Bare My Soul

Sounds like … a younger version of Twila Paris with the Celtic delicacy of Michelle Tumes or Clannad, plus the new age instrumentation of EnyaAt a glance … Kristina's vocal quality is incredibly pure and her range is impressive, making her debut a promising project worth discoveringTrack ListingYou AloneGloria in ExcelsisSpirit DivineBear My SoulHoly, Holy, HolyCome to MeJesu, Meine Freude (Jesus, Priceless Treasure)Heaven Help MeThe House of RutherfordSweetly Resting (Wehrlos Und Verlassen)Wash Me CleanAs Long As I Have YouWe Fall Down (Postrados Hoy)

Producer and one-time WhiteHeart member Billy Smiley sure has been busy tapping into new talent as of late. For the last couple of years, he's been cultivating the career of Daniel's Window, worked with Slanted Records artist Charity Von and has most recently signed Kristina to his Devotion Music label. The Canadian born singer's background is as a worship leader, but her Enya-esque vocals and remarkable range stretch well beyond cookie-cutter status.

Kristina entered the studio with several of the finest session players around including drummer Steve Brewster (Jewel, Faith Hill) synth player and programmer Blair Masters (Garth Brooks) and bassist Matt Pierson (Michael W. Smith, Out of the Grey). Along with Smiley behind the boards, the resulting 13-track Bare My Soul is very cleanly produced and performed, allowing Kristina's pipe purity to shine through. She recalls a young Twila Paris on both the title cut and "You Alone," turns towards a Michelle Tumes tone for "Holy, Holy, Holy" and demonstrates the crystalline nature of Enya on "As Long As I Have You." The sweetly framed piano pieces "Heaven Help Me" and "We Fall Down (Postrados Hoy)" further exemplifies her radiance and multi-cultural appeal.

In addition to these relaxing and reflective pieces, Kristina is also the debut artist in Devotion Music's "Worship Hymn" series, which begins with Kristina's Hymns: The Old Made New. As implied in the title, the purpose is to reinterpret the church's classic hymns with modern instrumentation and Kristina's advanced singing style. Either project will probably appeal to the fans of the aforementioned artists, and establish Kristina as one of the worthwhile new artists of next year.