Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: MuddleC
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:22 PM

I heard LM being played in a very nice cafe in Warwick (Les Ami's?)(now closed).. it was 'Lady of Shallott'..... I lost my footing ... and was taken up by the soundscape

I'm still there

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Nicholas Waller
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 12:50 PM

I like Loreena McKennitt's music, and I wouldn't say there's much that's wifty-wafty in the Enya style (though I don't care so much for her liner and web notes). Some of it, especially early stuff like To Drive The Cold Winter Away and bits of Elemental, are actually pretty austere. Her voice, and her approach, is is usually quite hard-edged too, not breathy.

I first heard her at the time of the Mask and Mirror album, which is not as austere (there's a fair number of instruments involved). Some of that sounds fairly aggressive and intense, such as Marrakesh Night Market, in a way that I don't associate with celtic waftiness.

Not to mention that her subject matter and influences (or purloinings if you prefer) range quite far afield with varying degrees of celtishness, from Tennyson and Shakespeare, some Irish, some Arabic, the Silk Road, the Caucasus, Spain, Istanbul and the eastern Med.

Every now and then I read that someone or other is a bit like Loreena McKennitt, but generally if I give them a listen I don't much care for them for one reason or another... possibly too much new age wifty waftiness. Not that I have given the whole field a good listen, but McKennitt does seem to me to be a one-of-a-kind.

At the moment, though, I am mostly listening to a lot of Muse. (And Ember and Kirsty McGee).

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 10:30 AM

I'm with George on this one. I perform Skellig and in the finding of that song, ifound I enjoyed much of Loreena' work. While I certainly understand how some performers become overly pretentious and caricatures of their own self image, I don't find that to be the case here.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 10:12 AM

From Loreena McKennitt:

Dear Friends,

I am sure I am not alone in being amazed at how quickly this year has swept by.

On the professional side, I am most grateful we were finally able to undertake most of our Mediterranean tour and meet so many of you in some new, as well as familiar corners of the globe – areas which had in many cases inspired An Ancient Muse. (To those in Morocco and Israel who we did not meet, we do hope to come to you in future.) Out of our tour we were able to render our experience into a project called A Mediterranean Odyssey, which was released this fall and which some of you may already have.

Much of the rest of this year has been spent attending to professional housekeeping matters, as well as a variety of personal ones all of which come with a richly varied life.

All of us here at Quinlan Road, and in particular myself, would like to express our deepest appreciation for your continued support and interest in my mode of 'musical travel writing' and for all your letters of interest, your support and appreciation – even your constructive criticism! The greatest reward is knowing that the music has found a meaningful place in your lives.

As the eve of the shortest day of the year approaches, once again there are so many things which come to mind. The joy of knowing that the days of light will now grow rather than diminish and not too far behind will be the signs of spring.

And of course, it is a time of stock taking – where we have come from (or through) this past year, what has or has not been 'accomplished' or has happened, or how that may shape our hopes and expectations for the coming year. And no matter how difficult or challenging things may have been this year, I am sure many of us could say things could have been much worse.

As a good friend so often says, "These are the good old days" and we may be well advised to enjoy and appreciate the present as much as long for better things in the future, no matter how short of the mark things may have fallen this year. In other words, life and all its challenges and wonders are a relative thing and there is much to be appreciated in the present. We must not let jewels of everyday life slip by us. These treasures may fall in the small and simple things, or even the familiar and mundane. We may simply not have taken the time to appreciate them.

And yet it is also a time for renewal and hope. While things may not have turned out as we might have wanted, we are open to new experiences and new opportunities and even new chances to improve who we are.

We would like to extend to all our friends around the world our warmest wishes for the Christmas and holiday season and the coming New Year.

LM

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 01:36 PM

Far too many people headlesschickening around trying to put an intellectual slant on everything.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 11:33 AM

what is acceptable "celtic music"

To me, only when it's played by the Full House line up of Fairport Convention - which is not very often now!

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Maryrrf
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:55 PM

I have listened to some clips of Loreena McKennitt - hadn't heard her in a while. Whatever one may think of her arrangements, her voice is gorgeous.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:33 PM

Chudleigh Roots - Phil's Recording Thingummyjig..

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 04:35 PM

Phil's a wonderful musician, Don..very talented, plays a whole variety of intstruments. And he's pretty darn good at recording and producing these days, too. (also he's half...or even a third...of Show of Hands)

Phil 's Main Site...

a href="http://www.chudleighroots.co.uk/chudleighroots/index.cfm">Chudleigh Roots - Phil's Recording Thingummyjig..

