Zephyr-Best Classical Crossover I've heard

[rose]

I heard Elizabeth Henshaw's project Zephyr on ABC Classic FM in Australia and I was blown away. It is quite musically sophisticated and very beautiful. They have a lovely website with lots of soundbytes at www.zephyrlife.com

I ordered both albums as imports from the major Aust. retailer it links to and I was surprised that every single track was brilliant (unusual eh).

Elizabeth Henshaw also wrote the first track on Becky Jane Taylor's upcoming album, 'Prayer' (see details on the zephyrlife website).

What does anyone think of the website / music?

[HWI]

Hi Rose,

Thank you for the link. Interesting. And a beautiful voice to boot.

The sound of this music is very different to most of what we get these days.

I get distinct undertones of Enya, another artist I like very much.

This gives us a parallel with Hayley, who has also carved out a unique niche for herself in the classical crossover market.

Keith.

[Richard]

Hello Rose and welcome to the Forum, I hope you enjoy your visits here.

I've just listened to the clips on Zephyr's web site, and I agree with Keith that the music reminds me of Enya. It certainly has a mystical feel, and it would suit Hayley's voice very well. I'm now hoping "Prayer" on Odyssey will be the Elizabeth Henshaw song. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes from London,

Richard

[rose]

Hi Richard,

I'm in London too!

I don't think Hayley's 'Prayer' is the same one as Becky's or it would have been mentioned on the Zephyr website. It must be the one Josh Groban etc did.

I like how Zephyr is a lot more rhythmically and metrically sophisticated than Enya, and with world influences.

Rose xx

[stephch]

I think this sound's more world then classical crossover but I guess there are many thing's that can be called crossover.

[rose]

Yep,Human beings have a need to put everything in boxes don't they...some things just won't go though!!

It's true there is a wide variety of influences on both the Zephyr albums...there is Latin from Hildegarde von Bingen (12th century), Hebrew from the old testament and also use of an Islamic call to prayer, and use of Indian Classical timing (7 beats in a bar etc).

My fave excerpt from Zephyr lyrics is:
'Church or temple or kaba stone, Koran or Bible or martyr's bone,
All these and more my heart can hold, for my faith is now in Love alone' (by Elizabeth Henshaw)

Pertinent to these times, wouldn't you say......... Rose x

[kcuteus1]

I do not think that hayley's Prayer is the josh groban one as that it does not say the Prayer it just says Prayer.