Vocals sung in an unfamiliar tongue render the voice more of an instrument than as a tool for narration. Susan Krasner's "Threads" is an adventurous juxtaposition of the current and the historic, with Krasner's sweet and sturdy voice intoning traditional Jewish prayers over jazzy rhythms. It breathes new life into the prayers, bringing them to Gentile ears who would ordinarily never hear them, and at the same time offers the faithful an interesting way to explore their faith. Gentle grooves and well thought-out instrumental treatment gives "Threads" the earthiness of world beat and universal appeal with its pop patina.