 |
 |
|
 |
|
The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Celtic Passage |
| By Deirdre Ní Chinnéide |
| Label: Sounds True |
| Released 5/8/2007 |
|
| Celtic Passage tracks |
1. Forgotten
2. Celtic Passage
3. Weep with Me
4. Pieta
5. Cry to the Mountains
6. Mother
|
7. Arms of the Universe
8. Return
9. Arise My Love
10. Gratitude
11. Lie You Still
12. Si Gaoithe/Spirit Breeze
13. Síocháin/ Peace
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From the Land of Si... |
|
|
|
|
|
Celtic Passage, the new release from Deidre Ni Chinneide is a unique recording that takes some time to listen to in order to appreciate all the nuances hidden within. It is a Passion Play of a different color using the Celtic calendar as a map for our spiritual journey to an extraordinary dimension where we can explore the musical influences of the crossing.
Celtic Passage is somewhat similar to Ronan Hardiman's score for Lord of the Dance in its structure, but without all the clacking noises. Chinneide has an astonishing talent for not only unique composition and presentation, but also beautiful vocals featuring her rare Irish tenor voice. The album is sometimes simple and at other times delightfully complex with orchestration by Trevor Knight. All of the tunes are vocals that feature either solo voice or choirs, but all have lush instrumental bridges.
Samhain or Winter (for the Celtic calendar starts at the beginning of winter): The diaspora of the Celtic peoples and their fade from history are the subjects for the opening track Forgotten. A howling wind and crashing waves form the background to a song of question.
"Have you forgotten who you are?
Have you traveled so far?
No trace of ancient story
But the tragedy of stone that stands alone."
It is obvious from the very first track that the tale will be fascinating considering Deidre’s warm vocals and haunting instrumentation.
The title track Celtic Passage, is a melancholy song of the wanderer. The singer chronicles the movements of the Keltoi who land on the farthest shores of the world as far as travel would allow. Their purpose was not only to spread knowledge, but to gain it as well. The song features Deidre's sweet, intense vocal, traditional pipes and a harmonious chorus.
Imbolg or Spring: Mother is one of the most touching cuts on Celtic Passage. It is a heartfelt prayer to Mary, the Divine Mother who has the ear and heart of the Savior. Chinneide poignant plaint is joined by the harmonious choral group The Children of Scoil, Inis Oirr.
One of my favorite tracks on the album is called Arms of the Universe. It is one of those songs that have a ring of familiarity to it and I was reminded of a tune by Al Stewart (Year of the Cat) called Merlin's Time. With outstanding keyboards by Alan Smale, the song is a timeless tale of misunderstanding between two lovers and the eternal search for a common bond, a common understanding and a common love.
Bealtaine or Summer: Arise My Love is the sweetest of songs and the best track on the album. Prayers in English and Gaelic plead with The One to allow us to open our hearts and minds to find the answers. Gentle harp leads us to the Land of Si, a hidden dimension or twilight realm where shamans go to get incite on the questions that plague mortal man. We need not question how these two spiritual worlds can coexist. They just do. With this breathtaking tune we get to see a glimpse through the door.
Lughanasa or Autumn: (Also known as Harvest). The tune Spirit Breeze sounded to me like a caoineadh or a lament. Dulcet voice, sad lyric and woeful music form a song of blossoming beauty with mournful guitar and forlorn penny whistle. Yes, sad all around, but beautiful nonetheless. Another favorite.
Finally and appropriately, Peace. Our journey has been long and arduous for it has lasted a lifetime. At last, like the seasons, we come full circle and we are better for the journey. We have found understanding, tranquility and love.
Celtic Passage is a performance piece in the making. The reverent theme, the Celtic music and the enchanting vocals all lend themselves to a recording that is completely enjoyable on every level. Deidre Ni Chinneide has produced a tour de force that we will be hearing about in the near future. I must call my contact man at the Abbey Theater. This is going on my Top Ten 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating: Excellent  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 9/5/2007 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
