I Had A Dream: Songs Of An Immigrant
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to I Had A Dream: Songs Of An Immigrant
A mother-daughter effort where Ruth Hertz Weber soundtracks the poems of her later grandmother, Betty Karon Hertz, together with her offspring, Emilia Lopez-Yanez, the pair use their classically trained history for a very lovely, sophisticated listen.
“Mushrooms” starts the listen with an incredible amount of beauty as gorgeous singing aligns with dreamy, classical sounds, and the title track continues this elegance with vivid storytelling and brings soothing guitar, oboe and keys.
Further along, “The Six- Day War” displays meticulous oboe prowess amid the impressive vocal range, while “Dear Ruth” moves gently, with much emotion as the mesmerizing keys complement the twinkling winds.
Moving towards the end, “My Darling” emits a romantic demeanor in its heartfelt delivery, and “Why Am I Here?” exits the listen with brief but impactful songwriting that’s timeless.
Ruth and Emilia have previously explored children’s music with much success, and this story of Ruth’s impoverished childhood in Russia, escape during the Bolshevik Revolution and immigration to the United States recruits classical, orchestral and chamber ideas for an inspiring and uplifting listening experience.
Travels well with: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- The Suite; Mark John McEncroe- Fanfare Suite