Paul Schwartz - State of Grace II: Turning to Peace (2003)

Paul Schwartz's State of Grace II continues where State of Grace left off. On this album, the imaginative producer draws from two Latin texts, the Magnificat and the Stabat Mater..
Mariology is usually associated with the medieval period, yet this music interprets Mary in a contemporary light. Each piece on State of Grace II has a liturgical feel to it, but is performed using contemporary sounds and harmonies. The opening track, " Magnificat," has the Crouch End Festival Chorus performing with keyboards and an electronic backbeat. "Curaciуn (Sunlight on Water)" has a Latin American feel, given the rich percussion layers and Carlos Santana's emotive guitar leads. Here, Lisbeth Scott's voice becomes the focus. Scott's duets with Schwartz on "Fear Not" and "Let Me" also showcase the singer's penetrating voice. Overall, State of Grace II is an ambitious release that celebrates Mary and all that she symbolizes…

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