>>>I am also enjoying the melodrama in this thread. Reminds me of my daughter's stories of the girl's locker room after band rehearsal. <<<

Oh, it's been like St. Trinian's for years now... ;0)

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: DonMeixner
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 04:24 PM

Having never heard Phil Beer before I did a youtube search and heard some great stuff. Nice tenor guitar work. I'll be back to Phil i9n a bit.

I also watched the McKennitt/Mummers video, I enjoyed that too. A little airy for my taste but I enjoyed it.

I am also enjoying the melodrama in this thread. Reminds me of my daughter's stories of the girl's locker room after band rehearsal.

Don

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 04:17 PM

I also hear the wonderful voice of Loreena McKennitt in the Business Lounge at Gatwick which rather surprised me!

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 02:05 PM

You have his boxers?   Yikes! And *you* accuse me of.....? ;0)

Merry Christmas, Ol' Grouch....xx



Loreena McKennitt - The Mummers Dance - Youtube

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM

It is just possible that you are confusing promotion and distribution. These are very different and the incident to which you are attempting to refer involved the handling of product by a company on a MU blacklist. Do go away and learn how the musbiz works. See you in a few decades.

And I don't need a Phil Beer T-shirt. I have his box set.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:40 PM

"Yes, some of them are on nodding acquaintance with me, though we are not bosom buddies since our concepts of how to promote trad music differ somewhat. I see them quite often and none has ever mentioned suing me. Why would they? Just where do you get your crazy notions from? (Don't tell me). They run their business and I do my writing. They don't mind that much that I dislike their fanzine-like comic or their website. I'm on their mailing list. Are you?"


Erm...they mentioned suing the BBC (and you) unless you issued an apology for what you said about the company, with relation to Nic Jones etc...It was the ONLY time that Ian Anderson came out and gave you a public walloping, as he defended them instantly from your words.

Ho hum.....


Look, I've ordered your 'I Love Phil' Tshirt, I told you yesterday...you just have to be patient...

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:16 PM

Phil Beer

"LC. I don't know who you are, only that you are from my patch and seem to have seen us rather more times than is, perhaps, healthy. Maybe I spoke to you even on the last two local shows . I don't know. I understand that you mean well and that you feel you are championing some sort of cause on our (and indeed others) behalfs. Let me explain a bit about this internet place. Its not a universal fanzine. Its a genre specific place of chat and discussion for a bunch of folks, many of whom have a great deal of knowledge and indeed expertise in their subject. I know many of them as both friends and acquaintances. My band makes music that has one of its (Possibly cloven) hooves in this place and the other three 'Out There' in the rest of the world. Many of the folks here consider themselves as (self appointed) guardians of something rare and precious. I have ABSOLUTELY no problem with this. All I ask is that they maintain visiting hours so that I can get on with building the new wing (Crap metaphor, sorry!) whilst having access to the edifice. (Also a self appointed task) Virtually everyone contributing here decided whether they liked/disliked our music more than 15 years ago. Our task is as always to bring the music to a wider audience and whether or not anyone here likes or dislikes us is not relevant.

...Please Lizzie. I'm delighted that you like our music. We are absolutely clear about who we are, what we are doing, and where its going. I just turned 56 last week. I still have the will and the energy and the best is yet to come. I can handle any form of abuse, misconception, or downright vitriol. What I do NOT wish to be portrayed as is a member of some form of geriatric Boy Band. This sort of adulation is utterly embarrassing and I'd really like it to stop now."

Properganda

Yes, some of them are on nodding acquaintance with me, though we are not bosom buddies since our concepts of how to promote trad music differ somewhat. I see them quite often and none has ever mentioned suing me. Why would they? Just where do you get your crazy notions from? (Don't tell me). They run their business and I do my writing. They don't mind that much that I dislike their fanzine-like comic or their website. I'm on their mailing list. Are you?

Niema Ash v Loreena McKennit

READ the published information. And mind you don't splutter your tea over your keyboard.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:58 PM

"Yes, indeed, but you surely don't expect the mad screeching seagull that is LC to have actually read the cogent analysis of the legal and moral issues, do you?

Loreena McKennit is clearly one of her current faves therefore everything she does is fab and above board. Absolutely not my cup of Earl Grey."


