Search - Ariane Lydon :: Still She Moves

Stirring in My Joy

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ariane Lydon's 3rd CD "Still She Moves" is beautiful and elegant. She writes her own material except for the traditional "Clementine." Her voice has an unusual quality that is hard to describe. If Judy Collins' voice were a crystal clear stream, Ariane's voice, which is also beautiful, would have a little mud and some catfish swimming around. One of my favorite tracks is the lovely "Autumn Dance" with its bright "do-do-do" background vocals and Ariane's piano brightly plunking out this happy little melody. The instrumental "Kentucky Bourbon" with Ariane on acoustic & electric guitars, bodhran & synth is a fast-paced delight. "Moving On" bubbles with personality on this sweet little romp, "I was dancing in my seat; I was wearing out a smile; It's not the tune that I'll remember, but the moment I spent singing; I am living in my day, stirring in my joy 'til it is done." The closer, "Speechless at Ground Zero" is about as stirring and moving a musical tribute to 9/11 as could be imagined. The somber dirge laced with mourning vocals, "We'll remember all our lives," is intense and builds relentlessly for its 6-minute duration. The other tracks on the set are also strong. "Clementine" is given great energy. Ariane's music is classy folk, elegant, provocative and lived-in. Enjoy!"