Blackmore's Night - Ghost of a Rose (Spec)
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Free Music Notes for Ghost of a Rose (Spec)
Free Music Review: On the same track as "Fires at Midnight"
Hit: 5 Stars
I said in my review to "Fires at Midnight" that I consider both albums to be the best they have made so far. The similarity has been noticed by several reviewers; for some it is a weakness, some endorse enthusiastically. I follow the last trend.I have stopped long ago to always search for something "original", and the whole output by Blackmore's Night is an example of why. Once you find, either as a listener or a creative musician , your way to something well-done and enjoyable, simply continue and follow the paths tried and true.In fairness, this is what Ritchie Blackmore has always done, however he has decided to trun back to acoustic instruments.Ritchie Blackmore,long ago considered one of the best guitar players ever, is nevertheless one of the most traditional musicians ; not at all a revolutionary. He has always followed strictly J.S. Bach , Vivaldi, Paganini (technically speaking), and traditional European music, though most of his life he clothed it with hard riffs played loudly. When he made Blackmore's Night , along with his complement , Candace, he simply switched back to the same music closer to its original shape. By "Fires at Midnight" they had found a good formula for the music and message they wanted to deliver, so they simply followed along the same path. It is possible even that the songs in both albums may have been created close in time.Galician bagpiper wonderboy Carlos Nunez (if you haven't heard him .....start now)has said, "the successful experiment is the one that is firmply rooted in tradition", and the whole output of Blackmore's Night is an example of this.
Now the songs: the album opens with "Way to Mandalay", one of the best songs in Ritchie's lifetime, naturaly with gret lyrics by Candace.Haunting, hypnotic...and has a very good electric riff that fits perfectly the subject of the song."3 Black Crows" is a folksy song with lyrics funny at first, but that should linger in your memory so you may develop a simpler view of life.I went recently to Santiago de Compostela, and just before you reach the Cathedral there's a stone tunnel, and street musicians play there for nickels.This is the kind of music you hear there. When I play this at home or in my car they always ask me to play it again."Diamonds and Rust" is a successful cover, but although this is a great song that has been consistently well served by performers, I still think the best cover of this song is that by Judas Priest.Candace, however, finds her way through this battlehorse and gives us her interpretation convincingly in its straight-forwardness. "Cartouche" is another of their best songs.A fiery gipsy piece. "Queen for a day" follows the same musical trend, but the lyrics are a "fairy-tale" story that wouldn't sound out of place in an old Walt Disney movie."Ivory tower" again may be taken as a "fairy tale" song. Some may find it tiring ; I don't complain over beauty."Ghost of a Rose" is a beautiful love song, like Ritchie and Candace have made it a custom to treat us with. "Loreley" is an interesting song entirely on acoustic, traditional instruments , that tells one of several versions of a medieval German tale (the Loreley cliff actually exists in the Rive Rhine, and it's still a dangerous point along the river route). A good song to sing and dance along."Where are we going from here" is suitable for a cold winter night, or for those times in life when you seem to go nowhere. "Rainbow Blues" is a cover from an old Jethro Tull song, but as much as Ian Anderson is an excellent musician, who , like Ritchie Blackmore , combines strict Bach with some Bluesy flavour,this cover is in my opinion much better than the original. Another proof that Candace may build her own interpretation of a given song and share it more than convincingly.Some listeners by now feel there's just no variety, but that's just because an excelent song has been followed by another.....and another,and another. This is by no means a bad thing."All for one" is a great sing along with powerful beat, good Ritchie Blackmore riffs (suited for Candace's voice).....and "blowing" bagpipes to round up an already moving song. The album closes softly, like a gathering of old friends, with a song about friends long missed , joyfully met, and sorrily fared well in hope for a future "wieder-sehen". "Dandelion Wine" is a song you may play when you meet a life-long friend, and old love, or when you wish they all were here.All-accoustic, simple but effective instrumentation consisting of guitar, pipe (I can't tell if it's metal or reed)and tambourine.
As all other Blackmore's Night albums, this is not to be missed. And one you will always carry next to you.
Free Music Review: Ghost of a Rose - The best BN release to date !
Hit: 5 Stars
I thought their last release "Fires at Midnight" would be difficult to follow-up, because it is so awesome. Well, Blackmore's Night has exceeded all hopes and expectations with their newest release "Ghost of a Rose". This collection of 15 songs is masterfully written, with all the passion, romance, and medieval spirit that is the magic of Blackmore's Night. The production is superb, bringing the music alive without being overly slick. House Points to Candice Night, the lyric writing and singing is exceptional - You are a Bright shining star! And Ritchie, please never stop teaching us about this wonderful music! Highlights: WAY TO MANDALAY- opening track & 1st single. Wonderful "mystic" paced song, the chorus is so well written you find yourself singing along without deciding to. Ritchie's use of the guitar synth set's the spirit of the song, as only he can do. Candice sings with such imagery you become part of the story. The song ends with an electric solo that is electrifying to say the least. DIAMONDS AND RUST - Superb ballad and obvious 2nd single. Excellent remake of the Joan Baez classic. Candice's singing is outstanding, and Ritchie's slide work brings tears to your eyes. CARTOUCHE - Uptempo, great combination of flutes, violin, guitar - gypsy style - just what the doctor ordered. QUEEN FOR A DAY - 2 Part song, very renaissance theme, perfectly woven melody, music and lyrics, takes you right back to the day - then part 2 kicks in and visits Ritchie's domain, awesome fast melody full of medieval charm and musical challenge. GHOST OF A ROSE - This song is destined for greatness! Only a master could write a song like this. Intense song of true love and passion, it grabs you by the heart and you can't stop thinking about it. Melody, lyrics, chorus, and great orchestration,exceptional cello part, it is all perfect. Ritchie and Candice have outdone themselves with this one, this song is significant! Candice's lyrics and the vocals calls right out to you, and you want to go wherever she takes you. With the right video, this song could break down musical barriers because it transcends styles - all can appreciate it - it is a masterpiece, pure gold. RAINBOW BLUES - Remake of Jethro Tull song, rock style song - what can one say? Only Ritchie can play like this. Great classic rock radio song (here that DJ's?) ALL FOR ONE - Superb remake of a popular German song. Electric guitar intro tugs at your soul and gives you goosebumps, great vocals, super song building - excellent live song.
