I received the new CD project of New Zealand teen singing sensation Hayley Westenra and I have to admit that I was blown away from the first note. The project title "Pure" is just that, pure excellence! The quality of her angelic voice is so amazing that you can't help but to be drawn in the moment the CD is in rotation on your player. If you are having a difficult day and need to un-wind and take your mind to a beautiful place...this is the CD you should listen to.

Even on the songs that should make you sad such as "Who Painted the Moon Black" a song about losing someone, her voice has a quality of such beauty that you are more in comfort than pain.

The classic training of her voice shines through on many tracks and you know by listening to her that she has studied voice and music with a passion. To say that this is a Christian project would not be true although her rendition of Amazing Grace is so full of beauty you could easily get away with calling the project a religious one. Her heart for God clearly shines through each note on that song!

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful new singer you can try to catch her on her tour of the United States. Yes she is giving up a summer of barbecues and movie blockbusters that most teens enjoy in lieu of appearances with major world-renown singers and the cast of a hit TV show. In addition to spreading the word across the U.S. about her internationally-acclaimed debut album PURE, here's a quick glance at what the young star will be doing in summer 2004:

July: Hayley tapes performance for an episode in upcoming season of the hit NBC show "American Dreams" to air this fall

July 28: Hayley performs with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra as part of their Concerts on the Square series

August 4: Hayley returns for another solo concert at Joe's Pub in New York City


Mid-August: Hayley returns to her home in New Zealand to tape her first-ever PBS "Great Performances" concert special to air in November and December as one of their flagship shows of the season.

August 22: Hayley performs at the NARM convention held this year in San Diego - annual gathering of key entertainment retailers and
Manufactures who convene from all over the U.S.

If you are not lucky enough to catch this rising star on tour you can log onto www.hayleywestenra.com for more information.