(18 November 2000) Originally released almost two years ago by Mary Carewe independently, her debut "solo" album Tell Me The Truth About Love (ASV Ltd (UK) CD WHL 2124, 2000) is now generally available worldwide. Musical Discoveries' readers will likely recognise Mary's name from the work she has done with Miriam Stockley on Karl Jenkins' Adiemus projects (review). A well established sessionand theatrical singer/performer, Mary's album features nineteen cabaretstandards and runs over 73 minutes. Mary's recordings include notabletracks from the work of George Gershwin, Franz Waxman, Mischa Spoliansky, Friedrich Hollaender, Dominic Muldowney and Benjamin Britten primarily written in the 1930s with two from the early '40s and just one from 1993.

The album's vocal work is exclusively by Mary Carewe whilepiano accompaniment and arrangements are by Philip Mayers. Orchestralperformances are by 'Blue Noise.' An album for theatre affectionados, every track is extremely well sung with emotions clear in Mary's crystalline vocal excursions. Stand out tracks include Britten's "Tell Me The Truth About Love" from 1938 and Gershwin's "Blah, Blah, Blah" (1931). We especially enjoyed the various themes within "Tell Me The Truth About Love" and how they are perfectly complimented by Mary's soaring vocalisations of the lyrical content. Her range, depth and power are all evident within this stunning and almost epic-length track.

Orchestral arrangements in "Blah, Blah, Blah" (Gershwin,1931) include woodwind and strings that perfectly compliment Mary's sensually sung vocal part. These arrangements continue into "Embraceable You" and "They All Laughed" and provide an effective backdrop for the lead vocal part. While some of the recordings are accompanied strictly by piano,many are accompanied by the Blue Noise ensemble from Berlin. Blue Noise have extensive experience in leading symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras,ensembles for new music and diverse chamber music groups. This is firstand foremost a vocal album and careful attention has been paid in production to feature Mary Carewe's lovely voice.

Clearly Mary Carewe's Tell Me The Truth About Loveis a lovely album of cabaret standards by a well-established singer andis certain to appeal to theatre goers worldwide. Read further reviews,obtain further information and order the album from amazon.comhere. Vocally top notch with equally stunning arrangements, Mary's album is clearly worth a journey—a very nice listen indeed!