May I politely suggest that you shove your insulting personal comments, along with your high fallutin' cup of Earl Grey where the tea strainer can't reach.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:54 PM

"Not surprised about the curtness/brusqueness of letters from her team. Received basically same when I wrote to Quinlan Road 15 years or more ago, just asking for concert schedule. "

Tam, I had reason to contact Loreena's team about 2 years back, for personal reasons. They could not have been more kind and helpful. I was absolutely bowled over by the compassion they showed...and that went all the way up to Loreena herself.

She has been to hell and back, I'd imagine, over the loss of someone so dear to her, in such tragic circumstances...and she has every right for that part of her life to be utterly and completely hers, in every way.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:48 PM

"There is also a legal right to freedom of expression, THAT was the difficulty facing the legislators but I don't suppose you read that far. You have a right to listen to pseudo-celtic, wrapped in mist, twee whimsy if you really must but others, equally, have the right not to have it inflicted on them. Just as Phil Beer has the right to ask you to quit stalking him and causing distress and both personal and professional embarrassment."


I never ask for posts to be removed, but......that last line could actually land YOU in Court, Diane....Grow up and get a f*cking life, rather than doing your damndest to spread malicious lies and defamation of character about me around the internet.

I can fully understand why Loreena McKennitt blocked someone else writing the story of *her* life, because no-one...actually...has the right to write such words about anyone, other than the person whose life it is, or...a biographer who has the full permission and collaboration of the person themselves.

You are way out of order on that remark, just as you were about many things on the BBC board, one of which, over Properganda Music almost landed you in Court..Remember?

And now, back to Loreena McKennitt....and her beautiful music...and thank God that she had the guts to stand up and shout out about what was so wrong. Her life is hers and hers alone.

And as far as Phil Beer goes, I'd have a word with your buddies, 'Ruth Archer' and 'Folkiedave' about that, because they are the ones who keep bringing his name up, not me.

So, do your research, kitten.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:45 PM

what is acceptable "celtic music"

It's a misnomer.

There is trad music from Ireland, the West Highlands of Scotland, from the Isle of Man, from Wales, from Brittany, from Galicia and from Cape Breton. Each has its own distinctive characteristics, instruments and artists

Then there is commercially-manufactured, new-agey mist-wrapped bollocks with bugger all to do with any authentic tradition rooted in "celtic" lands.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:32 PM

hhmmmm..... I am very curious to know how LM set about ruining Niema and Tim financially? Was this before or after the book.

Not surprised about the curtness/brusqueness of letters from her team. Received basically same when I wrote to Quinlan Road 15 years or more ago, just asking for concert schedule.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:31 PM

I like Lm's music very much and I admire her tenacity and her will. She has created her own company and has managed to excell without giving over to a big record company. The fact that she is popular and succesful is a tribute not only to her talent but also to her spirit. I feel that she has great respect for the music she plays and ahe presents it iwth feeling and integrity.
I find these petty attacks on artists and "hating yourself for liking them" a bit tedious.I also enjoy Enya but would in no way liken the two, as for wifty wafty, I have no idea where that fits as a legitimate critique.
   The author of Travels with LM was thought to be a trusted friend and confidante..I hope never to have friends of that ilk.
    Why can people not simply enjoy music and dispense with narrow definitions of what is acceptable "celtic music"?

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Reinhard
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:38 AM

You've got a point there, Diane.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:21 AM

Yes, indeed, but you surely don't expect the mad screeching seagull that is LC to have actually read the cogent analysis of the legal and moral issues, do you?

Loreena McKennit is clearly one of her current faves therefore everything she does is fab and above board. Absolutely not my cup of Earl Grey. Niema Ash is, however, absolutely not a lightweight intent on dramatising scandal for cash. She's a longstanding stalwart of the Canadian music scene as well as a long-term former business collaborator with her subject and will thus be fully acquainted with the actions of the celtic warbler she has chronicled but is not allowed to publish.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Reinhard
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:20 AM

As much as it fascinates us to have the famous taken a few steps down–and I'm not exactly a fan of Ms. McKennitt's music–these blog musings have some other thoughts about Niema Ash's actions, ending with:

"While it may be wrong for McKennitt to try to block this book from being published [...], I have to question the ethics and motivations of Ms. Ash for writing and releasing it. She comes off as incredibly spiteful, and more than willing to violate both written business and personal agreements for petty reasons."

