Soul Express Album Review BRYAN AUSTIN Chosen For the Dream (US Art-Tist Records, 2006) Jesus I Love You / The Lord's Prayer / Do You Hear What I Hear / Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / O Holy Night / Let There Be Peace On Earth / Where You There / Jesus Is The Answer / Silent Night / Medley (Go Tell It On The Mountain & King of Kings And Lord Of Lords & Amen) The “dreamer” is an apt epithet for Mr. Austin P. Bryant, Jr. aka Bryan Austin. His music is dreamy and atmospheric, and he usually chooses songs with positive lyrics, as if to dream about a brighter future. Chosen for the Dream is Bryan’s fourth full-length CD, and the subtitle, Christmas & Sacred, really tells it all. His previous CD, Thank You for the Dream, was an inspirational set, whereas there are some Christmas songs included on this newie, as well. I had a chat with Bryan about his past career and his Still Dreaming CD in 2000, and you can read it here. Bryan’s clear, high tenor has an angelic tone to it, which becomes evident especially on the opening and closing a cappella tracks. He handles all the vocals in this “a cappella group.” The rest of the songs are all slow, soothing and beautiful. The Lord’s Prayer and Jesus Is the Answer appeared already on the previous set, and Let There Be Peace on Earth and Were You There sound equally devout. The latter one is a personal favourite, and Bryan performed it first in a play called Moments in Time in CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Belton , Missouri. He sings this beautiful, spiritual ballad almost at the end of the play, and indisputably it is the highlight of the drama. Of the festive songs, Do You Hear What I Hear, grows into a grand finale, and, indeed, on each track on this set the background instrumentation is skilfully created. Also Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, O Holy Night and Silent Night set you in the right mood for the holidays. You can watch some of these songs on video on Bryan’s website at www.bryanakaaustin.com. -Heikki Suosalo Other CD Reviews Albums of the Month in 2006 Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 Other CD
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