Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- Farewell 3:56
- Eastlander 4:01
- Diamond Dance 2:37
- Women of Ireland 4:15
- Deirdre of the Sorrows 4:53
- Windhorse 3:04
- Sweet Rain 4:26
- Skyeboat Song 5:36
- Origins 3:32
- Lassie with the Golden Hair 3:10
- Ancient Pines 3:34
- Sky 7 4:45
- Spirit Evermore 2:56
- Deep Peace 3:23
|
- Celtic Twilight is inspired by the swirling mists and the verdant hills of the Celtic landscape and the matchless folk music of Ireland, Scotland and beyond. With its poignant slow airs and brilliant dances, the compilation transports you to a dreamlike world. Celtic Twilight was the title given by William Butler Yeats to an 1893 book of stories and reminiscences of his Irish homeland. Like the musicians presented here, the young poet longed to reconnect with what was even for him a vanishing world. Celtic music sings of this world, embracing the extremes of a joyous society in its rollicking dances and sombre introspection in its mournful airs and ballads. Suffused by centuries of suffering, redeemed by infinite beauty - it has captured the hearts and lifted the spirits of hundreds of generations of listeners.
Hearts of Space was introduced to this tradition by BILL DOUGLAS, who sought to recreate these feelings in a modern musical language on each of his three HOS albums. New Zealander Steve McDonald came next, exploring his Scottish roots with a new progressive style; MYCHAEL DANNA, a Canadian with no Celtic blood, nevertheless composed lavishly orchestrated pieces in the Celtic mode on each of his records; and when pianist John Boswell included a beautiful Scottish folk song on his album, we began to hear a natural compilation in the making.
With the expert help of co-producer AL EVERS, we completed the collection with selections by six established artists working in or around the Celtic tradition. If this is your introduction to their work, youll find their individual records highly rewarding and the venerable Celtic genre an inexhaustible treasure house of wonderful music.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 2
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- For Eamonn 6:49 (MP3)
- Highstep 2:58
- The Journey Home 4:16
- Tonight My Sleep WIll Be Restless 2:55
- Women of Ireland 5:03
- The Hills of Home 7:20
- Scotland the Brave 4:52
- Sons of Eisnech 3:08
- The Black Rose 4:35
- Snow 5:40
- The MacKenzie Lullaby 3:02
- Inishbofin 4:16
- Wayfarer 4:22
|
- Here's the sequel to our hit compilation Celtic Twilight. It's another journey to the timeless place where whistles and fiddles, harps and pipes, guitar and piano play in a fantastic landscape of synthesizers and electronic woodwinds. To our great delight, our first compilation in this series became an international hit: over a year on Billboard's Top New Age Albums chart and still counting, the #1 Indie New Age Album of the Year! Inspired by the warm appreciation pouring our way, we set out to create an even better sequel. Once again we had the expert help of co-producer Al Evers, who patiently sought out source material from artists in four countries, then pitched in to help craft the sequence.
We've been fortunate to attract some of the luminaries of Celtic music. Their dedication to the authentic spirit of the tradition has guided them as they define a modern style with all the charm, grace and humanity of the acoustic originals. With this new sound the venerable Celtic genre is moving into the mainstream of contemporary music, and into the hearts and spirits of generations to come.
NIGHTNOISE
"For Eamonn" (6:48)
This U.S. based 'Celtic chamber supergroup' with three Irish members and one Scottish have recorded six albums for Windham Hill. Their unique style features original compositions and complex arrangements with a deeply emotional Celtic sound.
Bill Douglas
"Highstep" (2:56)
Scotch-Irish descended and Boulder, Colorado-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Douglas treads a hybrid path built on Celtic, African, Indian, Jazz and Classical influences. His four Hearts of Space recordings include the popular Jewel Lake and Circle of Moons.
John Doan
"The Journey Home" (4:15)
Portland, Oregon 'harp' guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, storyteller and TV host Doan revives the sound and the spirit of historic instruments on his recordings and popular Holiday television specials. His latest release is Wrapped in White (HS11055), a nostalgic recreation of Victorian Christmas music.
