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BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN Prism BNC Records ***

"Across all cultural lines there is a common tone inherent in the sound of the human voice singing in devotion." American singer- songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman has seen the light and invites us to join her in these enthusiastic hymns of praise to the Almighty. The first 11 tracks on this double CD comprise her own new folk songs and others from the western tradition; the second includes material from other world religions. Chapman's voice is remarkable, clear, nuanced, involved and quite moving. For those with a limited tolerance for this kind of evangelical fervour, the first disc stretches it after a good start. However, the world music songs are more intriguing, perhaps because for the most part we don't know what Chapman is singing; the mystery of the lyrics adds to the exotic mystery of the melody. www.bethnielsenchapman.com

JOE BREEN

Download tracks: The Flame, Masibulele Ku Jesu, Prayers of an Athiest