The instrumentals are the strength of this album.  The mix of acoustic and electric instruments recalls classic Steeleye Span, but in a more contemplative way.  A beautiful ode to the winter holiday.
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Oh, I love Celtic/new age/folk groups like MicheMalou! The (mostly) ancient instruments (harps, bodhrans, bowed psaltry, various guitars, tambourine); the magical ambiance; the roughly rustic, yet artistically delicate, presentation; and the pervasive heart that underscores such efforts all add up to wonderful holiday music for me. MicheMalou is the astute combination of Michele Cook and the talented Nortons (Marie-Louise, Colin, and Gavin). Together, they make the most beautiful music. 

Snow on Snow even possesses a beautiful name and cover art (thick flakes of snow on a deep pink flower)! Everything about this album is expressive and lovely. The song selection, for example, is terrific; the 14 tracks feature the best of ancient carols (including "In the Bleak Midwinter" TWICE) and one Marie-Louise Norton original (the exquisite "Ice Palace"). The CD opens well with the most delicate "To Drive The Cold Winter Away"; the instruments are breathtaking, and the singers (mainly Michele) truly impress on the challenging vocals (although her voice sometimes gets a bit lost behind the instruments). For the most part, however, Snow on Snow is about the transcendent instrumentals (9 out of 14 tracks). 

My favorite instrumentals include the simple elegance of "Susani," as well as "Masters in This Hall" with its driving bass line. As for the vocal numbers, I loved the harmonies and drums on "What Child Is This?" The three-part harmonies on "Dona Nobis Pacem" are equally wonderful. 

MicheMalou is a great Celtic/new age group shoveling Snow on Snow for the holidays. With snow like this, you may want to grab a shovel yourself!

--Carol Swanson
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This is a CD you can play any time of year, not just at Christmas.  Very interesting with the varied instruments and variety of songs.  The harps are very soothing, just a very enjoyable CD!
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