Treasure?

Another day and it would seem another young prodigy to review. Following on from the sickly sweet fest that was Andrea Ross’s album debut this time round I find myself having my eyes propped open with matchsticks while I contend with Hayley Westenra’s latest release Treasure.

Cue usual ingredients for such a release that should it would seem be obvious to all and sundry by now if they are keeping up with my reviews. Take one wistful cover shot, gazing out into the mist is of course optional but this time round they have seen fit to stick Hayley next to a stone wall looking ever so slightly morose and thoughtful (don’t forget to use Photoshop to emphasise how blue her eyes are.etc).

Next jam the CD to the hilt with a mixture of traditional numbers and standards (Danny Boy, again!!). Retire to safe distance as reviewer loses will to live and weeps in a corner. Rather than be totally negative however I will find something of merit in this release. However tricky a prospect it might be for me.

There’s no question that Westenra can sing, but then again this is not her first time out of the traps. This is her third release and in terms of vocal ability she’s all over these songs with ease. In terms of backing the strings are suitably sumptuous with the swells and dips in all the right places while the panpipes nauseate in the way they traditionally do when I’m exposed to them. There are the odd moments in here that shine though, notably the track Summer Fly which is the nearest this collection gets to moving out of comatose territory.

Apparently this little collection was recorded by Hayley as a nod to her grandmother who was a singer in her younger years. So these are her reinterpretations of prior material. And if you like your music in the somnambulant category then this should appease your desires, for anyone else though I would suggest yet again to tread carefully.