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in His eyes...a feast of soul
In His eyes is an inspirational
collection of 16 non-denominational folk hymns. A listener writes, "The
beauty of her interpretations of the hymns reveals an astonishing gift for
bringing out the deep spirituality of her music."
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After a sideman career of touring and recording with numerous artists
like Billy Joel, John Mellencamp and Carly Simon, Mindy brings her strong
professional background and a wide range of styles (Celtic, blues, folk and
gospel) to this collection. The mix of hymns, some familiar, some
adaptations, some original, have been delighting and uplifting listeners of
all ages.
All the songs on "in His eyes" feature Mindy's expressive vocals and her
command of violin, accordion, keyboard, guitar and harmonica. The opening
cut, "Morning Song," provides a Celtic-influenced introduction, praising the
dawn of a new day. In "Brays," the haunting tones of a melancholy accordion
bring a kind of old-world, down-to-earth passion to this poignant and
familiar story. "Love Never Fails," with its lyric based on an adaptation
of1st Corinthians13, is both intimate and personal as well as deeply moving.
It offers a quiet contrast to the upbeat "I Walk with Love," with a lively
jazz saxophone and jubilant vocal harmonies. "You Can't Stand Up Alone" is an
a cappella rendition of a gospel tune delivered in rousing three part
harmony. "Love One Another" features a stark vocal accompanied only by a
rhythmic harmonica. A soulful blend
of accordion and guitar underscores the gentle vocal in the plaintive Irish
melody of "O Dreamer." "The Pool of Bethesda," an ancient story sung from
the point of view of a Jerusalem sheep trader, swells and subsides in sync
with the words of this intense drama.. The title track, "In His Eyes," is a
healing message of God's abundant love for man, with a simple violin and
guitar accompaniment that allow the words to ring through clearly.
photo by
Joanne Cicarello |
Joining Mindy on "in His eyes" is Cornelius Bumpus, (Doobie Brothers,
Steely Dan) on saxophone and vocals, and Catherine Russell (Cyndi Lauper,
Steely Dan) on vocals. Other musicians include bassist Paul Adamy, Israeli
percussionist Gilad and guitarist Matt Balitsaris, who co-produced the record
with Mindy.
"in His eyes" is the first release from Mindy's new label, Moonboy
Records.
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Reviews: in His eyes
"[The] self-released gem . . .
is a refreshing musical tour-de-force that uplifts the soul as it
reaffirms this talented young lady's versatility."
-- Lucky Clark, Central Maine Newspapers, September 17, 1999
Read the whole story:
"Album Takes Jostyn in New Direction".
"It is beautiful, and very much a message we are into -- not anybody's
dogma, but the real heart of it all."
-- Catharine L. Tyler, Pleasantvile, NY
"I've played the CD for my Sunday School class of teenagers. So many
times, I have played a song or two for someone who needed healing. People
love your music, no matter what age or religion."
-- Geri Stephens, San Diego, CA
"in His eyes is magnificent. The songs, timeless, yet completely fresh,
form a seamless, deeply satisfying whole."
-- Winifred Rosen, Author of children's books
"The music is both inspired and inspiring, reflecting truth, beauty and
goodness, i.e., God. This CD synergistically uplifts the frequency of the
human condition each time it's heard and nudges our evolution in a positive,
loving and elevated direction."
-- John Otranto
"I use music to give my architecture studio a creative, enriching
surround. in His eyes is among the most satisfying CDs for that. No matter
what type of song, a quality comes through that fills my studio with artistry
and encouragement."
-- Craig Elliott, Lincoln, MA
"Our 3 year old has requested to have the CD played every night as she
lies in her bed. Every other song she says, "This is my favorite one," and
she is singing along with some of the lyrics."
-- Kristin Jamerson
"Your music and lyrics are truly a gift. Every song is unique and
heartfelt."
-- Gail Bay, St. Louis, MO
"It is absolutely beautiful! My husband and I are playing it over and
over again. I can tell you it is one of our all time favorites."
-- Barbara Wiedner, Grandmothers For Peace International
"I wasn't sure what to expect from an album of hymns and so I was pleasantly
surprised by how enjoyable and fresh the songs were."
-- Steve Stiert, HVMusic.com
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