Missa (mass in Latin) is a complicated tapestry of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Western musical styles deliberately created to evoke a sense of peace, and oneness with the global village that is our Earth. Barquee sees himself as both a composer and a vocalist and with Missa he wanted to create a “fuller integration of vocals and music than [his previous CD] Temple, a more explicit blending of sacred text with crossover composition.”
The eight tracks are well produced, lush and complex, reflecting Barquee’s early training as a classical pianist. The complexity of rhythms echo his short time in a punk rock band. Mixing exotic rhythms with sacred poetry and Latin liturgy, Missa is a gorgeous paean to the Divine.
~review by Lisa Mc Sherry
Artist: Thomas Barquee
Spirit Voyage Music, 2002
