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CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
New artist talented, honest, too negative

Carol Riediger

“Close your eyes”
Sonia Marie. Winnipeg: Invisible Shore Music, 1999.

Sonia Marie, a singer and songwriter in her 20s, is originally from Winkler, Man. She began her music interest in the early 1990s and studied music at the University of Winnipeg. Her first full-length CD, produced by Olaf Pytilik, is being sold in retail stores in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba. Her music has also had airplay on local radio stations, and she has performed in churches, at various festivals and at local establishments.

Her voice is beautiful and clear, suitably coupled with haunting, plaintive and sometimes mournful melodies. She has been compared to Jewel and Tori Amos. The balance between words and music is excellent. She wrote all the music on the CD, except for one song, and is also the pianist for most of the songs. The pieces are acoustic and folk, and are relaxed. The CD has variety. One tune is very Celtic, and a penny whistle can be heard. Other tunes are more rhythmic. She uses a variety of backup vocalists.

Sonia Marie is a mature thinker; her lyrics are honest, deep and abstract, but at times they are too obscure and negative. She explains on the cover that she was involved in a process of finding peace with God, and that this process was not easy. Making this CD proved to be a healing process for her, in life and faith.

Her music and lyrics will appeal to young adults who appreciate serious folk music. Her themes and content are relevant to today’s culture and are a reflection of our time. The hope she believes in, however, does not come out as clearly as I think it should from a Christian artist.

Carol Riediger teaches piano privately and leads worship at Central MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C.

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Last modified May 17, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
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