Editorial Reviews

Harp records tend to be delicately ethereal -- that's the nature of the instrument, it seems. But 23-year-old Catrin Finch is out to prove otherwise. The Welsh-born musician first garnered headlines when her talent attracted the notice of Prince Charles, who revived the distinguished and charmingly antique-sounding title of Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales in order to provide support for her career. Those expecting restrained fare worthy of royal suppers are in for a surprise, though. Crossing the Stone is a daring mix of styles, encompassing classical, jazz, tango, modern minimalism, and folk. Arranger and producer Karl Jenkins (best known for his music for the DeBeers diamond commercials), ties the various stylistic strands together to provide a feeling of sonic consistency, with lush, stringy accompaniments and world-beat rhythmic underpinnings. Finch's technical prowess is heard at its best in an exhilarating performance of the Prelude from Bach's Violin Partita No. 3 (played here as a straight solo), and she revels in the opportunity to let her hair down in Pat Metheny's "James" and Chick Corea's "Spain." This is not for classical purists, certainly, but those with eclectic tastes should find plenty of flavor in Finch's rare gifts. Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

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