Camilla Kerslake (Deluxe Version)

Album Review

With Gary Barlow's penchant for anthemic stadium-sized acoustic pop, female soprano Camilla Kerslake wouldn't have been the most obvious first signing to his Future Records label. But after being bombarded with several self-made demos of Schubert's "Ave Maria," the Take That star obviously spotted enough potential in the South London vocalist to offer her a deal, the result of which is this 2009 self-titled release, a two-disc collection of religious pieces, traditional standards, and contemporary pop songs. Barlow may not appear on Kerslake's debut, but never one to take a back-seat role, he's still responsible for choosing much of its track list, while one of his compositions, the epic Stardust theme "Rule the World," is performed here in a stunning operatic Italian-language adaptation. Produced by Mike Hedges, best known for his work with U2, but who was also recently at the helm of classical crossover act the Priests' sophomore album, its 17 orchestral-based tracks are just as beautifully and subtly arranged, allowing Kerslake's pure, light, and crystal-clear vocals to shine. Traditional hymns "How Can I Keep from Singing" and "In Paradisum" are performed with the kind of confidence you'd expect from someone much older and experienced than Kerslake, who never had any formal classical training; "She Moved Through The Fair" is a tasteful rendition of the Irish folk classic that showcases her impressive command of the higher registers; and her cover of the Deer Hunter theme, "Cavatina," is an angelic vocal interpretation of the John Williams acoustic guitar original. The inclusions of Katie Melua's "Closest Thing to Crazy" and the lesser-known choral piece "Balulalow" make it easier to forgive the unimaginative choices of the ubiquitous "Pie Jesu" and Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You," which offer nothing new to the countless versions listeners have already heard before, something that also applies to the five-track Christmas bonus disc of festive standards like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night." But overall, Kerslake has repaid the faith restored in her with an accomplished and mature first offering that suggests she could give Katherine Jenkins a run for her money in the future. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi