"So many stars" by Kathleen Battle (1995)

Recorded and released a year after Kathleen Battle's infamous fall from grace (she was a star of New York's Metropolitan Opera and general manager fired her for "unprofessional behavior" - in other words,her prima donna ways brought mutiny of cast involved in production of upcoming opera) this unusual album of folk songs,lullabies and spirituals finds Battle stretching her wings outside of classical music in a brave crossover direction.

If the choice of material looks surprising at first,check the backing musicians - Grover Washington Jr,James Carter,Cyrus Chestnut,Christian McBride and Ira Coleman are just few of jazz cats involved in playing here. Battle herself sounds wonderful as always,hers is one of the greatest recorded voices of the century and for this album she only slightly tones down operatic approach but still soars like a angel - come to think of it,this is natural continuation of guitar-and-voice work she already recorded with Christopher Parkening. Songs range from spirituals,love songs and folk pieces to surprisingly effective cover of famous Antonin Dvořák's "Symphony from the New World" and musicians are excellent,their tasteful,unobtrusive backing preventing this classy recording from being commercial easy-listening project - if nothing,one could detect traces of potential new age direction,so peaceful and relaxing these sounds are.

Checking the liner notes,I was surprised to find Battle herself worked very closely on the production of this album: notorious for being "difficult" and "uncooperative" this woman actually arranged all the songs here collaborating with all musicians and adapted lyrics from Dvořák's symphony herself. It made me stop and think: when obviously talented and strong-willed lady keeps hands-on approach on her projects,insisting on high quality of performances,it is viewed as a cardinal sin and she is criticized for that. I am 100% sure had she been a man,this same qualities would be applauded

Title song "So many stars" by Sergio Mendes and Alan & Marylin Bergman was previously recorded in 1984 by Cleo Laine and John Williams on their second guitar-and-voice album ("Let the Music take you") and if you like Battle's version I recommend to search for Laine's album. It's such a beautiful song that defies description: artful and poetic,peaceful and reflective,spiritual without being religious,truly haunting little piece that might stop you dead in the tracks with its universal message.