Celtic Woman - A New Journey
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Free Music Notes for A New Journey
Free Music Review: Voices of the angels
Hit: 5 Stars
Celtic Woman is back in a refreshing new album, rivaling, if not surpassing, their previous work. Once again, recurring themes of nature, destiny, history, heritage and love are infused with Celtic melodies to make this music timeless and classic. And don't discount the fantastic arrangement by David Downes. His genius is clearly exhibited in the orchestral and choral background for the songs, as well as song selection.
Describing this music is a hopeless task; if the words were sufficient, we wouldn't need the music. But I'll try.
1. The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun:
Begins with the lush, evocative strains of mystery and exotic nostalgia as only Celtic styles can weave. The music is enriched as the five vocals (Chloë, Órla, Lisa, Méav and newcomer Hayley) join their voices into a spectacular blossoming melody of morning and dawn, of newness and awakening.
In a musical interlude, the wondrous violinist Máiréad takes charge with her rapturous performance. To listen to her is not enough. To fully understand her talent (indeed, the talent of the entire group) you have to buy the DVD or catch a viewing on PBS. Máiréad is a fleet-footed fairy similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's character Tinuviel. She dances and darts about the stage, bounding from one end to the other, flinging her flaxen hair to and fro, kicking up her heels. All the while she is playing, her hands moving almost faster than the human eye can follow, sawing the bow across the strings, eliciting fast-paced melodies beyond the scope of human imagination. There is almost a devilish glint of innocent mischief in her eyes and smile as she dances.
In short, the first song is the perfect opening track to reintroduce us to the Celtic Woman reverie.
2. The Prayer
A song that fits its name; a simple prayer for guidance and aid. Chloë's voice has clearly matured since the previous album.
3. Newgrange
As with "Harry's Game" from the previous album, the mystical, foreboding songs are entrusted to Órla's voice, the deepest of the group. In this case, the song is of a secret place filled with the memory of heroic kings and druids.
4. Over The Rainbow
The classic song is given a unique "a cappella" interpretation by all of the vocals sans Lisa. I've never been particularly fond of the piece, but the group does an excellent, almost lullaby-like rendition of the song, worth repeating.
5. Granuaile's Dance
A solo performance by Máiréad that is half traditional Irish music, half lively dancing music.
6. The Blessing
Solo by Lisa, a soft, simple song of love and devotion, blessings imparted to one's significant other.
7. Dúlaman
A song dominated by percussion and something we haven't heard much of before, male-dominant background vocals and even a brief male solo. Otherwise, the song is a solo by Méav in Gaelic. The translation has something to do with Irish seaweed and courtship. Don't expect to make much sense of it; just sit back and enjoy.
8. Beyond The Sea
A far more ethereal rendition of the song frequently appearing in movies such as Finding Nemo or Apollo 13. Possibly the best version I've yet heard, speaking to future love and rest from one's weary travels.
9. The Last Rose of Summer
Hayley's first solo, this is Thomas Moore's poem set to music. The arrangement is more operatic and classical than Celtic.
10. Caledonia
One of the top three on the CD. It is another solo from Lisa, and there is just something about this song you just can't put your finger on. It is filled with warmth, love and romance, and the higher calling of "Caledonia" (the romanticized name for Scotland).
11. Laschia Ch'io Pianga
Another operatic solo from Hayley, the song is somewhat repetitive and the melody is monotonous. (Blame Handel.) Probably one of the more uninteresting tracks. It does not even correspond to the sadness that the translated lyrics suggest. It's still good, just not phenomenal.
12. Carrickfergus
A quiet ballad from Órla (accompanying herself on the harp), a nostalgic song of bygone days in the Irish town of Carrickfergus.
13. Vivaldi's Rain
Another very classical piece sung by Chloë. The song is translated as a prayer to the Lord for guidance, but this time because the singer has fallen in love.
14. The Voice
One of the most hauntingly beautiful, fast-paced tracks of the CD, "The Voice" speaks to the past of Ireland. Transcending time, "the voice" is of nature, of history, of both past, present and future, with all the sadness and glories of both. Hence, the song is both promising and melancholy. With the mournful violin and the harsh percussion mixed with Lisa's crystal clear voice, there's no denying this is one of the top songs of the album.
