Caroline Mara - Meeting Place

Published Thursday 7th January 2010
Caroline Mara - Meeting Place
Caroline Mara - Meeting Place

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 86241-15991
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Caroline is a worship leader and prayer ministry team member at The Well Christian Healing Centre, located in Leamington Spa. This, her first recording, consists of 12 self-penned numbers in a gentle, inspirational style with shades of both light jazz and what we commonly call "Celtic". If that sounds an odd blend, let me tell you it all tends to fuse together nicely. Caroline has a hauntingly beautiful voice somewhat akin to that of Sarah Lacy of Eden's Bridge. On each track, Ms Mara takes the listener into a 'Meeting Place', an encounter with God, where hopefully we can hear him speak to us, and us to him. Each song was in fact written in response to such an encounter, and many lyrics are deliberately soaked with biblical themes or phraseology. Several songs have a catchy upbeat lilt - such as "Come To The Water" and "Healing Streams". Songs later in the recording tend to have a calmer and more meditational feel. Especially on the opening "I Believe And Trust In Him", and the title track, Mara's reassuring vocals and words are aided by some very tasty sax - these sounds (also on other tracks) care of Bob Southall. The more melancholy "A Garden Inside", in distinction, is guided by some emotive string-work. A big help in the venture comes from Mark Fulton, who acted as co-arranger, producer, percussionist and more. At times inspiring, at times relaxing, this is a gorgeous spiritual soundscape from a clearly competent singer/songwriter.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by John Whitehorn in Redditch Worcestershire @ 15:31 on Feb 8 2010

The deeply meaningful words rooted and soaked in biblical truths and delivered by a voice of singular exquisiteness to melodies of captivating charm leaves you in no doubt that these songs are written and sung by someone who knows God personally and also knows with assurance that He loves us beyond our understanding.
From the opening proclamation of belief and trust in God on the 1st track (I Believe And Trust In Him) to the last track (The Father's Love) there is a clarity of Who God is, that He created us and that He loves and cares for us despite our failings.
The words stand on their own accurately portraying both God’s awesome authority and also His perfect and unfailing love for us. When melodies that stir the being and a voice that touches the soul are added to these words then the wonderful result is a desire for the listener to praise and worship God.
This is a CD of real depth, it does not contain a single weak track, it does not disappoint, on the contrary it inspires!



Posted by Jean Burbury in Coventry @ 10:43 on Jan 26 2010

Caroline is part of the church I go to and a real blessing to all of us. Believe me, there is a lot more to come from her! The Lord has really blessed us through her worship and her love for Him. It's a wonder to behold! Blessings on you all.



Posted by Malcolm Monkhouse in South Warwickshire @ 15:25 on Jan 25 2010

This is a very good review. Without a shadow of doubt the words and music are original, fresh and though crafted and played beautifully and with great care, nothing is contrived, no effects for effects sake. This is integrity.
As an aid to reflection both for the self and on the world, this CD is so much more than just comforting music. It is more like a new resource for personal contemplation and to inspire faith groups.
And I just am moved so deeply by the strings.



Posted by bro in cloud end @ 14:54 on Jan 24 2010

Congrats mine liebchen



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