Recommended initially by Graham Lubin, webmaster of Celestial Voices, the debut album by Wendy Stark isanother stunning example of contemporary vocal work mixedwith modern electronic instrumentation. Entitled Child Of Transferrence, (New World Music NWCD 467, 1999)the album, although far less multi-tracked and tribal, builds on a concept most associated with Adiemus in that the text for the vocals was written in a phonetic manner with the words viewed as an instrumental sound. It has again worked quite well.

Child of Transferrence is balanced and both vocally and instrumentally ("Prelude") strong, even soundtrack-like at times. Emotions, feelings and moods are conveyed and evoked in the listener as the melodies in the songs develop. Significantly more heavily produced and electronic -- as a result of theguitar and strong rhythmic elements -- than Enya, Adiemus or Pia, the album's ten songs each paint their own soundscape yet have been woven together in the album in a stunning way that grows on the audience with repeated listening. I found myself singingalong with the non-lyrical vocals after the third pass throughthe album. The track "Avé Maria" is a stunning combinationof vocals, traditional and electronic instrumentation.

From the liner notes, "Born in South Wales, Wendy Starkhas been writing songs since childhood. Drawing from emotionaland spiritual experience, her music is both reflective andinspiring. Her beautiful melodies, entwined with enhancingvocals create an intimate musical journey." Wendy's mid-register voice is pure and well-trained and compliments the light acoustic instrumentation and electronic progressions quite well.

Read further reviews, listen to soundbites and order the album from amazon.comhere. Highly recommended for its variety and overall somberness, the album is a good listen and worthy of exploration. Check it out soon.