15. Scarborough Fair
A decidedly unhappy song, it is the third solo exceptionally performed by Hayley. She has clearly earned her place in the group. The song is abbreviated from the original, which is a woebegone tale of sundered lovers.
16. Mo Ghile Mear
"Now the time has come to leave / Keep the flame and still believe / Know that love will shine through darkness / One bright star to light the wave."
An excellent closing song performed by the entire group, consisting of both English and Gaelic lyrics, a song of happy farewell much resembling "The Soft Goodbye" from the previous album.
In closing, let me just say, there's a reason this group has spent more than a year on the top of the world record charts. Their music transcends individual styles. The arrangements are appealing. In the performers, talent is manifested in celestial voices and radiant countenance. You're out of excuses. Buy the album. Or the deluxe. Still further, buy the DVD.
Free Music Review: Perfect!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD was absolutely perfect. The singers were fantastic and of course, Mairead was also.
Here's what I think.
Chloe Agnew ~ Chloe has such a pure voice. She is completely on pitch and has a very soft voice. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her solos. Her voice was made in heaven I'd say.
Meav Ni Mhalchotha ~ Pure voice!! Wonderful. Her solos were amazing. Her relaxing voice calmed me in a certain way.
Lisa Kelly ~ Fantastic!! I love her voice. She was awesome. Her solos were relaxing and uplifting. I will listen to her solos over and over again.
Orlagh Fallon ~ Such a peaceful sound. What amazing talent she has. Her solos were calming and uplifting. That's all I can say. Awesome!!!
Hayley Westenra ~ Her voice was on pitch but for some reason, I wasn't as crazy for her voice.
Mairead Nesbitt ~ She was so fun in this CD. Her Irish spirit totally made her music amazing. I love her solos and will listen to them again.
The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun ~ Fantastic song!! I loved the beginning; very soft then turned out to be this big opening. David Downes (the musical director) was fantastic in arranging this song.
The Prayer ~ Chloe did a wonderful job. Her voice is pure and high pitched. It's just beautiful in this song.
Newgrange ~ What should I say? Wonderful!!
Over the Rainbow ~ Great voices; pure and beautiful.
Granuaile's Dance ~ Irish spirited fun!!! Mairead was awesome!!!
The Blessing ~ Lisa's voice was fantastic on this song. Very relaxing. Loved it!!!
Dulaman ~ I don't know what Meav is saying, but anyways, it was so fun with excellent drumming.
Beyond the Sea ~ Pure and beautiful!!
The Last Rose of Summer ~ So soothing I almost fell asleep!!! Beautiful voices of Meav and Hayley.
Caledonia ~ Lisa, your voice is so beautiful!!! It fits this song.
Lascia Ch'io Pianga ~ Sorry, I'm not crazy about this song. I thought it was boring.
Carrickfergus ~ Orla was awesome. Her beautiful voice along with her harp accompaniment made this song beautiful.
Vivaldi's Rain ~ Delicate voice on a pure and beautiful song!!!
The Voice ~ Lovely!! Lisa's voice definitely fit this song.
Scarborough Fair ~ Hayley, I'm not quite as fond of your voice, but I loved you on this song!!
Mo Ghile Mear ~ Excellent finale to complete this song. I loved this!! The drums were awesome and so were the voices.
Well, here I am blabbing for I don't know how long. I hope you didn't get sick of this long review. I highly recommend this CD and all of my comments proved that!!! Buy the CD, sit back, and relax!! The songs with take you away!!!!!!
Free Music Review: A "new fan" takes to the Celtic Woman Phenomenon.
Hit: 5 Stars
These DVDs are available in our local library for a three day check out. I thought, well, I will check them out and watch them sing. I never knew that I would be totally overcome with these singers, composer, Mr. David Downes and the incredible Mairead, the Irish whirlwind that you "can't get enough of" to quote David Downes. I immediately had to order my own copies and developed a following of each one of them because they are so uniquely different and equally mesmerizing. The songs literally soar into your consciousness and I agree with some of the reviewers that some of the songs may not be top choices as far as material goes-who cares, though.
