Search - Stonecircle :: Alchemy

Music of transmuting beauty

The Pirate King | 03/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Stonecircle is a Celtic folk band based in Utah. Alchemy is their second album, and after several playings I have to say it seems a most appropriate name. Founder George Schoemaker, lead singer Lauren Buffington-Jones, flautist Nina Cooley, fiddler Krista Baker and harper Irminsul, working together, create a whole which is considerably more than the sum of its parts. Like the ardently sought philosopher's stone, their collective touch transforms sound into gold.Fans of Loreena McKennitt and Silly Wizard should find much to like about Stonecircle's sound, as it combines some of the traditional sound of the latter and the cross-cultural modernity of the former. This is not to say Stonecircle is just another derivative folk band--indeed, their sophomore work seems to have only strengthened and sharpened the distinctive sound which was already beginning to emerge in their debut album.The tracks are a seamless mix of traditional folk tunes and originals written by Schoemaker. The subject matter is often as intelligent and interesting as the music--a ballad to Sir Thomas More, a folktale sung in Breton--and the sweet collaboration of instruments is matched by the purity of Buffington-Jones' clear, expressive soprano voice.All told, Stonecircle may be the best thing to come out of Utah since the 2002 Olympics. Highly recommended."