ALASDAIR FRASER & PAUL MACHLIS
"Tonight My Sleep Will Be Restless" (2:56)
California is now home to top Scottish fiddler Fraser. American keyboardist Machlis is a long time member of the Berkeley Scottish Players and a frequent recording partner. This aire is from a collection by the 18th century tax collector and song writer Capt. Simon Fraser.
DEISEAL
"Mn na hireann (Women of Ireland)" (5:01)
Deiseal is a rising Irish trio representing the new wave of instrumental music that is freer than ever before in expressing the timeless values of Celtic culture. This is their touching version of the classic ballad by The Chieftains' Sean O'Riada.
Kevin Braheny & Tim Clark
"The Hills of Home" (7:20)
Recalling his Irish background, Braheny composed this tune for his father. Expressive playing on the Steiner EWI exemplifies his approach to humanized electronic music. Tim Clark is a veteran electronic musician and a versatile, creative composer. Both artists have previous releases on Hearts of Space.
STEVE McDONALD
"Scotland the Brave" (4:51)
New Zealand's leading electronic keyboard artist has an early release on Hearts of Space (Spinfield, HS11012), and has produced a concept album, called Sons of Sommerled, tracking his Scottish ancestors back to the time of the Vikings.
Mychael Danna
"Sons of Eisnech" (3:06)
Toronto-based film and spacemusic composer Danna has scored several films for director Atom Egoyan, as well as two solo albums and a collaboration with Tim Clement for Hearts of Space. This piece is from a forthcoming album with brother Jeff Danna called A Celtic Tale.
Joanie Madden
"The Black Rose"
(Roisin Dubh) (4:35)
A second generation Irish American from New York, Madden maintains an amazingly busy schedule recording and performing solo and as a member of the all-woman Celtic group CHERISH THE LADIES. Her superb playing was also heard on the original Celtic Twilight compilation. She is working on a 1996 solo release for Hearts of Space.
LOREENA McKENNITT
"Snow" (5:39)
Ms. McKennitt hit the mainstream in 1992 when she signed with Warner. This winter song comes from one of her three earlier albums on her own Quinlan Road label. She combines superior vocal and instrumental talents with a refined historic and literary sense in her stories and lyrics.
TALITHA MACKENZIE
"The MacKenzie Lullaby"
(Theid mi Dhachaigh) (3:01)
An American with a music and theater background who lives in Scotland, Ms. MacKenzie attracted international praise as co-founder and vocalist of the innovative duo MOUTH MUSIC. She is now pursuing a solo career.
ROBERT LEON & BILLY OSKAY
"Inishbofin" (4:34)
Leon's introduction to Celtic music was via the mouths of members of Nightnoise; he is their dentist! Under those latex gloves are the hands of a versatile musician whose experience ranges widely from orchestral percussion to jazz and ragtime piano. Former Nightnoise co-founder BILLY OSKAY is a busy producer and instrumentalist with a focus in the Celtic genre.
Jeff Johnson & BRIAN DUNNING
"Wayfarer" (4:21)
Keyboard and studio wiz Johnson has recorded numerous albums for his own Ark Records and other independent labels. This lovely song is from a forthcoming album in a series of collaborations with Nightnoise flautist Dunning, another Ireland - U.S. transplant with a background in jazz and improvised music.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 3
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- John O' Dreams 3:45 (RA)
- Castle of Dromore 4:53 (RA)
- Connamara Cradle Song 5:28 (RA)
- A Nightingale's Lullaby 3:37 (RA)
- Asleep in My Arms 3:47 (RA)
- Theid mi Dhachaigh (The MacKenzie Lullaby) 3:04
- Christina 3:33
- Lagan Love 3:23
- Suantraithe (Lullabies) 3:52
- Suantrai 2:43
- Irish Lullaby 4:33
- Lullabye 3:52
- Gartan Mother's Lullaby 4:42
- All Through the Night 5:02
|
- The latest addition to our international hit Celtic Twilght series is a splendid collection of vocal and instrumental lullabies which set an idyllic mood; deep and thoughtful lyrics keep the adult mind engaged. This might be the perfect gift for parents and children of all ages. The Celtic Twilght series ventures into the soul of the Celtic experience and offers a vision beyond boundaries. The emotional range is far-reaching: joyous dances, haunting laments, lovely airs and the pure enchantment of the feminine vocal. Now Hearts of Space producers AL EVERS and STEPHEN HILL take the next logical step in presenting Celtic Twilght 3: Lullabies, a new 14-track collection of some of the most nurturing songs in the world.