The incomprable Maeve may be singing, or that Crystal voice from heaven, Chloe may be issueing her notes with those eyes of expression that tell you the words and sentiments are real...Or the fantastic with-out peer, Lisa Kelly transporting you to places in Ireland or Scotland( I have her Audio CD-it is sensational)or the exquisite Orla Fallon playing her harp and singing of Ireland, or Away in a manger, or Shuil A Run-she's magnificent and can show Joy on her face that has no parallel. So with the gifts that these women have, the shaping and molding and fashioning of David Downs, the tapestry weaving of Mairead you have a musical experience like nothing you have ever experienced before, so I can understand how audiences the world over have taken to them. I recommend you buy and watch the DVDs first, and then order all the Audio CD's that each of them have made. Don't forget to purchase Hayley Westernra's DVD also because there is another phenomenal voice from New Zealand and arrangements well done, but you don't crave to watch hers over and over
like you do the Celtic Woman. It was wonderful she joined them at Slane Castle. I would say why wait, purchase the dvds and then the Audio CD's of any of the CW, you will not be disappointed.Maybe you can keep from getting the So called C W O D( Celtic Woman Obsessive Disorder) but I seriously doubt it if you have any music instrumental or vocal in your back ground!
Carla
Free Music Review: Great follow up
Hit: 5 Stars
A New Journey by Celtic Woman is fifty-eight minutes and fifty-six seconds long and was released on January 30, 2007. A New Journey went to #4 on the US 200 Billboard chart and was certified gold. Also A New Journey reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top Internet Albums and #1 on the U.S. Billboard World Music Albums .Celtic Woman includes a new member to the group; Hayley Westenra. Once again you have mix of tradition Irish music (sung in Gaelic), non-traditional Irish music and a few songs that have nothing to do with Irish music. Good examples are Beyond The Sea and Over The Rainbow. Still this is a great CD to listen to and I would recommend this to anybody. A New Journey by Celtic Woman gets an AAA+++.
1. The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun-Chloë Agnew/Órla Fallon/Lisa Kelly/Máiréad Nesbitt/Méav Ní Mhaolchatha/Hayley Westenra
2. The Prayer-Chloë Agnew
3. New Grange-Órla Fallon
4. Over the Rainbow-Chloë Agnew/Órla Fallon/Méav Ní Mhaolchatha/Hayley Westenra
5. Granuaile's Dance-Máiréad Nesbitt
6. The Blessing-Lisa Kelly
7. Dúlamán-Méav Ní Mhaolchatha
8. Beyond the Sea-Chloë Agnew/Órla Fallon/Lisa Kelly/Máiréad Nesbitt/Méav Ní Mhaolchatha/Hayley Westenra
9. The Last Rose of Summer-Hayley Westenra/Méav Ní Mhaolchatha
10. Caledonia-Lisa Kelly
11. Lascia Ch'io Pianga-Hayley Westenra/Máiréad Nesbitt
12. Carrickfergus-Órla Fallon
13. Vivaldi's Rain-Chloë Agnew
14. The Voice-Lisa Kelly/Máiréad Nesbitt
15. Scarborough Fair-Hayley Westenra
16. Mo Ghile Mear-Chloë Agnew/Órla Fallon/Lisa Kelly/Máiréad Nesbitt/Méav Ní Mhaolchatha/Hayley Westenra
Free Music Review: Heavenly
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm rather fond of the ladies. To moi, there is nothing more appealing, alluring, soothing, gratifying, satisfying, hypnotic or sensuous than a woman's voice in song--a voice as distinct, gentle, and clear as a bell on a brisk winter morning. The Celtic Women lasses aptly fit my perception of lusty damsels seducing me in song, and their A NEW JOURNEY CD is hotter than Halle Berry in a see-through catsuit.
This CD is a compilation of outstanding Old and New World music, augmented by an orchestra second to none. Chloe, Orla, Lisa, Meav, and Hayley sing solo--or blend in delicate, outstanding harmony--a heady variety of songs: from "Lascia Ch'io Pianga" to "Scarborough Fair." There's even an a cappella rendition of "Over the Rainbow" that has to be heard to be believed. And then there's Mairead (you can't get more Irish than that, now can you?), the fiery, feisty blonde fiddler who can rosin up a plethora of good vibes with her dancing fingers.
With their delicious voices and extraordinary talent, the Celtic Women put on one dazzling gig. And their CD A NEW JOURNEY is seduction supreme--red hot musical Viagra.
--D. Mikels, Author, THE RECKONING