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NINA ÅSTRÖM - THE WAY WE ARE (2010) - songs for your ears and your
heart
It is strikingly obvious that Åstrom's new found sound and tensions
in the music have clearly given life to greater dynamic vocal
performance. This collection of songs are bound together by the
steadfast nature of Åstrom's lyrical delivery, whilst clearly making
bold moves to explore her tonal range. Her experience to lead the band
and its music from behind the microphone is evident, her command of the
melody and lyrical journey in each song wrestles the very core of each
song's musical purpose, allowing both music and vocal the space to
breathe.
Åstrom is completely at one with the music world around her, songs like
Leaving On A Jet Plane, Keep You Company and Autumn Chant leave us in no
doubt that she commands the listeners ear in much the same way as a
Linda Ronstadt, EmmyLou Harris or Sarah McLachlan record. The moments of
sonic beauty and soulfulness are reminiscent of more recent Daniel
Lanois, while others may be drawn by the Rufus Wainwright and recent
Robert Plant approach and there are parts that approach the terrain of
early Peter Gabriel.
"The Way We Are" is proof that, for some artists, the more you make, the
better you get at it.
The Way We Are was recorded in London during 2009, produced by Dan Weeks
and Matt Weeks. The album features musical supporting roles from Jason
Carter (Harp Guitar), Terl Bryant (John Paul Jones, Faith Hill).
"I am very much an observer of my own and other people's lives, and the
songs exist to a great extent in the same landscape that I find myself
in.
These are observations on our human relationships, the hard part and the
glorious, on the world surrounding us, on our relationship to Him who
loves us - what it means to be a human being, created in the image of
God - whether we understand it or not." - Nina Åström
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"I find the new release of Nina Åström’s The Way We Are very refreshing
and honest—a mature musical and listenable work. I’m delighted in the
production work of Matt Weeks and Dan Weeks. Recorded in London,
England, this is my favorite Nina project to date. It has elements of
many styles I find appealing and Nina’s words and observations about
life and faith come through with clarity and grace. This is a fine
recording from Images Of God to the classic Leaving On A Jet Plane and I
highly recommend it to your ears and heart.
Phil Keaggy
"Upea levy! Taidokasta, monipuolista, koskettavaa, yllättävääkin...
Parasta kaikessa se, että en kuule ainoastaan laulajan ääntä ja sanoja
vaan hänen sydämensä."
Juha Tapio
"Tämä levy on kuin ystäväni Nina: Kaunis, vahva, tulee lähelle,
puhuttelee, ei jätä ennalleen."
Eija-Riitta Korhola
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