When an album comes with no-liner notes, like Cindy Ruakere’s Karakia, you’re forced to listen hard to make any sense of it.

Karakia, as the name suggests, is about prayer. You have to sit very still, however, to go on the same journey as the artist.

Over six tracks (the seventh and final one is a traditional arrangement of the New Zealand National Anthem) Ruakere ushers the listener into the presence of God with a fusion of traditional Maori and western music.

The haunting traditional Maori flute can be heard alongside the piano, strings and percussion of the European settler — perhaps symbolising the unity of Aotearoa that some of us trive to create.

Yahweh Part 1 - The Entry is followed by Part 2 - The Cry, Part 3 – The Meeting, Part 4 – The Response, Part 5 – The Lament and Part 6 – The Response – The Triumph – He Has Heard. This is an album not about words, but about feelings, specifically how we feel in God’s presence when we are still enough to hear that still small voice that Elijah heard.

You’ll get the most out of this listening to before, after, or as part of your quiet time.

The concept, Ruakere writes on her website, which I looked at as I concluded this review, is something indelibly deep and wide. “Karakia has been specifically created to help re-entwine into that thread (that ties the things of heaven and the things of earth), that connection between the land and her maker,” Ruakere said.

“This is our prayer. That you would once again delve deep and wide for the sake of this land. That you would find the lament that lies within her; the aching song of the people who sit in darkness waiting for the light.” To hear some of the album visit Ruakere’s website: www.cindyruakere.com