A welcome alternative to the same old holiday music
author: Mary Ellen Wessels
We listen to a LOT of Christmas music. My husband is an organist at an Episcopal church and we both happen to like it anyway. Having said that this album ranks among our favorites. The arrangements are fresh and lovely; bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer and recorders intertwine with timeless melodies and understated percussion. Heather's voice is clear, expressive and lovely. Her unique jazzy version of "The Holly and the Ivy" alone would be worth picking up this album for but her treatments of "Patapan", "I Saw Three Ships" and "The Huron Carol" are also of special note. This will become a favorite on your holiday playlist!!
Read more...
The carols Shakespeare may have listened to; ancient yet modern.
author: Edward Burke, Celtic music fan and DJ
Sweet modern arrangements of ancient Chrismas carols in several languages....French, German, Latin, even North American Native Huron....how does Dale do it? How does she succeed in playing all the instruments, recording and producing the album herself? Amazing...this album is definately a good cultural and sohpisticated choice for the holidays. All of the tracks are noteworthy, but of special note are "Ave Maria", "Coventry Carol", "Huron Carol", "Veni Veni Emmanuel", and the folksy/funky "Holly and the Ivy". Dale's voice is superb, and highly appropriate for the subject matter of these ancient spiritual tunes. Highly reccomended.
Read more...
A captivating mix of folk and Renaissance holiday music
author: Tim
Heather Dale's inventive arrangements and use of native languages such as French, Latin, and Native American intermixed with English verses make this recording a fresh and spirited medium to rouse the holiday spirit. It conjures up images of being in the Great Hall of an ancient castle with the Winter raging outside, but inside around the warmth of the hearth-fire is dancing, singing, feasting and holiday revelry. Her unique blend of Renaissance, Celtic, folk and pagan sounds form a single recording that will appeal to all who enjoy those individual styles.
Read more...