Contemporary artists from Ireland, Scotland, and the U.S. tap into the wellspring of Celtic tradition, while taking the unique ambience of the Hearts of Space style to another level. On the opening track, ARCADY's "John O'Dreams," the playful steps of BRENDAN POWER's harmonica and NIAMH PARSONS' affectionate vocals are set against a delightfully pastoral landscape of guitar, strings and woodwinds. The lyric refrain, "All things are equal when the day is done," breathes a hope-filled message to the world. The other ARCADY track, "Lullabye," featuring a wonderful vocal performance by FRANCES and MARY BLACK, supports the theme of reunication after periods of sorrow.
Four songs, newly commissioned for Lullabies, will enthrall both Celtic enthusiasts and new listeners. KATE POWER's deliciously dusky voice and delicate guitar work showcase the evocative lyrics of Castle of Dromore. Similarly, the rened folk sensibility of JULIE LAST's original "Nightingale's Lullaby," and the gentle blend of synths and harp of BARBARA HIGBIE's "Asleep in My Arms," open a path to dream-lands. Finally, a new instrumental by Jeff Johnson and BRIAN DUNNING, "All Through The Night," joins ambient strains and Celtic visions, with definite soundtrack appeal.
Roots enthusiasts will enjoy ALASDAIR FRASER's "Christina," with its charming dedication to a sweet-voiced 8-year-old Gaelic singer. This instrumental piece is carried by Fraser's rich ddle and viola. Another authentic selection is dynamic ex-Mouth Music vocalist TALITHA MACKENZIE's all Gaelic "MacKenzie Lullaby," a family standard from Scotland.
For sheer richness, choral works by Bill Douglas and ANUNA have been included. Douglas' simply titled, "Irish Lullaby" is a broad-minded, innovative piece set to a poem by 19th century poet Alfred Graves, and the enchanting, ethereal performance by the ARS NOVA SINGERS is on par with the nest of world choirs. The Irish choir Anuna's "Suantrai (Lullaby)" brings to mind the sweeping sounds of 1996's hit album Songs of Sanctuary by Adiemus.
In addition to the pieces already mentioned, stunning vocals are abundant. Noirn Ni Riain's "Suantraithe (Lullabies)" begins in an otherworldly state and slows sweetly to a deeply emotional sigh, recalling Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work." The interplay between voice and instrumentation produces moments of unmatched beauty. MAIRID SULLIVAN's Connamara Cradle Song, the source of the American folk classic "Down in the Valley," is equally strong, as Ms. Sullivan's powerful vocal complements a bold use of Uillean pipes and tin whistle.
An instrumental highlight is Todd Denham's pipes playing on WILLIAM COULTER's "Lagan Love," a calming, restful track guided by Coulter's production.
No lullaby compilation would seem complete without a contribution from children's favorite LINDA ARNOLD. Her "Gartan Mother's Lullaby" is a treasured addition, full of grace and harmony.
Hearts of Space has again succeeded in compiling some of todays finest musicians for an honest and un-gimmicked look at the new Celtic tradition. Celtic Twilght 3: Lullabies is an idyllic resting place, a world of aural healing for this generation and for many to come.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 4
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- Darklight 5:26 (RA)
- Two Shores 4:00 (RA)
- Spanish Point 4:05 (RA)
- Return to Inishmore 3:24 (RA)
- The Immigrant 6:00 (RA)
- Wild Wind 4:13
- Where Horses of Faery Hide 5:38
- Blackthorne 3:26
- Seacht Suailici 4:38
- Ou Sube a Terra 2:33
- Lament 5:35
- Glan Mor Heli 2:46
- The Drowning Plains 3:29
- White Wings 3:37
|
- Celtic Music Round the World is the theme for the 4th release in our international hit Celtic Twilight series. This collection showcases the creativity of the Celtic genre from international artists as well as those from the home sod of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Many current multi-ethnic collaborations involving Celtic musicians and instruments have brought great success to the world music arena. To no surprise, genre enthusiasts often want to search for the roots of traditional musics and for doors to various new possibilities. The Hearts of Space label has done their part in showcasing the contemporary Celtic side of the spectrum, as well as related hybrid forms, with their international hit Celtic Twilight series. Celtic Planet, a 14-song compilation of Celtic-based songs by an multi-ethnic cast of musicians, is their latest offering.
