Carol Manglos: Press

Higher Ground
Spirited new releases from Ceili Rain and Winsome
By Larry Hoyt


Winsome
Winsome: winning, engaging or charming. That definition pretty much fits this Central New York pop/folk trio, comprised of Carol Manglos (acoustic and hollow body electric guitars and the dulcimer-like bowed psaltery, lead vocals); Mary Dawes (flute piccolo, backing vocals); and David Foster (harmonica, conga drum).
On their independently released 11-song debut disc Simple Days, Winsome provides a mostly relaxing, unpretentious musical excursion, inviting listeners to recall some basic truths and fundamental beliefs. Recorded at Mike Jaffarian's Eastwind Studios with production and arrangement help from drummer Bob Papaleoni, the disc is a bit uneven in production and lyrical content, but nonetheless provides ample proof of Winsome's talent and musical potential.
The swinging country-pop of the title track relies on a friendly harmonica intro to set the mood for these disc-defining lyrics: "Take me back to where I started/ Simple days, simple truth/ I fear I have become disheartened/ I need the wisdom of my youth." Another pretty, harmonica-supported tune, "Lazy Days of Summer," voices appreciation for the treasures of nature and the giving spirit of the deity: "Fill me up with this beauty, I'm falling down on my knees/ Thanking Him." On this well-mixed track, Manglos vocalizes in a timbre reminiscent of country songstress Deborah Allen. "I'll Be Restored" has a simple, folk-like quality, with Dawes' flute carrying its charming melody through a soulful instrumental break, while a Celtic flavor enhances "Wisdom Is Where It's At."
The disc closes surprisingly with a blues-rocker, "I've Got a Love," that features Manglos as something of a budding blues mama and Foster laying down some more-than-credible blues harp against Manglos' electric guitar vamping. The blues is probably not the musical direction God intended for this trio, but then again, "I've Got a Love" is something of a revelation. The Lord works in mysterious ways, indeed.
Winsome performs Dec. 7 and 19 at Roaster's Corner Cafe, Fayetteville; the trio can be contacted at 656-7599.

Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY)
November 30, 2003
Section: Stars
Edition: Final
Page: 20
Column: Music Notebook

CHRISTIAN WORD RISES ON NEW CD

MARK BIALCZAK MUSIC CRITIC
Carol Manglos knows how to use her voice, praise be.
On the new disc "I Stand Amazed," the East Syracuse singer and her group have changed names from Winsome to Worship. And the contemporary Christian sound and messages on the 13-song disc are soaring, sweet and inspirational.
(Contemporary Christian) "I Stand Amazed" *** (out of 4) Worship with Carol Manglos, independent recording
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Todd Hobin's Baldwinsville studio, the work of Manglos on vocals and acoustic guitar, her husband Steve Manglos on piano and synthesizer, Bob Papaleoni on drums and Mary Dawes on flute comes through crisp and rich.
Veteran Syracuse musician Hobin and his sons, Brett and Cory, join in on a couple of songs to good measure, too.
"Your Rightful Place," with lyrics and music written by Carol Manglos, catches your ear in the spiritual ballad style of "Wind Beneath Your Wings." The title cut, with lyrics and music written by Steve Manglos, bubbles with bright pop joy.
On the Internet: The group's Web site is www.corum deo.com. The disc also is available at Lemstone Books in Great Northern and Sacred Melody Center in Eastwood.
CD submissions
Mark Bialczak's CD reviews appear every Sunday in Stars magazine. Those who wish to submit discs for consideration should send their work to: Mark Bialczak, Syracuse Post-Standard, Box 4915, Syracuse, NY, 13221.
Illustration: PHOTO
NO CREDIT
CAROL MANGLOS' "I Stand Amazed" we recorded, mixed and mastered in
Baldwinsville. Color.

Copyright, 2003, The Herald Company