|
|
Prodcut Description: [More Information ...]
After nearly a decade off the scene, Loreena McKennitt returned to the performance and recording stage in 2006 and 2007. The Canadian singer picked up exactly where she left off, traveling through the Celtic-Middle Eastern fusions she explored on The Book of Secrets with her latest studio album, An Ancient Muse. Now, with momentum behind her, she's released a DVD document of her performance at Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. This is the same performance that has been running on PBS station pledge drives for the last year, but with a double CD included. McKennitt's renditions of songs from An Ancient Muse and her earlier albums are impeccable. As she is something of a perfectionist, there isn't much deviation from the original studio versions, but McKennitt is in fine voice and the band gets to rave it up a few times on tracks like "The Bonny Swans," where violinist Hugh Marsh and guitarist Brian Hughes trade increasingly frantic leads. This is an expanded group for McKennitt, with players from England, Greece, and the Middle East playing oud, dumbek, kanoun, hurdy-gurdy, duduk, and other ancient sounds from the British Isles to Turkey. The advantage of this edition of the Alhambra performance over that seen on PBS is that we're spared McKennitt's earnest and precious interstitials, talking about the location and her inspirations while slowly running her hands over Celtic carvings. But if you want it, that version of the performance is also on the DVD, as the commentary track. The CDs wisely drop even the between-song patter, which is fine, but not something to sit through on repeated listenings. Although the performance is beautifully, if conventionally filmed, and it's great to see this virtuoso band playing in communion, it's ultimately McKennitt's songs themselves that brim with visual imagery as she creates her ancient evocations as effectively on the concert stage as she does in the studio. --John Diliberto
Similar Products : [More Information ...]
An Ancient Muse
It's been nearly a decade since Loreena McKennitt's last studio album, The Book of Secrets, but An Ancient Muse picks up the caravan exactly where she left off on her mystical journey through the cultures of the Middle East and northern Sahara. The Canadian singer opens this albu... | 
Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra (Amaray - DVD + 2CD)
After nearly a decade off the scene, Loreena McKennitt returned to the performance and recording stage in 2006 and 2007. The Canadian singer picked up exactly where she left off, traveling through the Celtic-Middle Eastern fusions she explored on The Book of Secrets with her lat... | 
No Journey's End
| 
To Drive the Cold Winter Away
| 
Elemental
| 
The Mask and Mirror
| 
The Book of Secrets
| 
Live In Paris & Toronto
Loreena McKennitt's two-CD set, plucked from performances in Paris and Toronto, documents the modern-day troubadour's live dimension, luxuriously unraveling her talents on harp, accordian, and piano like a finely woven tapestry. Lovers of The Book of Secrets, The Mask and Mirror,... | 
The Visit
| 
Raising Sand
The musical collaboration of the decade, Raising Sand is the sound of two iconic figures stepping out of their respective comfort zones and letting their instincts lead them across a brave new sonic landscape. Despite hailing from distinctly different backgrounds, Alison Krauss ... |
An Ancient Muse Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra (Amaray - DVD + 2CD) No Journey's End To Drive the Cold Winter Away Elemental The Mask and Mirror The Book of Secrets Live In Paris & Toronto The Visit Raising Sand
Reviews:
Wow! What an amazing show!
I've been a fan for a couple of years now, since I discovered her on an internet radio station from Italy. Strange, huh? I had seen her CD's in the store but had to discover her on a foreign radio station.
Anyway, I thought that she was excellent on the studio versions. I was blown away to hear the live versions! How many people do you know that sound as good as or even BETTER live versus in the studio? I've seen very few acts that can sing as well as they do on disk. With all of the technology out there like pitch correction software and the like I'm just stunned at how good she is live. Loreena also has some top-notch musicians backing her. I'll get my chance to see her live in October when she comes to NE Ohio. I can't wait. I'm sure it will be a surreal experience being that most of the shows I've seen (other than concerts by David Lanz & one by Brad Paisley) have been in the classic rock/metal genre. Can you picture an old-school metal guy digging the hell out of this red haired beauty? My sister just looks at me and wonders when I, all of a sudden, got... "cultured". ;-)
I also must say this is probably one of the best "sounding" concert DVD's I've ever seen. The acoustics at the Alhambra must have been something to behold because the sonic qualities of the DVD and CD's are amazing. If you have a quality sound system (especially surround) you'll love it. Get the DVD. You won't be disappointed. BTW, I bought this version, the other one comes in a DVD-style case but otherwise is identical. Gorgeous
I don't feel 5 stars does Loreena McKennitt any sort of justice. I had the distinct pleasure of sitting 6 rows away from her this April in Ann Arbor, MI, and she is enchanting. Her band is the most diverse, talented, and passionate group of musicians I have ever seen live, and Loreena herself is a mystical, soulful, playful presence who is just as grateful that we were there as we were to be there.
This CD/DVD set completely captures the ambiance of her live performance style, and while it is no replacement for seeing her live, will certainly tide me over until I do get the pleasure of seeing her perform again.
Certainly an international treasure, I cannot say enough good things about Ms. McKennitt. Wonderful Concert
For fans of Loreena McKennitt, this is the concert video that we have all been waiting for... it is just stunning!
There is a possible point of confusion here, as there are TWO versions of the same performance offered on Amazon. The ONLY difference is the packaging, both contain 3 disks (2 cd's and one DVD). This set is packaged as a jewel box set, and the other is packaged in a DVD sized container. At first, I ordered both, thinking that one set was a DVD video and the other was a CD audio version. After I realized my mistake, I canceled this jewel box order and got the DVD sized package (which was cheaper at the time).
Whichever version you buy, I am sure you will be captivated by this magnificent performance, recorded in a magnificent setting!  |
Keyword: Music,
Description: Nights from the Alhambra - -Jewel 2 CD + DVD-
|
|
