Customer Reviews

State of Grace III

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

State of Grace III, created by keyboardist-composer Paul Schwartz, combines numerous elements - vocals and instrumentals, classical and pop-new age, piano-violin duets and sweeping orchestral themes, English and Latin lyrics. In the past few years with the two previous State of Grace albums and with his ARIA series of CDs, Paul has become one of the world's leaders in creating eloquently-spiritual, modern-classical music that fully integrates elements of both pop and new age.

It features vocalist Lisbeth Scott, known for her work on soundtracks including "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Shrek," "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Scorpion King." Her vocals range from church-like, Latin-lyric soaring to a folk-pop sound reminiscent of Sara McLachlan.

Every song sounds different on this third album in the best-selling, chart-topping series. There are solo vocals, choirs, orchestras, simple arrangements with piano and a handful of instruments, techno beats and classical elements.

Schwartz also has written and recorded with Carlos Santana and uber-producer David Foster, and wrote a song for Josh Groban's No. 1 pop album CLOSER. Schwartz also has conducted four major Broadway shows -- "On Your Toes," "Song & Dance," "Carrie" and the original New York company of "Phantom of the Opera." As a producer, he hit the pop charts with the top-selling soundtrack Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.

State of Grace III is a genre-crossing recording that has wide-spread appeal for many age groups as well as people who like the sound of traditional hymn-like music mixed with more modern singing.

I am a great admirer of composer Paul schwartz. My favorite Paul Schwartz project has to be State of Grace. The lyrics are often taken from Latin text with some english written text. The music is a delicate fusion of classical melodies and subtle electronic beats. On every of the three State of Grace cds, Paul has used Lisbeth Scott whose voice can be heard on the soundtracks to "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Chronicles of Narnia". Her voice is perfect with Paul's compositions.

The first "State of Grace" cd is a classic for me. I wasn't too impressed with the second SoG cd. It was good but the music did not captivate me like the first cd did. Thankfully new "State of Grace" cd is not a lackluster. The compositions are more memorable than the songs on the previous SoG cd. Listening to Lisbeth Scott's ethereal vocals on "Beams of Heaven" quickly reminded me why I fell in love with State of Grace to begin with. "Center of My Heart" is another wonderful song with the acoustic guitars, Lisbeth's vocals, and the emotionally stirring lyrics. There is a sense of intimacy in the song that is rarely heard in most music nowadays. I felt like I was in the studio watching Lisbeth sing. I also loved the gorgeous orchestral track "Lux Aeterna". I found the track very calming. All of the songs on the third SoG cd is soothing to listen to.

The second track, Agnus Dei. I was listening to Audio Visions on XM Radio when I noticed it. Had to have it. Yes its one of those spiritual things which raise goosebumps. Gently rising to heaven, and yanking out the tears. Thank You Paul.

I just finished up a wonderful interview with Paul regarding State of Grace III and learned quite a bit about him. What I like most about Paul's State of Grace series is the very appealing masterful blend of spiritual classical with a modern touch that keeps you coming back for more. Paul composes professionally and works with such famous people as Josh Groban and Lisbeth Scott. In addition, he works with Broadway and many orchestras and has received standing ovations around the world for his performances. State of Grace III is a definite buy and has been receiving high praises from our radio audience. Get your copy today! Jon

To even begin to describe the music on this CD is difficult...it's like trying to describe what God looks like. Not only is the music just incredible, but the two female singers have to be the best two voices on the planet. Luker's Salve Regina had me in tears at the end (and I am getting all misty eyed just thinking about it now). Scott's singing is just remarkable. If Angels sing they sound like these two women. For heaven's sake just buy the CD!!!

I cannot tell you the hours of listening, healing and peace I have experienced through this magnificant CD. It will bring you to great heights and deep into your heart. A soulful experience.

I love the State of Grace Music Cd's. It is beautiful listening and inspiring music. Of the three my most favorite is the first one as it seems to be the most ethereal and relaxing.State of Grace

I am Joan's husband. And Missouri or Misery, not Macau. Just to identify myself.

Imagine doing a classical style hymn often with new music or completely transformed older music with having the unmitigated gall to add modern drums and electric bass.
Imagine a classical style that has toe thumping beat to add to Lisbeth Scott's angelic voice. What a revelation! "Christe Redemptor" is now my favorite song. Period.

Track 3, "Beams of Heaven," is another eye-opener. Take a Negro spiritual initially and largely inspired by the person who created "We Shall Overcome." Then redo it completely
and it comes out sounding like an Irish spiritual. (Perhaps not surprising since both groups were oppressed.) Track 4 (Center of my heart)--is it a pop song or folk spiritual or something else?
Some instrumental. Some choral. It's in there!

I love all three States of Grace albums. And the other Schwartz are also brimming with the gutsiness to make some old songs new. And some new Schwartz songs newer.
Can I add another star? And no, I am not a planted advertiser.

All of State of Grace CDs are wonderful... and I am not religious. The music is spiritual and very soothing. However, there are also passages that are energetic and regenerative. Great for long drives.

I sent this email to Paul Schwartz. It can serve as my review:

Hi Paul.

....

I'm listening to State of Grace III for the first time as I write this. It's like opening a new room in a big house: this "room" is at once all of a piece emotionally with the whole dwelling.

Last Friday I was visiting the Larry H. Miller Motorsports park west of Salt Lake city, and I heard Lisbeth Scott's voice, on your rendition of Veni Redemptor Gentium (perhaps my favorite of the SofG tracks so far), issuing from the motor home behind the Ferrari pits. That's the first time I have run into your music aside from my personally owned CD's: it had to come from the "outside", of course: around these parts, Mormon "popular" music predominates in the religious genre -- utterly predictable, cloned, boring: that, and I don't get out of Utah very much.

...[Lisbeth Scott's] voice has a dramatic, emotive quality about it: as if she works herself into the typical woman to sing each particular song. The combined effect when you listen to the whole album is to wonder if that can possibly be the same woman singing each song. Checking the credits inside the album cover confirms that each soloist is indeed Lisbeth Scott. But you can hardly believe it, so effectively does she project different emotional and even mental perspective into each piece. By way of illustration: Her emotion-filled version of "Be Still My Soul" [on State of Grace] seems to be like a once-off capture behind a studio microphone; that this "mystery girl" could never quite duplicate, no matter how many times she sang it again: the unsteady voice barely getting through her own emotion, not quite breaking down, and at the same time so powerful! and certain in her faith at that moment (it's hard to put into words). She "acts" (or becomes) each song with near perfection. Again by way of illustration, she sings "Amazing Grace" like a Bible Belt girl who has sung it a thousand times. Then on "Miserere" she is classical! I say, "Superb." (So far, SofG III is that as well: waiting now to finish "Somnium" and then listen to Rebecca...)

Since first hearing Rebecca Luker's voice from Secret Tear (on the Elevation 2 CD, which prompted me to buy my first of your works, Aria 2), I have been thoroughly satisfied with everything she has done with you. So I am glad to see her name on a State of Grace track.

Done now. Very nice. You are fortunate in having two such fabulous voices to weave into your work.