by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Loreena McKennitt
Album: "An Ancient Muse"
Year produced: 2006

Loreena McKennitt's voice gives you chills on this CD from its sheer beauty. She continues to stand out and show music fans why she has earned a reputation in the industry as an artist, for there is really nothing quite like her out there. Her last studio album was "The Book of Secrets," and after a ten-year wait, fans of McKennitt will not be disappointed.

An Ancient Muse has the "world music" feel that McKennitt is known for--branching out and exploring Middle Eastern themes, but retaining enough of her trademark sound and Celtic feel--you'll have no doubt that it is her. The arrangement of the CD keeps you from feeling too much of a lull, but this is music to listen to with your eyes closed--it takes you out of yourself. It makes you feel good.

Favorites include "Penelope's Song," the perfect vehicle for all of the strengths and nuances of McKennitt's voice, and you can't miss with lyrics from Sir Walter Scott on "The English Ladye and the Knight" which is also lovely. Unusual instruments make an appearance from time to time throughout the CD, such as the oud, duduk and nyckleharpe (a Swedish-keyed fiddle) to name a few, which make for interesting accents to the flow of her work--without interrupting it.

McKennitt doesn't seek to reinvent the wheel on this CD, instead she stays fairly square within the mood and style that she has become famous for--and that she does so very well. Her voice is still full of emotion and power, despite its lovely softness. For fans of her style or of her work, this CD will be welcomed and appreciated--especially after this long, long wait.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, January 10, 2007.
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