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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Two Horizons |
| By Moya Brennan |
| Label: Decca Records-Universal Music |
| Released 2/4/2004 |
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| Two Horizons tracks |
1. Show Me 
2. Bright Star
3. Change My World
4. Bi Liom
5. Is It Now (Theme)
6. Falling
7. Tara
8. Ancient Town
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9. Show Me (Theme)
10. Sailing Away
11. River
12. Is It Now
13. Mothers of the Desert
14. Harpsong
15. Two Horizons
16. (*Bonus Track) Show Me (Jakatta Mix)
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A Celtic Quest |
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Many of us know Moya Brennan as Maire, the sister of New Age diva, Enya, and the ethereal voice of the highly successful Irish band Clannad. Clannad has sold more than ten million records worldwide as a group. Moya has released four albums on her own in the last 12 years and has had success with three of them. Her first was Maire in 1992, which allowed her Celtic voice to take solo flight. Her second was Misty Eyed Adventures and although it was palatable, it really turned out to be a potboiler, sort of a modern day trial balloon for some MOR tracks. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi included on the album should have been parked somewhere else and not given a tip. Her third CD, Perfect Time became a highly acclaimed Celtic- flavored Contemporary Christian album. Her fourth attempt, Whisper to the Wild Water released in 1999 received a Grammy nomination.
Her new album, Two Horizons is a musical voyage with a continuing story like Danna & Danna's A Celtic Romance. Lyrics on all the tracks are by Moya and given equal billing on the music is her producer from two previous albums, Russ Callum who also adds his guitar and synthesizer talents. Ireland's darling fiddle player Maire Breatnach and English legend folk guitarist Martin Carthy also contribute masterfully to the album. To date I think this is Moya's best album.
Two Horizons is Moya's quest, if you will, for the golden harp. During her voyage, she encounters a stranger, perhaps the spirit of himself, Turlough O'Carolan that tells her that she might help restore the balance in the world by recovering the magical harp that once played in the halls of Tara's kings. The harp can resonate in the hearts of all and restore Truth, Justice and Peace. We, as the listeners, are her companions and witnesses to her trials. Through her music we feel her compassion and sorrow, and finally, her triumph.
All the songs carry Moya's hauntingly beautiful vocals that are softer than emerald silk and that have become her trademark. The music on the CD echoes the Clannad tradition of acoustical accomplishment with the addition of bit more percussion than I have been used to, but good nonetheless. The use of synthesized overlays and a small ensemble orchestra do not detract from the overall traditional feel of the CD. If you play the CD on a computer, you will be delighted with a behind the scenes look at the making of the music, a beautiful short story by Brian Keenan about Turlough O'Carolan's life, and a opulent gallery of still shots.
Used throughout the album as a theme, the first cut, Show Me is layered with Moya's otherworldly vocal creations that seem to hover just below the subconscious. The song surfaces several times during our journey. The cuts Tara, Ancient Town, and the title cut Two Horizons are lush with traditional instruments and again, soft sensuous vocalizations. Tara is without a doubt the best track on the album. Notably Harp Song is a melancholy lament celebrating the discovery of the elusive harp. I believe that when you hear some musical passages they have movement. This song represents flow, a slow achingly sweet movement that soothes the heart and unchains the spirit.
Overall, Two Horizons is everything I like in a Celtic music album. The wraithlike voices, the gentle acoustic melodies and the respect to the Celtic spirit make this album one I will listen to for a long time. |
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Rating: Excellent  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 2/14/2004 |
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