Like its predecessor Lullabies, Celtic Twilight 4: CelticPlanet is an inspiring concentration of Celtic sound, with the Hearts of Space nod to the global community, and energizing forum for creative artists. A featured track, SHEILA CHANDRA's "Lament of McCrimmon/Song ofthe Banshee", brings to mind Baaba Maal's "Call to Prayer" and other mystical hymns by her Real World labelmates at its inception but unfolds to reveal a Celtic lament, complete with Chandra's ever-mysterious vocals.
Following notes across fading borders, Dubliner Declan Masterson's "Spanish Point" serves as a reminder of the Celtic outpost in Spain. The delicate interplay of flamenco guitar and whistles moves past nostalgia to an ancient, common longing. CARLOS NUNEZ's "Two Shores" is even more Latin, but with flauta standing out in the breezy mix. The track also features the stylized-guitar and mandolin work of RY COODER.
The Pacific Northwest is another Celtic bastion and a home to folkster KATE POWER and harp guitarist JOHN DOAN, whose respective tracks "Wild Wind" and "Where Horses of Faery Hide" are expertly produced by Nightnoise's BILLY OSKAY. Power's rich, well-articulated vocals on the chorus, "Oh Wild Wind, won't you blow and carry me to my love," enhances the need for love and unity. Doan's track is a wistful journey througha mythic space, cymbal washing in heroic parades and whistling the commencements.
Hypnotic instrumentals include "Darklight", which finds the renownedIrish piper DAVY SPILLANE accompanied by GREG BOLAND's deep-toned guitarwork, and Norwegian composer and keyboardist OYSTEIN SEVAG's "White Wings," an impressionistic triumph of an original melody, Celtic in inflection and emotion as the famous Londonderry Air. Here, the peace dove glides with strings of the London Philharmonia Orchestra and a delightful silver flute solo.
Ethereal vocals are found in brilliant performances by ANUNA, Aoife Ni Fhearraigh and Carreg Lafar. A breathtaking vocal delivery by MEAV NI MHAOLCHATHA on Anuna's rendering of a 15th century text called"Blackthorn" is elevated further by their gracious vocal ensemble. Clannad's MAIRE BRENNAN props young Aoife's singing ability and puts the band's detailed production stamp on the stimulating "Seacht Suailci na Maighdine Muire." The traditional Welsh piece "Glan More Heli" is given new life by Carreg Lafar, all due to Linda Owen-Jones' phonetic mastery.
Pipes aficionados must not miss "O Afiador De Tella" from the Latin outfit FIA NA ROCA and brothers MYCHAEL and JEFF DANNA's "The Drowning Plains." Xabier Bueno's Galician pipe is powerful and dramatic, as are the various uillean and highland pipes atop heartbeat drumming on the Dannas' rousing fantasia.
Irish-American Joanie Madden returns to the Celtic Twilight line-up with her instrumental "The Immigrant", and makes her Irish whistle solos shine through a gentle landscape. Labelmate Bill Douglas' "Return to Inishmore" finds the Scotch-Irish descended composer paying homage to Blake, Graves, and the poetic greats with piano and woodwinds, both joyous and ascending.
