Tracks
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Loreena never disappoints, does she? Although one might have set higher expectations after the nine year gap between this album and the Marvelous "Book Of Secrets", "An Ancient Muse" still sees Loreena at the top of her game. Arguably the most "Eastern" influenced album she has put out so far, fans of her older Celtic themed albums might have mixed feelings about this record. I, on the other hand, find it perfectly suitable for my taste. This album is definitely 'Darker' than any other Mckennitt album.
Like the rest of Loreena's albums, we find ourselves submerged into a musical journey as we move from track to track. Loreena's pitch perfect angelic soprano is still as strong as it always was, we hear that clearly in the opening 'Incantation'. Tis song sets the mood for the album perfectly, the traditional Loreena Mckennitt Wordless vocals and the haunting background. The track flawlessly merges into 'The Gates of Istanbul', which is my second favorite song on the album. The Arabian style drum playing is simply flawless. If you can find the glorious live version on 'A Mediterranean Odyssey', then I highly recommend it.
The bar is lifted a bit higher when we reach 'Caravanserai', which takes us into a breathtaking journey through the Arabian deserts. The Kanoun introduction is calm and peaceful, but the sing enters another dimension when the Oud and drums kick in, followed by Loreena's soprano. Just when you think it can't get any better, we get a perfect violin-heavy ending. Spectacular. 'The English Ladye And The Knight' is another piece of poetry set to music. We hear hints of 'The Dark Nigght Of the Soul' in here, but I actually prefer the latter.
'Kecharitomene', the first instrumental, features the reputable Hossam Ramzy on percussion, which gives this an Extra boost. Nice and lively. 'Penelope's Song' is a great historical romance, and 'Sacred Shabbat' is another spot on instrumental. but my absolute favorite is the 9-minute tour dé Force, 'Beneath A Phrygian Sky'. similar in structure to 'Night Ride Across The Causcaus' I think this song surpasses even that. From The vocals to the electric guitars, and orchestrations make this a very memorable track indeed. Thank you Ooreena for this amazing piece of art.
Like the rest of Loreena's albums, we find ourselves submerged into a musical journey as we move from track to track. Loreena's pitch perfect angelic soprano is still as strong as it always was, we hear that clearly in the opening 'Incantation'. Tis song sets the mood for the album perfectly, the traditional Loreena Mckennitt Wordless vocals and the haunting background. The track flawlessly merges into 'The Gates of Istanbul', which is my second favorite song on the album. The Arabian style drum playing is simply flawless. If you can find the glorious live version on 'A Mediterranean Odyssey', then I highly recommend it.
The bar is lifted a bit higher when we reach 'Caravanserai', which takes us into a breathtaking journey through the Arabian deserts. The Kanoun introduction is calm and peaceful, but the sing enters another dimension when the Oud and drums kick in, followed by Loreena's soprano. Just when you think it can't get any better, we get a perfect violin-heavy ending. Spectacular. 'The English Ladye And The Knight' is another piece of poetry set to music. We hear hints of 'The Dark Nigght Of the Soul' in here, but I actually prefer the latter.
'Kecharitomene', the first instrumental, features the reputable Hossam Ramzy on percussion, which gives this an Extra boost. Nice and lively. 'Penelope's Song' is a great historical romance, and 'Sacred Shabbat' is another spot on instrumental. but my absolute favorite is the 9-minute tour dé Force, 'Beneath A Phrygian Sky'. similar in structure to 'Night Ride Across The Causcaus' I think this song surpasses even that. From The vocals to the electric guitars, and orchestrations make this a very memorable track indeed. Thank you Ooreena for this amazing piece of art.