Search - La Nef :: Music for Joan the Mad

Music to lie down and die to

C. B. Newman | Brisbane, QLD Australia | 03/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When one finds an ensemble of musicians who have chosen a time and a place to honour, or replicate, or interpret with skillful passion, take note and investigate for yourself what distant scenery could inspire artists so.Joan The Mad deserves such respect. I hardly review or rate albums, but this particular one deserves a notation. The album begins on a sordid note that is the doorway to an ancient place of exotic sounds blended with classical givens. The Moors have made their mark on this Iberian album that gives a sense of ancient Arabian masters feasting with their Spanish hosts.Pause to open this doorway and enter a forgotten time and listen to music classical in genre, yet forever a stranger to the ears."

Almost perfect...

elahod | Seattle, WA | 12/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy early music, and you are not a purist, but just looking for pleasure, you must get this CD. This is NOT the music that Colombus was playing while sailing across the Atlantic. No. This music is the smartest artifice, the most intelligent mix of powerful rhythms and cultural influences. Get it."

Enter another world...

elahod | 05/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. Few CDs have ever struck me as much as La Nef's "Music for Joan the Mad" has. It was the album that introduced me to this remarkable group that recreates medieval music so we can hear it today."Music for Joan the Mad" would be categorized as "Spanish Classical". During this time (around the late 15th century) Spain was at its height, and the music was very regal and flowing, also influenced by Arab traditions. Indeed there are many Arab influences on this album, from the beautiful instruments (I think I heard an oud on one of the tracks) to the wonderful vocals. La Nef has truly recreated the glory days of Spain.Whenever I hear this CD (and that is often), I always imagine myself walking through a 15th Century Spanish castle, the stone walls echoing with the plucks of guitars and the melodies of a soprano. If you're even remotely interested in transporting yourself back in time, listen to the sample tracks and buy the CD. You won't regret it..."