Kimberly Haynes - Awaken Me (2016)

California singer/songwriter, Kimberly Haynes, brings us eleven songs infused with delicate musical arrangements, graceful vocals, and spacious melodies on Awaken Me. Kimberly knows how to create beautiful songs with a soul. The music arouses new age leanings, world music fusions, Middle Eastern panache, and South Asian traditions for a truly unforgettable musical journey. The meditative opener and album title track, "Awaken Me," is a perfect introduction to the album, as it sets a steady tone amidst hang drum, frame drums, bass, bell, synth, and guitars. The Middle Eastern-influenced tune, "The Dreams," adds a more upbeat element with strings, guitars, and a gopichand. "The Light Of My Soul" strengthens Kimberly's pop presence with light percussion, fluid bass-lines, and excellent vocals throughout. The contemporary edge is rather reduced overall, but some songs are more pronounced and melodic. Kimberly's voice is akin to Canada's Susan Aglukark, but Donna De Lory and Natalie Merchant are similar influences, too. Awaken Me will cause everyone to wake up and listen to a small portion of beautiful music contained in this world. Let Kimberly be your guide to open that world for you! ~ Matthew Forss