My Heart (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Sissel, Bryn Terfel (vocals); Michael Thompson (guitar); Richard Marx (nylon string guitar, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Richard Galliano (bandoneon, accordion); Steve Brewster (drums); London Voices (background vocals); The London Symphony Orchestra.

Producers include: Ettore Stratta, Richard Marx, Stephen Endelman, Philip Bodger, Sid McLaughlin.

Personnel: Sissel (vocals, background vocals); Michael Hart Thompson (guitar); Richard Marx (nylon-string guitar, keyboards, drum programming, background vocals); Richard Galliano (accordion, bandoneon); Steve Brewster (drums).

Audio Mixers: David Cole; Dick Lewzey; Phil Bodger.

Recording information: Air Studios, London, England; Avatar Studios, New York, NY; EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England; Phoenix Studios, London, England; Renegade Studio, Chicago, IL; Sony Music Studios, London, England.

Arrangers: Jorge Calandrelli; Chris Hazell; Kjetil Bjerkestrand.

Norwegian singer Sissel defies easy categorization. She can soar like a seasoned diva in the most difficult of arias, project a plain-spoken earthiness in folk tunes, whisper intimately in romantic ballads, or belt out anthemic showstoppers with unbridled gusto. Sissel's name may be unfamiliar to some, but her reputation grows in leaps and bounds as a result of her work with a variety of luminaries, including operatic superstars Placido Domingo and Bryn Terfel, crossover sensation Josh Groban, and Irish music legends the Chieftains. In addition, millions have already experienced her talent via her vocal contributions to the award-winning score of the blockbuster TITANIC.

Sissel offers a well-chosen set of old and new on MY HEART, delivered with a straightforward elegance that places the focus squarely on the purity of her voice. The Scandinavian chanteuse turns to an eclectic mix of songwriters for material, notably Richard Marx ("Someone Like You," "Beyond Imagination"), Gemma Hayes ("Angel Rays"), and Jon Lord ("Wait a While"). She also puts forward unaffected readings of arias by Handel, Saint-Saens, and Puccini, as well as luminous renditions of Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "Pie Jesu" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Astor Piazzolla's "Oblivion" and "Deborah's Theme" by Ennio Morricone add some international flavor to the mix. MY HEART is a well-produced showcase for this fine young singer. minimize