CD Review: Mara Measor's 'Naked Prayers'

Mara Measor
Naked Prayers
Self-Release

Chinese-American songstress, writer, and actor, Mara Measor, brings us a lively mix of personal songs with quaint instrumentation, sweet vocals, and spiritual undertones. Naked Prayers is a nine-track album under forty-minutes in length that contains several uplifting songs. In fact, all of the songs are really good with varying aural textures, melodies, and light rhythms bordering on new age-pop or alternative pop. Mara's sweet vocals resemble the Canadian group, Dala, as well as the U.K.'s Katie Melua, with similar instrumental set-ups akin to the former. The final number, "Love Will Find You," seems like a throwback to the funky, jazz standards of the 1970's. The calming and essentially word-less song, "Ooh," is a spiritual wonder with only Mara's voice leading the song and a distant thud of a drum. "You Saw Me" is a pensive, piano-driven song with guitars and percussion that are truly beautiful. All in all, Mara succeeds in creating a gorgeous album with memorable melodies, sweet vocals, and an underlying message of "good" without sacrificing anything. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mara Measor's Self-Titled Debut

Mara Measor
Mara
Good Mood Records

A Hong Kong native and current New York resident, Mara Measor, brings a cultured and flavoured mix of alternative pop and jazz with her debut album out this month. Mara is a vocalist, guitarist, and ukulele player. The English vocals are akin to the soft-spoken and soulful Leona Naess, while capturing the charm of Regina Spektor. Mara is joined by Jamie Lawrence on keyboards, cello, harmonium, slide guitars, drums, and assorted percussion. There are additional musicians on strings and guitars. Overall, the melodies and rhythms are rather intimate and sweet without much of a big sound or abrasive pounding, which is great. The repeated sounds and lines are indicative of Katie Melua's recent works. There are twelve diverse songs that are memorable and infectious. Anyone interested in meaningful music and sincere, sweet vocals should check out Mara's new release. Simply amazing. ~ Matthew Forss