Album Notes

Celtic Muse - Music to gentle the spirit and gladden the heart. Invoke the mystic romance of the Celtic Isles, the splendor of an ancient pageant, or the courtly elegance of classical times with the beautiful music of Celtic Muse. Join the magical dance of two Celtic harps, flute, and recorders as Celtic Muse explores the depths of the Celtic and Early Music traditions. This song collection will stir your feet, make you weep, and grant you rest.

Celtic Muse serendipitously came into being at a Renaissance theme wedding in 1995. Since that time, Jennifer and Valerie have carried their love of harp and traditional music out into the world, like small ripplets ever broadening to span a limitless pond. Wind and Wood is their first collaborative recording. Celtic Muse has become a Northwest favorite, appearing in popular venues ranging from The Portland Christmas Revels to winning the 1999 Northwest Regional Scottish Harp Competition.

Valerie Klemetti Blessley's love of playing music began with learning the flute as a child. She currently plays harp, flute, recorder, pennywhistle, and Finnish kantele with Celtic Muse. She also performs in the Portland, OR area with the Finnish kantele ensemble Livakat, and the trio Soittorasia (Music Box). Look for her solo harp and kantele CD, Northern Light on CDBaby as well as Celtic Muse's winter theme recording, Merry & Bright. Valerie has also published a book of harp music entitled, A Harper's Croft, available at http://www.pacifier.com/~blesses.

Jennifer Pratt-Walter communicates her deep love of her instrument and music with her hands, searching to define and transcend human experience. She has played harp for over fifteen years, and is an avid music arranger. She publishes her music under the name of Lyrica Press at http://home.comcast.net/~lyrica/. Jennifer also plays recorders, and is exploring composing. 1998 brought her debut solo harp release, Ancient Realms, a magical journey to times of old. Ancient Realms is also available through CDBaby.

Celtic Muse welcomes listeners to join the dance among the trees on Wind and Wood.
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