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:06 AM

Niema Ash's book about Loreena McKennit isn't a 'kiss and tell'. It's more about how fame, fortune and adulation can corrupt and turn people into monsters.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:37 AM

There is also a legal right to freedom of expression, THAT was the difficulty facing the legislators but I don't suppose you read that far. You have a right to listen to pseudo-celtic, wrapped in mist, twee whimsy if you really must but others, equally, have the right not to have it inflicted on them. Just as Phil Beer has the right to ask you to quit stalking him and causing distress and both personal and professional embarrassment.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 06:32 PM

Loreena McKennitt has the right to a private life, Diane.   I'm not into all these people who 'kiss and tell', especially when they do that to their friends.   Good for her if she's tightened up the law on what biographers can and can't write about people.

What's the problem with that?

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:31 PM

Here's a much fuller account of the legal dilemma between the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:18 PM

She surely is wifty-wafty (worse than Enya) and here's the underlying nastiness.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:14 PM

Loreena's a very private person, and there's nowt wrong with that at all. If the woman was truly her friend, she wouldn't have published a book about her.

She's not wifty-wafty, Diane.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM

Do tell. I so love to see a new-age wifty-wafty celticky crooner unmasked.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 04:37 PM

Hmmm. Investigate the saga of Niemi Ash and her book Travels With Loreena McKennit for a very different perspective on this "wonderful spirit"

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: JohnB
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 04:04 PM

First saw her in the early/mid 80's at a local Concert, just her playing harp and piano, she was great back then. I carried her harp for her at a later 80's Mariposa FF, she was great back then.
Have most of her CD's, I prefer the early one's, the later one's are over the top and over produced for me.
I seem to remember a couple of years ago she sued the ass off an "ex" friend of hers who wrote a book which included bits about her. I don't remember all the details though.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:10 AM

And, I can speak from personal experience here...she also reaches out to help people, whenever she is able, as do those musicians who surround her.

A wonderful spirit.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:09 AM

Loreena McKennit's music is absolutely beautiful.

Why?

Because it is the sum of her spiritual journey into intense sadness and back again. It is about spirit, faith, hope and so often, overwhelming love.

She is a highly intelligent and private woman, beloved by many musicians and audience alike.

Having lost her fiancee in a boating accident, where his body was never found, her journey began.....and she delved into many religions, many faiths, many spiritual people. She's travelled many miles, not just in person, but in spirit...

It's why you're drawn to her, Joe....because of her Spirit...because of what she touches in your soul.

Be proud to love Loreena's music.   

I am.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: DonMeixner
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:38 AM

Always willing to go the second chance. I'll give a broader listen.
Like SPB I have been in a place with the right music going and discovered new dimensions.

Listening to a Gordon Bok Cassette at the dock, in the early morning fog of Henderson Harbor when "Little River" hit the player. Very spooky and perfect.

Don

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 07:29 AM

I first heard her music in Shrewsbury. The pub where I went into escape the rain was playing one of her CD's - I think The Mask and The Mirror, then promptly bought a copy, and of Elemental.

A year later I was driving through the New Forest and listening to one or other in the car and the atmosphere of the scenery and of the music came together beautifully.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 07:21 AM

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=269244

You need to get an account first.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 07:19 AM

Several of her concerts have been uploaded at Dimeadozen. I recommend this one:

Loreena McKennitt
Barcelona Teatre Musical
Barcelona, Spain
March 18, 2007

-SETLIST:

Disc 1:

Set 1: 57' 46''

1. She Moved Through the Fair
2. The Gates of Istanbul
3. The Mummers' Dance
4. Penelope's Song
5. Marco Polo
6. The Highwayman
7. Dante's Prayer
8. The Bonny Swans
9. band intros
10. Caravanserai

Disc 2:

Set 2: 64' 38''

1. The Mystic's Dream
2. Santiago
3. Bonny Portmore
4. The Old Ways
5. Beneath a Phrygian Sky
6. The Lady of Shalott
7. All Soul's Night
8. Never Ending Road
9. Huron "Beltane" Fire Dance
10. Tango to Evora

-BAND INFO

URL: http://www.quinlanroad.com/

-MUSICIANS

Loreena McKennitt - Vocals, Accordion, Harp, Piano
Tal Bergman - drums & percussion
Ben Grossman - hurdy gurdy & percussion
Brian Hughes - electric & acoustic guitars, oud, Celtic bouzouki
Tim Landers - acoustic & electric bass
Caroline Lavelle - cello
Rick Lazar - percussion
Hugh Marsh - violin
Donald Quan - viola, keyboards, tabla, accordion
Stratis Psaradellis / Sokratis Sinopoulus - lyra, Greek lute

The sound quality is astounding - and there you have it, 2 hours if live Loreena!!

