Describing this offering simply as a feel-good crossover album for voice and guitar would be seriously undervaluing the persuasive artistry and thoughtful programming that has created such an appealing experience.

Born in Germany but trained in Australia and London, mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean partners with Greek classical guitarist Dimitris Soukaras to present an eclectic but cohesive program of works ranging from Debussy to Sinéad O’Connor via Ravel, de Falla, Britten, Richard Rogers, Burt Bacharach and more. 

Exploring the liminal space between dreams and reality, music and text weave together a detailed tapestry from themes of childhood, love, loss and what it means to be alive. All this may sound a tad heavy, but both artists handle the material with a deft lightness of touch undergirded by a quiet optimism.

Betts-Dean is blessed with a rich, creamy voice with an impressive ambit that can project a husky sensuality down low and a bell-like clarity in the upper reaches, while remaining stylistically appropriate. Soukaras brings a finely calibrated sensitivity to his work, at times imbuing the guitar with harp-like qualities. He also expertly arranged some six out of the...