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COUNTRY MUSIC

Rating Scale: to

Artist:	BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN
Title:	"SAND AND WATER"
Label:	Reprise Records
Reviewed By:	Kayla Christian
Rating:

"Sand And Stone" is Beth Nielsen Chapman's third Reprise album. This album is rich with deep feelings. Beth long ago eased into the comfort zone when it comes to success, and now coming back after four years, she gives us another beautiful album of greater depth, clarity and beauty than ever before. Written in the wake of the untimely death of her husband, Ernest Chapman, "Sand And Water" spans the range of emotions that are encompassed in the extraordinary experience of moving through grief to the re-discovery of life. The first song, "The Color Of Roses," is soft and touching. Beth showcases her talented songbird voice, blended so exquisitely with pianist Matt Rollings and strings arranged and conducted by Michael Omartian. "The Color Of Roses" will have you floating on clouds while listening to its beautiful aura. "Only the ones who believe/ Ever see what they dream/ Ever dream what comes true." Working with, and/or writing for, eminent players, producers and artists has been Beth's stock in trade. In 1980, she recorded her debut album, "Hearing It First." From there she expanded as a professional songwriter. She wrote, and hit #1, with songs performed by "Willie Nelson" (Nothing I Can Do About It Now), "Tanya Tucker" (Strong Enough to Bend), "Alabama" (Here We Are) and "Lori Morgan" (Five Minutes.) Beth also wrote Top 10 hit songs for "Trisha Yearwood" (You Say You Will and Down On My Knees), "Highway 101" (All The Reasons Why) and "Don Williams" (Maybe That's All It Takes), among others. "Beyond The Blue" is another beautiful piece of art. Beth unveils her magnificent talent as a singer/songwriter, performing with Steuart Smith on steel guitar and the enchanting depth of the hand drums and percussion of Kirby Shelstad. Listening to this song will make the world disappear. You will be totally mesmerized by the enthralling sound. Guaranteed to be a #1 chart topper. A fast catchy beat keeps you moving right along with "All The Time In The World," a song that deals with the problems of today's fast paced world. "I wish I could give you all the time in the world/ There's just not enough time in the world these days." The title song, "Sand And Water," is a very powerful and moving song. Beth confronts her experience head on - the result of trusting life's processes and believing in that grace. It isn't necessary to have experienced tragedy in order to value "Sand And Water." It is only necessary to be a member of the human family. "All alone I came into this world/All alone I will someday die/ Solid stone is just sand and water baby/ Sand and water and a million years gone by." To hear the music and lyrics, you will feel every emotion that Beth feels in the depth of her heart. The love for Ernest is delicately engraved into each and every loving word. "I will see you in the light of a thousand suns/ I will hear you in the sound of the waves." About raising their child, "Bursting towards tomorrow/And his laughter fills my world and wears your smile. Tears will fill your eyes as you feel the love and the tremendous devotion of this beautiful song. "Fair Enough" deals with the realm of the reality of love walking out of your life. Michael McDonald teams with Beth on the exquisitely beautiful duet in "Seven Shades Of Blue," and kicking into the celebratory, up- beat "Happy Girl," Beth paints a canvas of real life, exhibiting a profound insight into the human experience, as well as displaying an innate sense of melody and form. Then, she delicately tiptoes into the elegant, soft unison of "No One Knows But You." Journey further into this album and joit Beth in this realm of intangibles with such premier guest player as Bonnie Raitt, who sing and plays electric slide dobro in the fun and funky "Heads Up For The Wrecking Ball." The two team up to convey "Hey baby it's a mean old world/ Gotta keep your feet on the ground/ Trust what's inside you/And heads up for the wrecking ball," in an excellent duet combination, with a leisurely/swift tempo, that keeps your entire soul inhaling the unique sound quality of Jim Keltner on the drums. "Heads Up For The Wrecking Ball" has a mysterious, majestic sound. Keep your eyes and ears on this one. Another #1 chart buster. Beth gently showcases her exceptional, unique, gifted voice and talent as she echoes to a close with the beautiful ballad "Say Goodnight," along with the exquisite combo of B.N.A. - Piano, Tommy Simms - Bass, Paul Leim - Drums, Bobby Taylor - Oboe and Tom McAninch - French Horn, along with the edifying Strings, arranged and conducted by Michael Omartian. I applaud Beth Nielsen Chapman, for she stands in a class all her own. A rising star that is exceptionally talented. With her music, Beth touches the very core of life's elusive meaning.

 

 

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