State Of Grace II: Turning To Peace CD

Paul Schwartz's STATE OF GRACE II continues where STATE OF GRACE left off. On this album, the imaginative producer draws from two Latin texts, the Magnificat and the Stabat Mater. The former expresses Mary's joy, while the latter focuses on her grief as Jesus is put to death.

Mariology is usually associated with the medieval period, yet this music interprets Mary in a contemporary light. Each piece on STATE OF GRACE II has a liturgical feel to it, but is performed using contemporary sounds and harmonies. The opening track, " Magnificat," has the Crouch End Festival Chorus performing with keyboards and an electronic backbeat. "Curación (Sunlight on Water)" has a Latin American feel, given the rich percussion layers and Carlos Santana's emotive guitar leads. With "Stabat Mater" the music grows darker. Here, Lisbeth Scott's voice becomes the focus. Known for her contributions to THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, Scott brings to life the story of Mary with great poignancy. Scott's duets with Schwartz on "Fear Not" and "Let Me" also showcase the singer's penetrating voice. Overall, STATE OF GRACE II is an ambitious release that celebrates Mary and all that she symbolizes.

Liner Note Author: Paul Schwartz .

Recording information: EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England; Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA; Sorcerer Studio, New York, NY; Sorceror Studio, New York, NY; Worldbeat Recording, Calabasas, CA.

Personnel: Paul Schwartz (piano, keyboards, programming); Lisbeth Scott (vocals); Carlos Santana (guitar); Helen Tunstall (harp); Julian Leaper, Perry Mason, Chris Tombling, Warren Zielinski, Mark Berrow, Katherine Shave, Dave Woodcock, Simon Fischer, Patrick Kiernan, Boguslaw Kostecki, Rita Manning, Cathy Thompson, Jackie Shave (violin); Bob Smissen, Rachel Bolt, Gustav Clarkson, Peter Lale (viola); Robin Firman, David Daniels , Anthony Pleeth (cello); K.C. Porter (keyboards); Mary Scully (double bass).

Audio Mixer: Peter Cobbin.

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