The chant craze has been over for a decade, but Paul Schwartz continues with his State of Grace project, setting Latin texts and hymns to modern settings. On the third album in the series, he leads with his strong suit, t... more »he powerful, impassioned voice of Lisbeth Scott. She's been the featured singer with State of Grace since the first album, which no doubt led to her being the voice of John Debney's score to The Passion of the Christ. Over a chugging electronica beat, she intones the Latin hymn "Christe Redemptor" like a plea to a lost lover, recalling her performance on "Veni Redemptor Gentium" from the first CD. Scott shines throughout the album, including on the urgent plea of "To You" and the Abbess Hildegard-like strains of "Somnium." Schwartz has a good ear for the ancient, but perhaps it's beginning to sound antique even to him. That may be why the album sounds like such a hodgepodge of neo-gothic pop-classical romanticism. There are orchestral opuses ("Lux Aeterna") and a piano-violin duet ("Soledad"), gospel hymns ("Beams of Heaven") and pop songs that wouldn't sound out of place on a Celine Dion album ("Center of My Heart"). It tends to undermine his initial concept without providing a breakthrough into something new. --John Diliberto« less
The chant craze has been over for a decade, but Paul Schwartz continues with his State of Grace project, setting Latin texts and hymns to modern settings. On the third album in the series, he leads with his strong suit, the powerful, impassioned voice of Lisbeth Scott. She's been the featured singer with State of Grace since the first album, which no doubt led to her being the voice of John Debney's score to The Passion of the Christ. Over a chugging electronica beat, she intones the Latin hymn "Christe Redemptor" like a plea to a lost lover, recalling her performance on "Veni Redemptor Gentium" from the first CD. Scott shines throughout the album, including on the urgent plea of "To You" and the Abbess Hildegard-like strains of "Somnium." Schwartz has a good ear for the ancient, but perhaps it's beginning to sound antique even to him. That may be why the album sounds like such a hodgepodge of neo-gothic pop-classical romanticism. There are orchestral opuses ("Lux Aeterna") and a piano-violin duet ("Soledad"), gospel hymns ("Beams of Heaven") and pop songs that wouldn't sound out of place on a Celine Dion album ("Center of My Heart"). It tends to undermine his initial concept without providing a breakthrough into something new. --John Diliberto
CD Reviews
PAUL SCHWARTZ STATE OF GRACE III
Sandi Porter | Colorado | 11/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
State of Grace III, created by keyboardist-composer Paul Schwartz, combines numerous elements - vocals and instrumentals, classical and pop-new age, piano-violin duets and sweeping orchestral themes, English and Latin lyrics. In the past few years with the two previous State of Grace albums and with his ARIA series of CDs, Paul has become one of the world's leaders in creating eloquently-spiritual, modern-classical music that fully integrates elements of both pop and new age.
It features vocalist Lisbeth Scott, known for her work on soundtracks including "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Shrek," "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Scorpion King." Her vocals range from church-like, Latin-lyric soaring to a folk-pop sound reminiscent of Sara McLachlan.
Every song sounds different on this third album in the best-selling, chart-topping series. There are solo vocals, choirs, orchestras, simple arrangements with piano and a handful of instruments, techno beats and classical elements.
Schwartz also has written and recorded with Carlos Santana and uber-producer David Foster, and wrote a song for Josh Groban's No. 1 pop album CLOSER. Schwartz also has conducted four major Broadway shows -- "On Your Toes," "Song & Dance," "Carrie" and the original New York company of "Phantom of the Opera." As a producer, he hit the pop charts with the top-selling soundtrack Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.
State of Grace III is a genre-crossing recording that has wide-spread appeal for many age groups as well as people who like the sound of traditional hymn-like music mixed with more modern singing.
"
Simply enchanting
E. Anderson | 12/11/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a great admirer of composer Paul schwartz. My favorite Paul Schwartz project has to be State of Grace. The lyrics are often taken from Latin text with some english written text. The music is a delicate fusion of classical melodies and subtle electronic beats. On every of the three State of Grace cds, Paul has used Lisbeth Scott whose voice can be heard on the soundtracks to "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Chronicles of Narnia". Her voice is perfect with Paul's compositions.
The first "State of Grace" cd is a classic for me. I wasn't too impressed with the second SoG cd. It was good but the music did not captivate me like the first cd did. Thankfully new "State of Grace" cd is not a lackluster. The compositions are more memorable than the songs on the previous SoG cd. Listening to Lisbeth Scott's ethereal vocals on "Beams of Heaven" quickly reminded me why I fell in love with State of Grace to begin with. "Center of My Heart" is another wonderful song with the acoustic guitars, Lisbeth's vocals, and the emotionally stirring lyrics. There is a sense of intimacy in the song that is rarely heard in most music nowadays. I felt like I was in the studio watching Lisbeth sing. I also loved the gorgeous orchestral track "Lux Aeterna". I found the track very calming. All of the songs on the third SoG cd is soothing to listen to."
Title is what it is.
Richard M. Broshears | 05/12/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The second track, Agnus Dei. I was listening to Audio Visions on XM Radio when I noticed it. Had to have it. Yes its one of those spiritual things which raise goosebumps. Gently rising to heaven, and yanking out the tears. Thank You Paul."
Enchanting, moving, wonderful musical creation.
Jon Nipp | Lubbock, TX | 01/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just finished up a wonderful interview with Paul regarding State of Grace III and learned quite a bit about him. What I like most about Paul's State of Grace series is the very appealing masterful blend of spiritual classical with a modern touch that keeps you coming back for more. Paul composes professionally and works with such famous people as Josh Groban and Lisbeth Scott. In addition, he works with Broadway and many orchestras and has received standing ovations around the world for his performances. State of Grace III is a definite buy and has been receiving high praises from our radio audience. Get your copy today! Jon"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1