more if I’ve missed any noteworthy releases that you believe deserve a spot in our spotlight, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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