Composer Mira J. Spektor presents both sensitivity and passion in her new album Daytime & Night Songs, released via Navona Records. She combines masterful, original compositions with thought-provoking poetry written by a number of artists. Poetry is a key element of the album. Spektor draws influence from a variety of writers, such as Phyllis McGinley and Ruth Whitman. One of the more fascinating collaborations is Spektor’s composition using the words of her granddaughter, then-twelve year old Lily Nussbaum...

Mira J. Spektor's new album, Daytime & Night Songs opens with a track that will be familiar to those that bought this year's (2019) Summer & Winter Songs. 'Sunday Psalm' which is based on Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made", makes a return... which I thought a little odd as I was under the impression that this was an album of new compositions. And even if it was a compilation of some of her older works, I wouldn't have expected to see this appear again so soon.

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko takes centre stage on the majority of the tracks, her vocals washing over the listener as she effortlessly delivers powerful performance after performance.

It's another rich and varied album that is well worth investing a little time with.

8

Darren Rea