Each song tells a story, takes you on a beautiful journey enveloped in well-thought out arrangements and beautiful musical changes. Her guitar playing and her singing have so much soul it touches you right away. leni Stern deserves a place next to the greatest song-writers of our time. A highly recommended album - 'Bury me Standing' is superlatively exceptional.

This a Jazz album is not. That's for sure. I'm saying this because I used to consider Leni Stern more or less a Jazz musician. Was I wrong? If I should judge by this album, she's not a jazz artist. Anyway this may say nothing to all of you readers, but I'm telling this to prepare those of you who like me are probably expecting to talk about Jazz in the case of a Leni Stern album. This is not a Jazz album, still considering the guest appeareances by McLaughlin, Brecker, Hussain, Frisell etc. Ok, ok, I can hear you saying, "Keep it short Stef, go ahead and express your feelings about this album". It is nice. It is an album full of calm, relaxed atmospheres. It is a very well played and arranged group of songs (they are all sunged) and the acoustic instrumental interpretations of the songs (called reprise) are not complex or particularly evolved or armonically and melodically adventurous, but they are deep, truly beautiful emotional renditions. It is a perfect album for a calm evening. It is relaxed, tender, emotional music. There are not solos or improvisations in this album neither from McLaughlin, Frisell or Brecker (and it is a shame because it would be interesting to hear solos from them on these kind of songs), they simply play their guest role as studio musicians, probably giving their support in the arranging job. This music makes me think to Joan Baez or Suzanne Vega type of music (and it is a compliment anyway) with a touch of Frisell extravaganza here and there, not to Jazz (Jazz, swing music ...). But it is truly beautiful music. Leni sings very well too. So, music store employees, suggest this album to your best clients for sure, but don't file this one under Jazz, 'cause it would be greatly misleading.

Leni Stern is truly an original artist making some very personal music. In a strange mix of Aimee Mann-like melodies and more avantgardelike jazz. There are some really haunting songs like "Empty Hands" and "Where is God" showing her human and intelligent lyrics as well. Add to this some great guests - all playing with intensity and restraint - like Zakir Hussain, Michael Brecker and not least John McLaughlin, who puts in a breathtaking performance on the titletrack. A must for all lovers of genuine and artistic music.