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Renaissance
Faire Music
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Storming Heaven
Avalon Rising
Flowinglass Music
(FM011)
A pleasing mixture of ancient and modern characterizes
the work of Avalon Rising on their latest CD Storming Heaven. With
a unique blend of recorder, harp, fiddle, percussion, and electric
guitar and violin, the reels, jigs, and ballads of traditional
Celtic music are infused with modern touches that enrich but
do
not overwhelm the music. Rock rhythms add flair to many of the
pieces, providing a little something for everyone, no matter
what their taste.
"Hunt the Blarney Cat" brings electric guitar riffs into a
Celtic context while "Musical Pesto Set" adds touches
of classic rock and even reggae, giving the rapid-fire sets of
reels a funky modern feel. Other songs are generally traditional
pieces or written in an authentic ballad style, and all of the
musicians harmonize well, especially on "Glasgow Peggy." However,
while the sound quality on much of the CD is less than perfect,
the musician's instrumental and vocal talent shines through.
The "Sidhe
Set" lilts and twirls with an almost frenetic pace that
owes itself to the wild dances that the fairies are said to have
held
on moonlit nights. In contrast, "The Chieri" brings
rock tempos to a traditional ballad that recounts an encounter
with
a mysterious woman.
While some pieces follow traditional Celtic forms, Avalon Rising
is equally adept at incorporating other styles into their work. "Turning
in Time" mixes folk-rock elements with occasional touches
of flamenco and Middle Eastern trills while "Dancing Bear" paints
an idealized portrait of the freewheeling gypsy life. Classic rock
from the 1960s and '70s is also an obvious influence, as shown
on pieces, such as "Dulaman," a sea chantey with electric
guitar solos, and in "Jack Daw," a rock ballad that recalls
the universal stories of death and rebirth. Finally, "Health
to the Company" is a rousing rendition of a classic toast,
providing a fitting ending to a fine CD.
Avalon Rising has concocted a fun album that breathes new life
into classic Celtic music while still maintaining the integrity
of the tradition they obviously treasure. Despite the title Storming
Heaven, such an extreme measure will not be necessary; with their
lively style and creatively entertaining music, they should be
welcomed there with
--Marc Alexander
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 Click here to order: Storming Heaven
 To order Renaissance Magazine,
click here.
 To order medieval tapestries
and other period products, click here.
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