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Brooke Fraser

She may not be a household name in America (at least not yet), but New Zealander Brooke Fraser has thus far racked up four No. 1 radio hits and CD sales in excess of seven million. It’s a staggering resumé, indeed, for the faith-based relative newcomer (who can sometimes be heard leading worship with Hillsong United), especially considering those achievements were exclusively in mainstream settings. Even though her sophomore CD, Albertine (Wood & Bone), just released in the States May 27, the troubadour had no trouble selling out Chicago’s Lakeshore Theatre on the heels of recent appearances from actor extraordinaire Robin Williams and Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes.

Given her charming onstage banter, angelic vocals and even more alluring blend of introspective and spiritually tinged songwriting, it’s easy to see why she holds venue rank with the aforementioned. And by the end of an entrancing 70-minute set, Fraser no doubt left a major impression on listeners as a stunning singer, engaging acoustic guitarist, proficient pianist and even a casual percussionist (on an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” to a band member). Outside of that celebratory comedy, early selections in her set included the gorgeous “Lifeline” (off her 2004 debut What To Do With Daylight) and the easygoing, yet eloquent new cut “Love, Where Is Your Fire?”

Switching from acoustic guitar to piano, Fraser addressed “Faithful,” drawing parallels to Sarah McLachlan, Nichole Nordeman or Chantal Kreviazuk wrapped around incredibly insightful lyrics that could be linked to an earthly or heavenly relationship, depending on one’s perspective. Even in the mainstream setting, the tunesmith wasn’t afraid to boldly pepper in her beliefs, such as on the jazzy “Hosea’s Wife” (inspired by the Old Testament tale of adultery and redemption) and the breathtaking acoustic ballad “Albertine” (dedicated to a Rwandan orphan, while encouraging listeners to reach out with the line “faith without deeds is dead”). Still, Fraser had no trouble relating to an audience of all associations, which, coupled with her abundant talents, are sure to find her accolades increasing with every sophisticated tour stop along the way.

Here is her video to the new song on Spirit FM "Shadowfeet"


For more info on Brooke check out: http://www.brookefraser.com/

Carlos