*** Dana Mase

SITTING WITH AN ANGEL

(Water)

A work of glistening, folk-rock beauty, Mase's new collection of a dozen originals ranges from the hip-hop-flavored, contemporary pop folk of " The Jungle" (shades of Sarah McLachlan) to the pointed, Tori Amos-like rock ballad "The Autumn Seems To Know" to the R.E.M. jangle rocker "Distant Star." Brightly produced by Jeffrey Lesser (Lou Reed, Sinéad O'Connor), the mostly acoustic album showcases Mase's shimmering 12-string, her spiritual yearning, and her warm, luxuriant soprano, which boasts a Chrissie Hynde-like Midwestern clarity and resonance. Israeli-American singer David Broza lends his gritty harmonies to two cuts, and the title track holds a glorious, resonant metaphor. Anyone who can breathe as much new life -- and funk, believe it or not -- into the old Pete Seeger/Byrds warhorse "Turn! Turn! Turn!" deserves a hearing and a round of applause. A rare gem worth searching for.

-- Seth Rogovoy