Northsound - Celtic Renaissance (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Smooth sailing

Martha Albert | Baker,La. USA | 09/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some friends introduced me to this tape. It was so relaxing that my husband went right to sleep. I enjoyed the calming effect it had on us. I have recommened it to several friends and plan on playing my copy (when I get it)for them so they can get a taste of it. I have heard a lot of mood tapes and so far this one has grabed me the smoothest."

Magical!

Brianna Neal | USA | 10/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a re-release of an early album by Lisa Lynne (then known as Lisa Lynne Franco) and friends. The original recording (available through Lisa Lynne's website) was entitled "Faerie Tales," and is actually one of my favorites of her releases. In its new setting, the same music is now set against a light background of birdsong and running water, ocean surf and thunder. The songs themselves are mostly the same, though the order of the cuts has been rearranged, and several of the old ones replaced by several new ones that are just as nice. But the music is still great--traditional and new tunes, festively and deftly improvised by a lush combination of instruments. Lisa Lynne on harps and mandolin and George Tortorelli on winds and percussion are featured, and are joined by violin, arch lute, gamba, cello, more winds and more percussion. (On the original CD, the musicians are amusingly billed as "The Elfin Love Tribe") Though this intricate music certainly can stand on its own, the nature sounds don't spoil or overpower it. They're a pleasant enough addition, nicely suited to this playful music. With our without the animals, water and thunder, don't miss these enjoyable and clever arrangements. They are delightfully light-hearted. And if you like this CD, try the work of the harpists (Roger) Calverley or Thomas Loefke (with his group Norland Wind) too, and also Cantiga, another group that combines Renaissance and folk elements in a similar style to that of Lisa Lynne.

"

A Great Buy

NascarDuo | Davie, Florida USA | 04/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best and most authinic recordings we have found. We recomend this to all who enjoy renaissance music."

The Rebirth of Celtic Mystique

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 03/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you close your eyes when you first listen to this CD, you will be immersed in the sounds of rain drops splashing into puddles in the middle of an enchanted forest. Scarborough Faire is a blend of pure, authentic sounds from nature blended with captivating instrumental music.

This CD is enhanced with Theater Surround Sound! Cutting edge technology is used to deliver a theater-like surround sound listening experience. It is quite amazing really and the sounds will transport you from reality into a land of fantasy.

Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne first discovered the Celtic harp at a Renaissance Faire in 1985. When she spotted the Celtic harps, she froze in her tracks. Once she started to play she was completely smitten. The harp then became the center of her world. She has since dreamed of bringing the Celtic, Renaissance, and ancient music style to a new generation.

Her love of folk sounds also led her to play the guitar and mandolin. On this album she also plays the mandolin. She is almost musically married to the harp, as she seems to be able to entice caressingly beautiful melodies from the strings.

Through her music she hopes to inspire and comfort the heart. The chemistry between all the artists is inspiring. George Tortorelli (Bamboo flutes, recorders, penny whistles, panpipe, balalaika, bamboo sticks, hand drums, shakers, jinglesword), Mary Barton (Violin), Susan Craig Winsberg (Wooden Irish flute, recorders), Michael Eagan (Renaissance Arch Lute), Mark Chatfield (Viola de Gamba), Jim McGraff (Bodhran, spoons, bells, hand drums), Andrew Gold (Chime bell, djembe, shakers, hand percussion), John Boegehold (Soundscapes and special effects), Gilberto "Gil" Morales (Cello) and Steve Reid (Percussion) join Lisa to create audible enchantment.

Sprightly melodies are each embellished with the sounds of the surf, rain, forest and its creatures.

Scarborough Faire - Rain in a forest. Sets the mood.

Kemp's Jig - Mocking birds, Rosebreasted grosbeak and Northern Orioles.

Fanny Power - Mystical and romantic journey along the ocean with surf, songbirds and a coastal stream.

Douce Dame Jolie - Wind and Ravens. Has a certain depth about it that is intoxicating.

Dance de Bacio - A light spring storm with blackbirds, southern leopard frogs, a Limpkin and other creatures. Playful with a sad note of longing.

Now, Oh Now, I Needs Must Part - Forests at dawn with songbirds. Captures a feeling

of regret and passion, so romantic!

Greensleeves - Rhythmic ocean surf. You might as well be sitting at the beach, it is that real!

Queen of May - Sounds of a bicycle, meadowlarks, crickets, honeybees and a distant church bell.

Road to Kaylee - Ring doves and mourning doves in a garden with water sounds.

Borou's March - A village square with Clark's nutcrackers, grasshoppers and robins.

Carolyn's Welcome - Ocean Tide Pool. Hopeful and inviting.

Cucanandy - Grey catbirds, purple finches and a rambling brook. Mesmerizing.

Music to listen to while imagining you are living in a castle by the sea.

"People are like stained glass windows, they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." -Lisa Lynne

~The Rebecca Review"

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