Likely to cross over into New Age fandom is this pleasing homage to Celtic music, sounding so authentic that you almost feel as if you're in Ireland.  "Scarborough Fair" and "Whiskey in the Jar" are as classical sounding as they should. Combining instrumentals with vocal tracks, Ray is able to display both her skills with the bowed psaltery and her wonderous voice, which is best showcased on "Come by the Hills" and "Blessing for Setting Forth."
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Celeste Ray's CD "Strings of Gold" is a beautiful and inspiring compiliation of Folk and Irish music that will make any Celtic music lover smile.  The album displays such a wide range of talents of Celeste and her ensemble.  You will get lost in the faraway lands that "Blessing For Setting Forth" brings you to; featuring Celeste's stunning vocals.

But wait, Celeste is more than just a beautiful voice - there is real character in her tribute to the ancient bowed psaltery.  Celeste's Psaltery Dance will whisk you off your feet to medieval times, with its flowing heraldic sounds and its fast ministry of the court type dance.  A piece that is sure to please!

A great album from an exquisite commposer, songwriter and musician...enjoy an afternoon in Celtic music heaven!"

5 Stars!
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Completely faithful to her music's Celtic roots, Celeste Ray creates a time-spanning experience that takes the listener to faraway lands as well.  The hauntingly pretty "Scarborough Fair" regains its medieval majesty with Ray's bravura performance.  It's a plaintive song about unrequited love, and Ray delicately unreels its frames of sadness.  

"Strings of Gold" surrounds the listeners with scenic beauty.  "Come by the Hills" and "Farewell to Music" have a lushness to them that is irresistable.  

Ray's vocals are consistently strong throughout the album, achieving ethereal qualtities and some numbers like "Swaggering Jig" can inspire a dance step or two.
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In about a month or two from now, when spring has been fully awakened, I know I will have an even deeper appreciation for Celeste Ray's music. This is a collection of sun-drenched Celtic songs, about as pleasant and engaging as Irish folk music gets.
Fans of Enya might want to tune in now although Ray doesn't touch her synthetic atmospherics. A stronger comparison could be made with their voices. Like Enya, Ray has a voice that seems to have been ripped from an earlier age; her vocals - and style of singing - does not reflect any contemporary pop flavors. On "Come By the Hills," Ray's voice is so soothing to the ears that you'll want to sleep in the middle of it. To another artist, that might be considered an insult. However, there's nothing boring about Ray's performances. Whether or not you like Celtic tunes this is fairly accessible material, and it is consistently bright and engaging.
Ray's instrument of choice is the bowed psaltery, and it creates an evocative sound that'll feel new to most of you.

-Kyrby Raine/Ink 19
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