Treasure
Hayley Westenra (Artist)
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Hayley Westenra's first two albums - Odyssey and Pure - blended classical arias, traditional Irish and Maori folk songs with great success. This third album, while covering similar ground in terms of musical styles, is slightly different. Recorded in Dublin, it thematically celebrates Westenra's family roots - namely her grandparent's journey across the world from Ireland to New Zealand in the 1880s - featuring not only cover versions, but also several of her own compositions. The bad news is that the choice of covers on Treasure is not startlingly original. Songs like "Danny Boy," "Scarborough Fair", and "Shenandoah," have been sung by a thousand voices, and though Westenra's versions aren't without merit, they hardly break new ground. More interesting are Westenra's own compositions, such as "Summer Fly," a Norah Jones-esque slice of countrified folk that breaks up the smoothness of Treasure beautifully, and "Whispering Hope," a jaw-droppingly gorgeous hymn recorded a capella alongside a choir. A mixed bag of songs it is, but Westenra's enormously enchanting voice ensures it a place in any collection.
About the Artist
At 19, Hayley Westenra has achieved more than most people would hope to in their entire lives. She has sung for presidents, queens and prime ministers; she has become a committed ambassador for UNICEF, and has sold over 3 million records worldwide. And although New Zealander Hayley has settled in England, the inspiration for her third album comes from nearer home. Her family has always been musical, and her grandmother was a singer in her earlier years. Hayley learnt many of the songs on this record by having them passed down to her through the generations. She felt it was time to recognise that debt by presenting her own gorgeous versions of them on Treasure.
Of course her passion for songwriting continues unabated, and so we have the stunning Let Me Lie and Le Notte del Silenzio. Hayley has once again produced an amazing album, and a heartfelt and sincere record of songs that she loves and that have shaped her.
Track Listing
- Let Me Lie
- Le Notte Del Silento - featuring Humphrey Berney, tenor
- Santa Lucia
- Whispering Hope
- Summer Rain
- Danny Boy
- One Fine Day
- Shenandoah
- The Heat Worships
- E Pari Ra
- Sonny
- Summer Fly
- Melancholy Interlude
- Bist Du Bei Mir
- Abide with Me