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 07:11 AM

I first heard her voice in a confiteria in El Califate, which the travellers will know is the main town for the glacier region in Argentina. I have a dozen or so radio broadcasts and live concerts (infinitely more interesting) as well as several of her CDs. Her voice is just wonderful.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 04:17 AM

Too right George

But some of her lyrics are exquisite too. Strong images from her way with words.

Where deep in the desert twilight
Sand melts in pools of the sky
Darkness lays her crimson cloak


The crescent moon rocks in the sky
The poets of drumming
keep heartbeats suspended
The smoke swirls up and then dies

I mean... I am just there and I don't want to leave.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 03:45 AM

I was at an open air concert by the Greek Dylan (Savopoulos) one summer in Greece, back in 1997 or -8, listening to the pre-gig incidental music over the PA, when my ears pricked up. In the interval I went to the sound man and asked what was that song about a highwayman and who was the singer. The next week I ordered all of Loreena's CDs and devoured them.

I certainly never regretted my purchase - I last had a listen-through earlier this year.

Then in early 2003 I met Andy Irvine and heard him doing the same song. Now, I knew Andy's name from the 70s, from that fabulous version of Arthur McBride with Paul Brady. I didn't know that he also did an even better version of the Highwayman than Loreena! Apparently he had played on Loreena's recording of the song (though they never met in the studio but only later), loved it and learned it himself. Incidentally, at that same first meeting Andy asked for Emptyhanded, and his version of it now is my favourite (I know others prefer mine, let's not go there, it's a matter of taste, proving once more the creative power that a performer can bring to bear on a song.

But back to Loreena. I may prefer Andy's version of the Highwayman, but it was Loreena' voice and arrangements that first attracted me to the song, and I still love her version and would play that instead of Andy's to any non-folkie to introduce them to the genre.

The thing with Loreena is that, just like Enya, she "soundscapes". What I mean is that she is good (no, she is brilliant) at "painting pictures with sounds" through her arrangements and delivery. She is "atmospheric" and her music can actually change my mood rapidly. These days, partly through my own songwriting activities, I tend to pay attention more to the lyrics. But Loreena's music reminds me that there are tune-writers and arrangers out there who are good enough to convey feelings even without words.

Loreena McKennitt's music is in my all-time top 20. I'd also love to meet her and be a fly on the wall when she creates, but being realistic I am just grateful that she came to my attention.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 02:49 AM

CS

TDtCWA is comprised of lovely trad carols performed solo some in cathedral for acoustics and some only with her harp accompaniment.

Then there is Snow, her own (oh so) atmospheric creation.

Long time ago, when I used to make my email greetings, I had a pic of snow covered holly tree with red Virginia cardinal in it. I set it up so it immediately played the Snow clip from Quinlan Road. But then they changed the site and I couldn't figure out how to do it again.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: black walnut
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 03:58 PM

We heard Loreena several years ago performing at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. It was about 2 AM, under a starry sky and the full moon rose up right behind the stage. Our kids were asleep on blankets beside us and thousands of us listened in awe. It was magical.

However, there is a store in Bayfield that plays ONLY Loreena McKennitt music, so now it has that feeling to me of "buy something, buy something". I still do put it on the player every little once in a while, though.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:23 PM

"To Drive the Cold Winter Away may be Loreena McKennitt at her best - possibly because the arrangements are quite sparse. Many of her other albums are overproduced."

I'll have to give that a listen. I sometimes find that artists I find otherwise melodramatic can sometimes make an album which really captures *something*. I also have a fondness for cheesy stuff!

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:14 PM

I think To Drive the Cold Winter Away may be Loreena McKennitt at her best - possibly because the arrangements are quite sparse. Many of her other albums are overproduced. Still, I have to admit that her recordings make good background music.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:03 PM

How very peculiar. I have not listened to Loreena in years. Too emotional because daughter Andie and I cut our folk teeth on her Elemental and To Drive the Cold winter Away albums.

So today I thought I would like to hear Snow again. Maybe because it is snowing here. So I went onto Quinlan Road site and saw the new winter album. Had a listen and I don't like it.

No where near as good as To Drive the Cold Winter Away, which is somehow purer than the clips I listened to today from the new album.

But isn't odd that I had to seek her out today?

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Maryrrf
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 10:10 AM

I have Loreena McKennitt's "Snow" on a compilation album that I used when I was a massage therapist. I think the song is beautiful. Loreena's not really my cup of tea normally, but if you're just in the mood to be mellow her harp arrangements are beautiful.