This CD is the whole package. Candice Night's lyric writing is awesome, and singing is outstanding throughout. Full sound here, lot's of instruments woven together perfectly. The rest of the songs are all good, all are worth mentioning but there's only so much room in the review space.
BUY THIS CD, YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. US release also includes a video track to WAY TO MANDALAY on the CD.
Free Music Review: BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, A PLEASANT ANACHRONISM
Hit: 5 Stars
What shall we call it? How about Dark Age music? No, It isn't dark at all! How about Medieval music? that's closer but not close enough. How about Renaissance music? No, thats to classy sounding. How about Minstrel music? That's very close, wait, I got it (Robin and his) 'Merry Men Music', thats fits great, and beautiful Cadence Night could be the Maid Marion. Who is Blackmore's Night
Many of you already know and love these ultra talented people known as Blackmore's Night. 'Blackmore' is Ritchie Blackmore, the heralded guitar player and composer whom you may remember from Deep Purple or Blackmore's Rainbow and 'Night' is Ritchie's equally talented fiancee, (they may be married by now, I don't know) Candice Night and boy is she H_O_T! I could fall in love with this girl. If I wasn't already in love, sorry honey.
Now Blackmore, who was born and raised in jolly ole England, though a highly successful rock musician, apparently had alway been interested in the music of his ancestors. The catalyst that convinced Blackmore to change his musical preference is two-fold.
Firstly, Blackmore accidently met the lovely Miss Night in 1989(lucky guy) and after finding out they shared an interest in Medieval folk music among other things, they became an item. Secondly, reception to his last two albums were disappointing, thus leading Blackmore to start tinkering with his "Merry Men" music. Candice fit right in contributing lyrics and as the lead singer.
Blackmore's Night finally released their first album Shadow of the Moon in 1998. They have since released four more albums including one double disc live album, Past Times with Good Company. Ghost of a Rose is the most recent album, released just last month.
If you've happened to have read any of my previous reviews, then you may know that I'm partial to the Ladies, including singers. I have written reviews on groups that have heavenly and powerful voices, like Sharon den Adel, Vibeke Stene and Annie Haslam, from Within Temptation, Tristania and Renaissance, respectively and Candice's voice is not like theirs. Candice's voice is mellow and charming. It fits their type of music perfectly. I like Sharon den Adel's voice for Within Temptation's music and I like Candice's voice just fine for the "Merry Men" music
In all honesty, although many of the songs are wonderful, it's not their most consistent and by extension, not their best album. It is definitely, still a five star album though
Similar Groups or Artists:
Hagalaz Runedance, Loreena McKennit, Enya, Rhea's Obsession
Free Music Review: Awesome Modern Medieval Music
Hit: 5 Stars
This cd is excellent and has become one of my favorite Blackmore's Night Cds and I have all of them. This cd is Modern Medieval music with a touch of rock,instead of Rock with a touch of Medieval which some rock artist tried to do but ultimately failed for fear of rejection from their fans. Ritchie Blackmore has taken rock music to a land where no other rock artist would dare tread. And he has done it very well and has earned my applause repeatedly. Ghost Of A Rose is simply brilliant and original. so what if they did their own versions of other songs, after all this is done in the rock world all too often as well, so why criticize him for it? I love the addition of the buzzing Kazoo sounds on this cd, it gives the music and even more authentic feel of the medieval ages, and it is done very tastefully. There is not a sour song on the entire cd. Though i love all the songs on the cd, my favorites are Mr Peagram's Morris and Sword, Nur Eine Minute, Ghost Of A Rose, Queen For A Day Pt 1and2, Cartouche, 3 Black Crows and Way to Mandalay. The bonus video track is awesome as well. The visuals are a long awaited welcome. We want more Ritchie and Candice, How about a live DVD for our collections. I highly recommend this cd as well as all the rest of their cd's to anyone who likes Medieval/Renaissance type music.
Free Music Review: A Maturing Sound
Hit: 5 Stars
Blackmore's Night has done it again. This CD contains many outstanding tracks; Candice Night's voice has only gotten smoother, the lyrics better, and Ritchie has retained his magic. "Way to Mandalay" is the first released single from the album, and as a bonus the CD includes the video for the song. The song begins enticingly slow and quickly builds to a story of searching, with a strong emphasis on vocals by Candice Night."Diamonds and Rust", written by Joan Baez, is one of the other standout tracks. The heartfelt piece focuses on the resurfaced memories of old loves, and Night carries it off well.
"Ghost of a Rose" is the title track, and fits into the album well as a story about everlasting love. "Ivory Tower" interlaces a haunting chant throughout the song and tells the tale of self-imprisonment.
Faster-paced songs that really grab my attention on the album are "Rainbow Blues", which Ritchie does an excellent job with instrumentally, and "Lorelay", a rousing song about the siren that lured sailors to their deaths.
There are three short instrumentals on the album: "Queen for a Day (Part II)", "Nur Eine Minute", and "Mr. Peagram's Morris and Sword."
There are no boring songs on this album. If you're a Blackmore's Night fan, this CD is a must for your collection.