If not a solid ending to an emotional quartet, Celtic Twilight 4: CelticPlanet is a clear demonstration of unification through music, and anaffirmation of a place, both contemplative and spirited, where the heartbeat is certainly not a forgotten sound.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 5
release date: Fri Nov 15 2002
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- Ailean Duinn (Meav) (RA)
- Blood of Cu Chulain (Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna) (RA)
- Iona (Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna, from A Celtic Romance) (RA)
- Saint Patrick In The Spirit (John Doan, from Eire) (RA)
- The Lamentation of Turlough OíCarolan (John Doan, from Eire) (RA)
- Like A Wave Of The Sea (Bill Douglas, from Circle of Moons)
- My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose (Bill Douglas, from Songs of Earth & Sky)
- Down By The Salley Gardens (Joanie Madden, from Song of the Irish Whistle)
- Homesteaders (Joanie Madden)
- Charlie Mulvihill's/The Conspiracy (Joanie Madden, from Song of the Irish Whistle 2)
- Loch Etive (Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna, from A Celtic Tale)
- South By Sail (Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna, from A Celtic Tale)
- Jasconius (Jeff Johnson, from Prayers of St. Brendan)
- Navigatio (Jeff Johnson, from Prayers of St. Brendan)
|
Volume 5 of our million-selling Celtic Twilight series looks homeward to our own Hearts O'Space label artists, and proves that some of the finest modern Celtic music falls close to the tree. We've plucked 14 of the ripest tracks from acclaimed releases by MYCHAEL & JEFF DANNA, JOHN DOAN, BILL DOUGLAS, JEFF JOHNSON, and JOANIE MADDEN, and added a very special treat: the U.S. debut of the stunning Irish soprano MEAV, former principal soloist with Anuna, Riverdance, and the Irish National Concert Orchestra.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 6
release date: Tue Oct 14 2003
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- Paddy Keenan & Tommy O'Sullivan (MP3)
- Fiona Joyce - Sweet Surrender (MP3)
- Capercaillie - Nil Si I Ngra (MP3)
- Davy Spillane - Midnight Walker
- Joannie Madden - Bantry Girls Lament
- Anuna - Siuil a Ruin
- Bill Douglas - Forest Hymn
- Susan Craig - Shadow
- Alasdair Fraser - Roslin Castle
- Liam O'Flynn - Romeo's Exile
- Arcady - The Rocks of Bawn
- Dolores Keane - Aileen's Lament
|
The latest addition to the Celtic Twilight series, this is a collection of emotional Celtic songs which captures music at the crossroads of the new millennium. Featuring some of the best musicians in the genre, the compilation includes Fiona Joyce, Anuna and Karen Mathieson (of Capercaille) bring their voices, Joanie Madden (Cherish The Ladies), Bill Douglas and Alistar Fraser bring their instrumental voices and the result is an inspirational homecoming for lovers of Celtic/Irish music.
|
Various Artists - Celtic Twilight - Celtic Twilight 7
|
ORDER VIA OUR SECURE SERVER
OR CALL 212-580-9200 x10
|
Track Listing
- Kyrie — Jocelyn Montgomery
- Kyrie Eleison, An Ghlóir, An Phaidir — Áine Minogue
- The Blue Bird — Anúna
- Lament of the Three Marys — Cathie Ryan
- Caritas — Jocelyn Montgomery
- Pie Jesu — Anúna
- Viridissima — Jocelyn Montgomery
- Kyrie Eleison — Stellamara
- Hymn To The Virgin — Anúna
- The Bluebird — Matthew Barley
- A Gaelic Blessing — The Cambridge Singers
- Amazing Grace— Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz Trio
- Immrama — Stellamara
- Kells — Anúna
|
Celtic Twilight 7: Sacred Spirit weaves a Celtic knot of sacred music from antiquity to the present. The central feature of the Celtic worldview is the intimate relationship of humans with the natural world--"a holy intimacy between the human and the divine in nature"--and "a sense of spirit presences in nature" as Thomas Berry says. This feeling is expressed in many of the pieces on this album. A very similar worldview infuses the music of the brilliant 12th century German visionary Hildegard von Bingen. Like the Celts, Hildegard believed that the natural world is a Divine creation, filled with Divine beauty and Divine energy, and this is the theme of her songs. Some of the best Celtic artists have recognized their kinship with her and have made her music their own. This album features several songs by Hildegard in unique arrangements that are so radiantly Celtic in spirit, they almost transport the listener to the holy wells of Ireland. Also featured are top-notch Irish choir Anúna, great Celtic artists Áine Minogue and Cathie Ryan, brilliant English cellist Matthew Barley, virtuoso fiddler Mark O'Connor and his Appalachia Waltz Trio, the perfectly-tuned English choir The Cambridge Singers, and the wonderful Medieval/Eastern fusion ensemble Stellamara.
|
|
|