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: bradfordian
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 10:04 AM

I have her instrumental version (harp) of 'Lark in the clear air' , mellow, soulful, I love it!

brad

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:03 AM

I have a recording of Loreena McKennitts that I play now and then as wallpaper in the shop. Except for her version of The Highwayman absolutely nothing about it is memorable by me as good or bad or indifferent. I recall no other lyrics or melodies.

I find the Highwayman to be ponderous and dull under her melody. She gets props for doing the whole poem. I prefer the Phil Ochs telling to be superior. Either in his slightly shortened recorded version(to fit on the vinyl) from 1964 or full length as I have heard others do. Exciting enough to turn my nephew onto folk music 25 years ago on the strength of the Ochs version. I believe Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen do a fine rendition of this song as well using the Ochs melody.

Songs I love by people I don't: Moody River by Pat Boone

Don

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 05:03 AM

I will bare my soul: Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes. I just know I'm to regret making this public...

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:28 AM

Yesssss - put me down for Wayne Newton's Laura Lee

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:18 AM

The trouble is, I hate myself for liking it, just as I hate myself for liking the Celtic Woman recordings.

I'm sure there's the making of a fine thread here, Joe - the music we love in spite of our better judgements...

Subject: ADD: Snow (McKennitt/Lampman)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:54 AM

Here's an example:

SNOW
Music: Loreena McKennitt
Lyric: Archibald Lampman (1861-1899)

White are the far-off fields, and white
The fading forests grow;
The wind dies out along the heights,
And denser still the snow
A gathering weight on roof and tree,
Falls down scarce audibly

The meadows and far-sheeted streams
Lie still without a sound;
Like some soft minister of dreams
The snow-fall hoods me around;
In wood and water, earth and air
Silence is everywhere

Save when at lonely spells
Some farmer's sleigh, urged on,
With rustling runners and sharp bells
Swings by me and is gone;
From the empty space I hear
A sound remote and clear
The barking of a dog,
To cattle, is sharply pealed,
Borne echoing from some wayside stall
Or barnyard far afield;
Then all is silent and the snow falls
Settling soft and slow

The evening deepens and the grey
Folds closer round the sky
The world seems so shrouded,
so far away.
Its noises sleep, and I as secret as
Yon buried stream plod dumbly on
and dream.

I dream….

---

Lyrics by Archibald Lampman (1861-1899)
Music by Loreena McKennitt
From: To drive the cold winter away (1987).

This song, minus the second stanza, and made with different musician can be found on Loreena's CD A winter garden (1995).

Source: http://www.quinlanroad.com/pdf/AMWND-Booklet.pdf

Subject: ADD: Snow (Lampman & McKennitt)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 02:27 AM

I came across Loreena McKennitt's Midwinter's Night Dream album today, and I love it. The trouble is, I hate myself for liking it, just as I hate myself for liking the Celtic Woman recordings. There's a certain pretentiousness to the music, and it's definitely produced to be a commercial success, so I must be a sucker to like it - but I like it.

The sound is rich and full, and the arrangements and instrumentation are wonderful. So, what's not to like, and why do I hate myself for liking it?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 02:11 PM

she has been discussed a LOT in here...a SuperSearch will get you more than you want...

My review (or one of them)is in this thread..*grin* (she is not my type)

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 12:37 PM

My claim to fame would be that I carried her Harp for her many many years back (late 80's)at a Mariposa Folk Festival. There again DtG if you have never heard of Loreena before, you have probably never heard of Mariposa FF either. I guess it is one of those things I assume, being bi-lingual (26 years or so around Manchester and the other 25 in Canada) There is a lot more good talent in Canada that you probably never get to hear either. I know Tanglefoot to name but one group, have been to England a couple of times, if you have not heard them, give them a listen. JohnB

Subject: RE: Review: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 12:03 PM

Just refreshing realy but I thought I may as well tell you I passed my HP pre-sales technical support acredditation exam today. So now not only can I support and manage HPUX equipment I can bullshit about it as well...;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: -ish: Loreena McKennitt
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 03:15 AM

I am sure a lot of you have heard of her already but I have just discovered this very talented Canadian singer for myself. I did a search and there has been mention before, but very little, so I thought I would share:-)

Her web site can be found Here and has a few good samples on.

The odd thing was that it was my daughter (17) who told me about her. She was listening to an Internet launchcast which delivers music based on what you have listened to in the past and along came Loreena - In amongst the Placebo, Skunk Annansie and Garbage! Cathereine (daughter) was most impressed herself which just goes to show that the web is good for something...;-)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome