During one of the worst drought years in California history, Santa Cruz singer/songwriter Heather Houston may be credited with single-handedly (or single-voicedly) curing the dry spell with her Prayers for the Water! Well, maybe not, but since the November 2015 release of this album, California has been getting the first steady rains in quite some time. Both classically- and jazz-trained, Houston’s remarkable voice is earthy and ethereal, enchanting and sincere, warm and expressive. Produced by Todd Boston, the award-winning guitarist and multi-instrumentalist contributed the instrumental compositions for most of the songs as well as performing on guitar, flute, percussion, harp, cumbus, and bass. Jami Sieber appears on cello and vocal improvisation, and Tammy Hall performs on piano. Valerie Byrne provides back-up vocals on one song and the Yala Lati Choir harmonizes with Houston on two. All nine songs and chants revolve around the theme of water and the natural world, and some of the tracks have water sounds behind the music. It’s a very impressive and stirring album that invites the listener “to relax into an inspiring and prayerful state of communion with the natural world around you. Heather Houston layers her heart opening voice to create a rich tapestry of vocal harmonies alive with reverence for our sacred waters.” (quoted from the liner notes of the CD.)

Prayers for the Water opens with “Calling the Whales,” a prelude of sorts where Houston intentionally called upon the spirit of the whales to accompany her on this musical journey. “As revealers of truth and keepers of wisdom for our beautiful planet, they inspire me to open my heart and listen deeply.” That invocation segues into “Surrender,” a gentle and peaceful call to release any inner struggles and surrender to the flow of the river Divine. Houston is backed by Valerie Byrne as well as acoustic guitar and cello - a gorgeous piece! I’ve always loved the traditional spiritual “Wade in the Water,” and Houston’s version of the song includes five original verses. A bit darker and more sultry than some of the other songs, this arrangement clearly shows Houston’s jazzier vocal side. Piano, cello, bass, guitar, light percussion and Jami Sieber’s vocal improv all work together seamlessly to make this an incredible arrangement. My other favorite is “I Dreamed of Rain,” a heartfelt song of peace written by Jan Garrett made perfect by Houston’s voice, Tammy Hall’s piano and the additional voices of the women’s choir. “Om Mani Padme Hum” is a traditional Tibetan mantra chanted to invoke the qualities of purification and compassion. “Tutane” is a Pueblo Indian chant that welcomes new life. “The Sea” is a beautiful song by Todd Boston, who accompanies Houston’s vocals with guitar and flute - also a favorite.

If you are looking for an exceptionally soothing vocal album, I highly recommend Prayers for the Water. It is available from heatherhoustonmusic.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby.