Celtic Music Round the World is the theme for the 4th release in our international hit Celtic Twilight series. This collection showcases the creativity of the Celtic genre from international artists as well as those from the home sod of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Many current multi-ethnic collaborations involving Celtic musicians and instruments have brought great success to the world music arena. To no surprise, genre enthusiasts often want to search for the roots of traditional musics and for doors to various new possibilities. The Hearts of Space label has done their part in showcasing the contemporary Celtic side of the spectrum, as well as related hybrid forms, with their international hit Celtic Twilight series. Celtic Planet, a 14-song compilation of Celtic-based songs by an multi-ethnic cast of musicians, is their latest offering.
Like its predecessor Lullabies, Celtic Twilight 4: CelticPlanet is an inspiring concentration of Celtic sound, with the Hearts of Space nod to the global community, and energizing forum for creative artists. A featured track, SHEILA CHANDRA's "Lament of McCrimmon/Song ofthe Banshee", brings to mind Baaba Maal's "Call to Prayer" and other mystical hymns by her Real World labelmates at its inception but unfolds to reveal a Celtic lament, complete with Chandra's ever-mysterious vocals.
Following notes across fading borders, Dubliner Declan Masterson's "Spanish Point" serves as a reminder of the Celtic outpost in Spain. The delicate interplay of flamenco guitar and whistles moves past nostalgia to an ancient, common longing. CARLOS NUNEZ's "Two Shores" is even more Latin, but with flauta standing out in the breezy mix. The track also features the stylized-guitar and mandolin work of RY COODER.
The Pacific Northwest is another Celtic bastion and a home to folkster KATE POWER and harp guitarist John Doan, whose respective tracks "Wild Wind" and "Where Horses of Faery Hide" are expertly produced by Nightnoise's BILLY OSKAY. Power's rich, well-articulated vocals on the chorus, "Oh Wild Wind, won't you blow and carry me to my love," enhances the need for love and unity. Doan's track is a wistful journey througha mythic space, cymbal washing in heroic parades and whistling the commencements.
Hypnotic instrumentals include "Darklight", which finds the renownedIrish piper DAVY SPILLANE accompanied by GREG BOLAND's deep-toned guitarwork, and Norwegian composer and keyboardist Oystein Sevag's "White Wings," an impressionistic triumph of an original melody, Celtic in inflection and emotion as the famous Londonderry Air. Here, the peace dove glides with strings of the London Philharmonia Orchestra and a delightful silver flute solo.
Ethereal vocals are found in brilliant performances by ANUNA, Aoife Ni Fhearraigh and Carreg Lafar. A breathtaking vocal delivery by MEAV NI MHAOLCHATHA on Anuna's rendering of a 15th century text called"Blackthorn" is elevated further by their gracious vocal ensemble. Clannad's MAIRE BRENNAN props young Aoife's singing ability and puts the band's detailed production stamp on the stimulating "Seacht Suailci na Maighdine Muire." The traditional Welsh piece "Glan More Heli" is given new life by Carreg Lafar, all due to Linda Owen-Jones' phonetic mastery.
Pipes aficionados must not miss "O Afiador De Tella" from the Latin outfit FIA NA ROCA and brothers MYCHAEL and JEFF DANNA's "The Drowning Plains." Xabier Bueno's Galician pipe is powerful and dramatic, as are the various uillean and highland pipes atop heartbeat drumming on the Dannas' rousing fantasia.
Irish-American Joanie Madden returns to the Celtic Twilight line-up with her instrumental "The Immigrant", and makes her Irish whistle solos shine through a gentle landscape. Labelmate Bill Douglas' "Return to Inishmore" finds the Scotch-Irish descended composer paying homage to Blake, Graves, and the poetic greats with piano and woodwinds, both joyous and ascending.
If not a solid ending to an emotional quartet, Celtic Twilight 4: CelticPlanet is a clear demonstration of unification through music, and anaffirmation of a place, both contemplative and spirited, where the heartbeat is certainly not a forgotten sound.
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