BWW CD Reviews: Mary Testa and Michael Starobin's HAVE FAITH is Beautifully Hypnotizing

Having seen Mary Testa in a cabaret concert in Houston, I feel I had an idea of what to expect from her and Michael Starobin's album HAVE FAITH. While I expected it to be eccentrically eclectic and haunting, nothing could have prepared me for how it was beautifully hypnotizing and simultaneously so unlike anything I've ever heard before. The unique album utilizes well-known pop songs (hits from The Beach Boys to Alanis Morissette) and songs written by William Finn and Michael John LaChiusa to explore thoughts on faith and doubt in ways that are equally alluring and unexpected.

Vocally, Mary Testa shines across all sixteen tracks. With the bold prowess and intense power that has made her a true musical theater sensation and that charm that makes us cling to every sung word of artists such as Bette Midler, she sings in such a way that we can't help but listen. Listening to the album, our hearts and minds need every single word she utters and note she produces. Moreover, Mary Testa fills every consonant and vowel with meaning and intention, adding majesty to the music she produces. This ensures that while we may hear hints of other stars we know and love that Mary Testa's musical styling is definitely all her own. From full voice belt to a nasal head voice, her instrument is almost impossible to define and washes over listeners with the same vividness of a brilliant fine wine.

Together Mary Testa and Michael Starobin are responsible for these captivating arrangements that all fit together like an elaborate yet accessible puzzle. Yet, I'd be remiss to ignore Michael Starobin's fascinating and balanced orchestrations and sequencing on the album. From the beginning of "Life Is Just A Bowl of Cherries" (Ray Henderson/Lew Brown) to the end of "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen), each song bleeds into one another and crosses the boundaries of the tracks before and after it (with the exception of the transition from "On The Other Side" [Michael John LaChiusa] to "God Only Knows" [Brian Wilson/Tony Asher]). HAVE FAITH is a solid 50 minutes of a listening experience that will hold you transfixed in its glorious splendor. Conversely, it may not play as well as individual songs randomly placed in the shuffle on your iPod.

Regardless, every piece on the album is a true gem of phantasmagorical artistry. The album's dreamlike, fantasy state is made all the more complete with hints of "Over the Rainbow" (Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harbug) laced in the underpinnings of the album, while the titled tracks take the center stage. The rendition of Michael John LaChiusa's "What If" comes early on the album, ensuring we are put under the spell of this music. Their take on "Pink" by Aerosmith elevates the mood and brings a smile to the face because it is clear that everyone on this track is having a blast recreating the song. A Latin-jazz infused spin on Michael Smith's "Sister Clarissa" delights and encourages dancing. The mash-up of "Unravel" (Björk/Guy Sigsworth) and "If I Loved You" (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein) is breathtaking and splendid.

Mary Testa and Michael Starobin's HAVE FAITH is a risk well taken. The album is a potent gust of fresh air ready to bowl you over and roll you down one of New York's lengthy avenues with its musical force. There is no doubt that HAVE FAITH is a project of passion, and the world of recorded music should be thankful and rejoicing that Mary Testa and Michael Starobin decided to share this bountiful treasure trove of evocative and riveting re-imagings of beloved songs with us.

Ghostlight Records released Mary Testa and Michael Starobin's HAVE FAITH both digitally and physically on December 2, 2014. The album can be purchased from Ghostlight Records' online store, iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold. Additionally, Mary Testa and Michael Starobin will perform a special CD release engagement at The Laurie Beechman Theater at The West Bank Café on January 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, please visit http://www.lauriebeechmantheatre.com.

For information about other theatrical recording releases, click here.

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