Faryl in Wonderland
Wayne Bokum | Doylestown, PA USA /Auckland, NZ | 01/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Discovered by Simon Cowell, adored by her fans, and acclaimed by the critics, this young woman from the UK has the makings of an international singing star.
A followup to her debut CD "Faryl", "Wonderland" is a Christmas themed album that tries to capture the magic of "Alice in Wonderland". Once again, Decca Music and Jon Cohen have provided a high quality product that showcases Faryl's incredible vocal capability.
Listening to her rendition of "O Holy Night" is an emotional experience. This is surely one of the finest recordings ever made of this song.
Among the non-Christmas music included is a charming cover of the classic Carpenters tune "Close to You". Though Faryl is classically trained, it is nice to see her venture into pop music and she seems quite comfortable singing it.
A personal favourite that really brings out the richness and depth of Faryl's voice is "Night of Silence" which is lavishly orchestrated with full choral backing.
In sum, "Wonderland" is a collection of beautifully sung music that will continue to reward the listener each time it is played."
Wonderful Wonderland
Michael Kettering | 12/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who bought her first album will be amazed at how well this young artist has developed. This album takes Faryl on a journey to new heights. Her voice is pure and clear and her diction impeccable. Her voice is beautiful throughout its range from low velvety through sweet ringing tones to those gorgeous full bodied tones which so impressed listeners in her Britain's Got Talent days. The opening song set to the music of "Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence" is "Somewhere Far Away". The lyrics will especially appeal to anyone who has a family member who is away from home serving with the military. The title song "Wonderland" set to Vivaldi's "Winter" is a charming song and Faryl's voice rings brightly through it. In Karl Jenkins' "Adiemus" She plays a low key role while her beloved choir "Masquerade" and the "Crouch End Festival Chorus" raise the tempo and the volume to great effect. The "Barcarolle" from "The Tales of Hoffman", is a really standout track in which multi tracking is used and Faryl gives as fine a performance as you will find anywhere. She sings it in French and it is sublime. "In Dulce Jubilo" may be 700 years old but it is always a welcome guest at Christmas. This version is no exception and is worthy of many plays. "Night of Silence" takes her voice through its full range from the very lowest to her highest, a note that I've never heard her sing before. And she is in total control from the quietest notes to that glorious sound of Faryl letting rip. "Evening Prayer" from "Hansel and Gretel" is a lovely contrast, and once again we are treated to some lovely multi tracking. "Blow The Wind Southerly" is a real treat and I think if the great Kathleen Ferrier, who made this song her own, is listening up there she will approve. Dvorak's "Hymn To The Moon" is yet another delight. In the Carpenter's song, "Close To You" she steers clear of trying to make it sound like the original, and produces a rather sweet and pleasing version. Altogether this is a huge step up from her first album. It is full of pleasant surprises. I recommend it to you very highly.
For some reason this album has not been released in the USA hence the hefty price tag. But you can order it from Amazon UK for about $14 plus postage. Buy it, you won't regret it. Oh! Go on. You know you want to. :)"
Great CD
Charles Carpenter | 06/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great voice with a lot of feeling for the songs she sings. Can`t beleive this is not available in stores in the US."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1