"Listening to music whose origins are shrouded in mystery provides a joy similar to that offered by music sung in languages one does not speak." -- Phil Freeman, Global Rhythm Magazine
"We're all just chipping away at our quest for immortality!" -- Paul Buono, Producer
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." -- C.S. Lewis
I've had the privilege of working with so many excellent musicians: Roy Salmond - production, keys, guitars Paul Buono - production, guitars, keys, vocals Fergus Marsh - bass and chapman stick (Bruce Cockburn, Kevin Prosch, Mark Heard) (recorded and live) Hugh Marsh - electric violin (Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Turkish Sufi DJ Mercan Dede and film scores including "Armageddon", "Shrek 2", "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.") (recorded and live) Spencer Capier - electric guitar Jerry McPherson - guitars Phil Robertson - drums Tony Morra - drums and percussion Paul Cookson - drums and percussion (live) Ginger Cookson - keys, percussion, vocals (live) Aboubacar "Papa" Camara - African vocals Mike Atkins - keys and vocals (live) Sharif Iman - vocals, guitar, percussion (live)
to name a few . . .
My live band today includes: MK - lead vocal, rainstick, tambourine and bodhran drum Rich Stevens - keys Sabrina - bgv's Bart Elliott - drums, percussion Paul Buono - acoustic guitar, baritone guitar, sitar guitar, bgv's Tony Marvelli - bass
Influences
The Holy Spirit, my husband, birds like scissortails and thrushes, the sky, my grandparents' farm, wind blowing through the trees, colors, diverse cultures and music.
MARY-KATHRYN: One Spirit
Combining a fluid lyricism with musical influences as broad and wide as Ireland, India, the Middle East and Africa, One Spirit has woven together a swirling, shimmering soundscape that is highly distinctive and exotic while still being accessible.
Spiritually-driven lyrics, an ethereal vocal style and a broad tapestry of contemporary world music sounds distinguish Mary-Kathryns music from the rest. Borrowing from French folk music, North African rhythms, classical music and other European sounds
Writer, and A&R Exec. David Bunker:
"Combining a fluid lyricism with musical influences as broad and wide as Ireland, India, the Middle East and Africa, One Spirit has woven together a swirling, shimmering soundscape that is highly distinctive and exotic while still being accessible."
I Timothy 3:16
By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
I Corinthians 2:9-10
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Listed in My Space's Top 100 Artists: Ambient, Celtic, and Fusion!
New Pics from Atlanta Fest! (more to come . . .)
iTunes....
Dreams & Visions ~ Download songs now FRESH NEW REVIEW of Dreams & Visions
By Liz Singer, HOT INDIE NEWS .com
Date Published: June 27, 2008
While contemporary Christian music may not be popular in the indie world, Mary-Kathryn's Dreams & Visions gives devoted indie fans a reason to open their ears. Her album stands apart from other contemporary Christian artists, with songs that infuse diverse melodies and slow, trance-like verses. Thoroughly pleasant, Mary-Kathryn's voice is reminiscent of the sweetly-bitter sound of Vedera and almost similar to a modern-day Amy Grant in terms of peppiness and content.
The opening track, "Incense of Praise," begins with an exotic instrumental introduction, with the tone changing soon after, leading listeners to the pleasant surprise of a Sara Evans-style twang. The seamless lyrics continue through "Dreamers": "Before the rocks and mountains cry/ who of us will testify," allowing Mary-Kathryn's airy voice to stream out as smoothly as the mountain air she is singing about. Dreams & Visions succeeds in invoking feelings of weightlessness, causing you to feel like you are floating from note to note. The looping sensation of Mary-Kathryn's voice strings every word together, making it seem as if spaces or punctuation do not exist in music.
Bringing together listeners of all beliefs with its serene sound, "My Father's World" celebrates the beauty of life, which is a theme that all people can appreciate. The slow, steady beat brings joy back into focus and forces listeners to pause and reflect on all that life has to offer. "Glory Forever" has the strongest hook, while "Eve of Your Return" is a sincere soliloquy about patiently waiting for something better. The dubbed-over "ah's" of "Eve" add the illusion of a choir of angels—a fitting touch to an already overwhelmingly spiritual song. The final track, "Wailing Wall," includes Buddhist-inspired melodies and riveting extra vocals which serve to intensify the emotions evoked by the rest of the album.
Dreams & Visions is by no means an album to blast before a Friday night out, but it is the quintessential album for a night in—while soaking in a bubble bath, surrounded by the dim light of aroma therapy candles. The album's spiritualized vocals and inspiring musical interludes provide ample time for reflection away from the chaos of everyday life. Dreams & Visions invites a new era of listeners, Christians and non-believers alike, to a fresh, diverse sound, full of echoing—and meaningful—messages.
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Billboard Magazine:
"Mary-Kathryn is a gifted singer/songwriter whose music resonates with warmth and a hope-filled charm . . . But the most affecting instrument on the album is Mary-Kathryns lovely voice. There's a purity and clarity of tone that makes for soothing listening."
"You really blew me away at the Tom Jackson event. I was able to catch about 3 songs of your gig and was completely caught off guard. What a blessing you are to an industry that is mostly bland and colorless." Brent Manning, Vocal Coach www.singingsuccess.com
You are sooo encouraging. Thank you. Love your sound, it is sooo soothing, uplifting and refreshing. A taste of heaven here on earth. So much needed. Luv Kaz xx
...as Pastor Dave was out of town last week, we missed our usual 3DFF Mary-Kathryn video presentation---my money is on the screening of "Incense of Praise" this Sunday ;)
Only One... has so much inspirations in the heart and soul of all that Music is supposed to mean...From An Old Friend That Can Never Be Forgotten nor Dispaired...The Higher Power has to Be With The Most Beautiful Person in The World that has so Inspired Me Through Dreams And Visions, that Only Angels can forever Sing...Bless You Mary Kathryn!!!
Hope to hear from You soon and I wish you And Your Family All Well and Many, Many Blessings Your Way. Sincerely, Terry
iTunes....
