REVIEW: Lori Lieberman, A Thousand Dreams (Pope Music)

- Courtney Muir Wallner

A Thousand Dreams, Lori Lieberman's latest album, was recorded live at the John Raitt Theatre of Pepperdine University. With a system called Dynamic Fidelity, designed by the founder of PopeMusic, Gene Pope, Lieberman and her band were captured doing what they do best - performing live. This album is a collection of all that Lori Lieberman has to offer as a musician and artist.

Lori Lieberman has a long history producing fine music. In 1971, Lieberman came out with her self-titled debut album, and sang alongside such artists as Linda Rondstadt, Melissa Manchester, Wendy Waldman, and Karla Bonoff. The grammy-winning hit "Killing Me Softly With His Song" sung br Roberta Flack, was written by Lieberman, and was originally included on her debut album. Lieberman explains, "I saw Don Mclean play the Troubadour in L.A. one night and I was so moved by his lyrics and melodies that I went home and wrote a poem about it." From there, Lieberman completed a five-record deal with Capitol Records, including a greatest hits album, and then went on to record "Letting Go" under Millenium. A Thousand Dreams is Lieberman's newest creation.

The album begins with an exquisite remake of Paul Simon's "Song For the Asking". Here the quiet beauty of Lieberman's voice is showcased and is a wonderful introduction to the album. "Switzerland" is a personal tribute to the fond memories Lieberman has of her home away from home. From the tender age of nine until she turned eighteen and settled in L.A. permanently to begin her musical career, Lieberman spent every six months out of the year in Switzerland. "I'd fly back...and literally change my clothes in the bathroom of LAX," she recalls, "I had to go from looking like Heidi to a typical 60's teenager in a matter of minutes - and change my personality to suit as well."

Songs such as "One Thing", "He's a Leaver", and "Women Like Me" profile the various ways love can wound and be treacherously dangerous to all involved. The ballad "Loves Takes Time" is so beautifully crafted your heart will stir as you shiver with goose-bumps.

By far the most remarkable feature of the recording is Lieberman's superb voice. Soft and delicate, then strong and passionate, Lieberman's voice rises above the pure tones of acoustic guitar and gentle melodies of the piano, creating a harmony that will cause your heart to be still one minute and fill with emotion the next.