• BC Christian News • MARCH ISSUE 2001 • VOL. 21 #3 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •

Elana Watson a major new talent

• Elana Watson: Awake, O Israel, Catacombs Productions, 2000.

This is the first full-length release by the daughter of Abbotsford, B.C.-based Messianic music veterans Merv and Merla Watson. While they played key roles in the production of the CD, this is not just an example of fond parents indulging an ambitious kid. Elana Watson is a major new talent, and this CD (much expanded from Within, a prototype which was issued several months ago) does that talent justice.

Her extraordinarily flexible, powerful voice demonstrates great emotional range and sensitivity, and a fine musical intuition. The songs are outstanding compositions, most of them written, arranged and orchestrated by Merla and modeled on traditional Hebrew music; several are sung in Hebrew, and the arrangements are impeccable.

'Awake O Israel,' 'Hafachta Misp'di (Mourning to Joy),' and 'Ronu! Ronu! (Rejoice! Rejoice)' are contagiously exuberant. 'It Shall Flow' has a great guitar solo, fine harmony vocals, and an excellent viola solo by Merla. 'Erev Shel Shoshanim (Evening of Roses),' by Y. Hadar, has a lovely melody, and is nicely enlivened by violins. 'Mood Swing' features beautiful, extended, wordless vocals. The mock jazz vocalizing of 'Ha-Hallelujah' is a bit overdone, but lots of fun.

During 'This is the Generation,' a man's voice reciting in Hebrew is overdubbed over portions of the singing; it's a bit distracting, but an interesting concept -- and shows Elana's willingness to relinquish the spotlight for an artistic effect. 'In the Night' has a stalwart, operatic male voice in background (sounds like Merv snuck into the studio); the sound beautifully contrasts with Elana's gentle lead vocals. 'Ani Mamina,' taken from an ancient liturgy, builds in power, and ends with a passionate "I believe!" No kidding.

Awake, O Israel is an absolute gem of an album, from a stunning vocalist. Contact: (604) 854-5840 or:

mwatson@rapidnet.net

To download a copy of 'Ani Mamina,' go to the Arts section of BCCN's current online edition.