Review
01 - by Keith S - 11th August 2001
____________________________________
Having
had Hayley's CD sent to me in the UK
from New Zealand I find that I have paid
less for it than the standard price over
the counter in this country. On top of
that, I find that the sheer beauty of
her voice, and her delivery of every
single track makes this the best value
for money I have ever had.
Hayley's
voice is exquisite. I have often said
that there is a difference between a
good voice and a great voice. Hayley
is the perfect example of this difference.
Listen deep into the voice and there
you will find that, on the edge of your
hearing, there is a definite bell-like
quality - the quality that all truly
great voices have.
Then
you start to listen to the delivery of
each piece. The first track is Walking
in the Air and, close your eyes, you
are soaring through the clouds and experiencing
the wonder of the piece. Why? Because
of Hayley's understanding and superb
delivery of the piece.
Moving
through Bach's Ave Maria, you begin to
see the incredible control which Hayley
brings to this beautiful prayer. In itself,
a wondrous thing. The reverence in her
voice will stay with you for a long time
to come.
Then
we go on to the shows beginning with "Memory".
Delivered with the finest depth of feeling
I have heard from the many versions recorded
over the years. We go on then to "All
I Ask Of You from Phantom of the Opera".
In this rendition, another facet of Hayley's
voice is demonstrated, as is her superb
ability to sing duets. You also discover
the incredible range she has. All of
her notes being achieved absolutely pitch
perfect - even to the very highest.
Once
again, Hayley's interpretation of "Somewhere"
makes it the best I version I know (Even
P. J. Proby couldn't stand in the same
company as Hayley) and on we go to "The
Mists Of Islay" - a song I had never
heard before. I was struck immediately
by the lilting, hauntingly beautiful melody.
Yet again, delivered perfectly by Hayley.
So
she goes, track after track, through
Schubert's Ave Maria, Bright Eyes, Pie
Jesu, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,
I Dreamed a Dream, Love Changes Everything
and God Defend New Zealand.
