The
latest album from LLewellyn Moonlore is meant to take
the listener on a musical adventure tale into history,
reconstructing one of the legendary druidistic games
that took palce upon the full moon adjoining Samhain.
Regardless, it again features stunning vocal work by
Julianna and, written in a new age music style, can
be closely compared in to music by Enya, Miriam Stockley
and Shanon (Celtic Classics I and II, vocals by Leslie
Dowdall). Woodwind sounds and vocal layers contribute
significantly to the relaxing nature of the music. The
album is comprised of nine tracks divided between instrumental
and lyrical numbers.
His
latest album combines the artist's signature keyboard
textures with Uillean pipes, Irish Whistles, guitars,
piano, flutes and Celtic skin drums. Layers of Juliana's
vocals and Tori Donovon's recorders help transport
the listener away into a mysterious and romantic world
of ancient landscapes.
The
album actually includes a "celebration of the
feminine and the Triple Goddess of druidic lore"
and "includes specially composed 'working' tracks
("The Maiden," "The Mother" and
"The Crone") suitable for use during ritual
at full time or other events on the pagan and personal
calendar." While that may be a bit more than
what Musical Discoveries regular readers look for,
the album indeed contains some lovely music.
Moonlore
documents the trials and tests of one such druidic
student, highlighting ativities with some of the chant
and vocals that may have played a part in such a test.The
album's first lyrical track "The Chill Wind"
is an epic illustration of the artist's intent effectively
blending keyboard, traditional instrumentation and
layers of evocative vocals. The stunning track "Sky
Fire" most features Juliana's vocals. It is a
lyrical number and she is most closely compared to
Miriam Stockley, while airs of Enya can also be imagined
in this number. This captivating track (and highlight
of the album) for us features a lovely solo lead vocal
while layers are used in the choruses to add further
texture. Llewellyn noted, "I wanted the song
"Skyfire" to capture the moment when the
young maiden is trying to overcome her fears and remember
her lessons to help her win the wild hunt; the sky
fire refers to the lightning (aka Mandragora's spirit)
that poses a challenge to the young druid. As you
listen, you will note that the tracks integrate the
key natural elements of wind, sea, fire and stone,
all utilized in the manner done thousands of years
ago."
Llewellyn's
latest album Moonlore is a lovely collection of instrumental
and vocalise tracks certain to bring relaxation to
its listeners. A lovely booklet accompanies the compact
disc with thumbnail photographs of the artists. The
album is available from both local shops and online
sources although at this writing it is not listed
at amazon.com ......... Drama develops as the album
unfolds and while we would have enjoyed a few more
lyrical numbers like "Sky Fire" we found
the album to be refreshing in its combination of instrumentation
and vocalise. Certain to appeal to fans of Enya, Miriam
Stockley, and Maggie Reilly this album is worthy of
further exploration and is a very nice listen!
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