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Our Review

Contrary to expectation, I enjoyed the toe-tapping folk style of The Light Shines. This qualified endorsement is based on the failure of the packaging to advertise what is actually on the CD. The quite detailed liner notes indicate only in small-print to expect this fantastic contemporary folk performance by Calgary vocalist Kim Thiessen, along with Darryl Neustaedter Barg (guitar), John Guenter (viola), Ben Regier (dulcimer), and others.

My slight annoyance with the packaging was quickly dispelled by actually listening to Ms. Thiessen's soothing vocals, which reminded me just a little of Anne Murray. The CD is highlighted by the first song, Jim Croegaert's We Come, along with a moving rendition What Child Is This. But there are no weak selections to be found. In addition to the contemporary compositions and well-known traditionals, Ms. Thiessen also performs two German carols, Leise Rieselt der Schnee and Weichen Jubel.

I liked the simple arrangements, carried mostly by the unerring folk sensibilities of Barg's guitar and given a slight Celtic feel, at times, by Regier's dulcimer. But this is Kim Thiessen's CD throughout, and her picture should be on the cover.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

Appearing on The Light Shines are Kim Thiessen, vocals and guitar; Darryl Neustadter Barg, guiter, vocals, bodhran; Ben Regier, dulcimer, mandolin; Jeremy Penner, piano; Joey Penner, electric bass; Meghan Thiessen, vocals; Kim Brown, vocals; Craig Schellenberg, vocals; Bryan Moyer Suderman, cana; Jon Guenter, viola; Karen Barg Camacho, violin; Reg Sawatzky, vocals; Doug Klassen, vocals.

Proceeds from the CD benefit the Mennonite Central Committee's work with those impacted by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Kim Thiessen

The Light Shines

Artist link

Track List