Maria
The self-empowered diva breaks free of earthly restraints to float in an art-jazz universe of her own cut-and-paste design. Inspired perhaps by her pal Holly Cole, Jane Siberry shapes her surprisingly malleable voice and impressionistic lyrics to a variety of free-form moods whipped up by a skilled ensemble. "See The Child"'s hypnotic verbal and musical motifs make it a highlight along with the propulsive "Lovin' Cup" and lovely "Goodbye Sweet Pumpkinhead." It's challenging stuff for her mainstream fans, but that's okay--this is a bold, noteworthy experiment by an artist who remains bound by nothing but the beauty.--Jeff Bateman