loreena mckennitt

Loreena McKennitt’s stunning performance with Sarah McLachlan, Andrea Corr, Hayley Westenra, Jana Mashonee, Amy Petty.

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O Holy night performed at Carnegie Hall, November 30, 2012. Artists (L to R): Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, Andrea Corr, Hayley Westenra, Jana Mashonee, Amy Petty. Concert given for the Golden Hat Foundation. Learn more at http://www.goldenhatfoundation.org/

Just the other day, a video got the attention of Celticists because it features Loreena McKennitt performing with another Canadian superstar Sarah McLachlan. There were other performers like Andrea Corr, Hayley Westenra(who appeared in Celtic Woman), Jana Mashonee and Amy Petty onstage. But you would agree this is a revealing moment. It’s been around since 2012 but it’s a recent knowledge for me. I noticed how Loreena’s voice soared above the rest. They are all good, and yes they are all superstars in their own field but check out the comments and you’d agree that Loreena McKennitt gave a stunning live performance! As one millenial remarked: She slayed them all.

To Drive The Cold Winter Away Revisited

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To Drive The Cold Winter Away is Loreena McKennitt’s second album after 1985’s Elemental. At this point, she has already gathered fervent followers. This was also a period in her career when she was still selling albums from the trunk of her car. She was also basking around Toronto to promote her songs.

With a background in theater, McKennitt possesses a dramatic and powerful voice suited for live performance.That voice was still in its pristine period in this recording. To Drive The Cold Winter Away retains the simplicity of old carols and the natural sounds that add a distinctive touch to this album.

According to her Wikipedia page, this album ” pays homage to her childhood memories of music for the winter season, the most vivid of which “came from songs and carols recorded in churches or great halls, rich with their own unique ambience and tradition.”

One of the standout tracks is Snow with lyrics by Canadian poet Archibald Lampman -17 November 1861 – 10 February 1899.

The Journey So Far-The Best of Loreena McKennitt

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The Journey So Far (The Best of Loreena McKennitt) might initially make you think that it is another compilation album. It is indeed a collection of her best songs spanning a career which started in the mid-80s. I listened to the double CD and there are tracks that have been altered. There are songs that get shortened. For example, the Lady of Shallot which is originally more than ten minutes has been trimmed to just above four minutes.

There are also new arrangements of album tracks like in the case of The Old Ways. The sound of drums and other instruments have been removed while others are thrown in front of the mix. Still, there are more songs in The Journey So Far that are different from what you originally heard in the album versions. I am glad for the inclusion of The Mummer’s Dance(radio edit) and other singles.

My personal favorite is a different take on Full Circle( from The Mask and the Mirror) in which though maintaining her powerful singing, the CODA has a rhythmic, almost reggae feel. Though there are those who might find contentment in their old McKennitt collections, new as well as die-hard fans will definitely enjoy this album.

The selling point in all her releases is always her amazing voice. Check out her live songs and you will know that she can carry a tune with exquisite technique inside and outside of the studio. There are many musicians who can reach her vocal range but to have an amazing technique within an already fascinating voice is a rare gift.

You can buy the album in different formats including the delicious vinyl through her Quinlan Road store:

http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/thejourneysofar.asp

Make Way for Ranagri

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Jean Kelly , Eliza Marshall , Tad Sargent and Donal Rogers

Jean Kelly , Eliza Marshall , Tad Sargent and Donal Rogers

I wrote a post about flutist Eliza Marshall two years ago. Now she is part( playing the Flutes/Whistles/Guitar) of Folk/Acoustic/World band based in London called Ranagri. They are currently recording their debut album. You can listen to two of their singles Sad Songs and the amazing cover of The House Carpenter.

It took me one listen to Donal Rogers and that’s it. He has a warm and friendly voice. There are Celticky instruments like the Harp,Electric Harp and Piano played by Jean Kelly. Tad Sargent  adds the Irish spice with his   Bodhran, Bouzouki and Whistles.

Their music video for Sad Songs is really fantastic. It really represents the dazzling sound of Ranagri. I am excited to hear the new album. Check out the youtube sampler below. I already predicted my future favorites from the album.

 

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Loreena McKennitt releases The Journey So Far
The Best of Loreena McKennitt

After 30 years in the music business(and running her own company Quinlan Road) The Journey So Far will prove to be a retrospective and interesting ‘music book’ covering her songs that span continents and culture. Ms McKennitt has always created ‘global’ Celtic music fusing different ethnic styles but still true to her folk roots. To get an in-depth info here is the link: http://www.quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/thejourneysofar.asp

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If you haven’t yet check out my latest Podcast!

http://old.mixcloud.com/thecelticmusicfan/the-baxteria-podcast-21/

The Baxteria Podcast #17

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Hello friends. New tunes are up plus more emphasis on Christmas music in my Celtic music show. As for the indie variety, I am featuring tunes from Radio Happy Music Compilation for the Haiyan​/​Yolanda Victims.
Visit www.celticmusicfan.com

www.spheremusic.me

and www.radiohappy.eu

Celtic Music

Loreena McKennitt-The Seven Rejoices of Mary
Tara O’Grady-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Enya-Amid the Falling Snow
Cherish the Ladies-Deck the Halls
Larry Kirwan feat. Ashley Davis-Happy Christmas
The Celtic Tenors-Silent Night
Damien Dempsey-Oh Holy Night

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Indie variety
Ade Hodges-Short Drone for Tacloban
Among the Echoes-Feels like Heaven
Xan Alexander-Klausified
Flight-Strange Little Girl
Heliophile-Nebula
Samuel Smith-The Way of the World