'Rigantona's Daughters' was written and recorded by Scott Jasper and Susan Garlick of 'Dragonfly Moon' at Dragonfly Moon Music Studios and reflects their long-standing interest in Celtic literature, folklore and mythology - Susan holds an MA in Celtic Studies and her specialist area is early Welsh literature. This CD was created to help raise awareness of the rich storytelling culture of the British Isles and to help preserve the tales themselves, inspiring people to seek the tales out for themselves.
CD CONTENTS:
1. Summoning our Mythic Past…
Created primarily using replica instruments from our Bronze Age past, this track uses the evocative sounds of bronze horn & bell to invoke ancestral myth & memory.
2. Song of Pwyll
This song is inspired by the tale of Pwyll in the first branch of the Welsh Mabinogi, during which he learns the ‘good sense’ which his Welsh name implies and in which, while questing upon the mound of wonders, he first encounters Rhiannon, his otherworldly bride.
3. The Initiation
A re-telling of the inspired initiation of the ‘cauldron-born’ figure of Taliesin whose name means ‘radiant brow’. As chief of the Bards, he was a magical, shamanic figure who, following his initiation, possessed all the wisdom & knowledge of the cauldron of inspiration - the great void out of which everything takes shape…
4. The Fey Woman of Lyn Y Fan
This song is based on the Welsh folktale of an otherworldly bride who emerges from the depths of Lyn Y Fan Fach, a beautiful, eerie & mysterious lake in the midst of the Brecon Beacons. This tale also tells of the origins of the magical healing lore held by the famous Physicians of Mydffai.
5. Rigantona’s Daughters
‘Rigantona’ meaning ‘Great Queen’ is an important figure who holds the sovereignty of the land, often seen in the guise of a white horse… This ancient horse Goddess was also known as Rhiannon in Wales, Epona in Gaul and Macha in Ireland. Rhiannon’s tale can be found in the First & Third branches of the Welsh Mabinogi.
6. Realm of Bright Waters
Inspired by Mannanán mac Lir, the Lord of the Sea in Irish & Manx myth and his wise Welsh equivalent, Manawydan fab Llŷr, this song hints at the polarity he forms & holds with his consort, Rhiannon of the White Horses. Together they keep the balance of life & land and preserve the magic & mysteries of the British Otherworld.
7. Corryvreckan
This track tells of the wild & magical whirlpool of the Corryvreckan off the West coast of Scotland, in which the ancient, pre-Celtic figure of The Cailleach, the hag of winter, washes her plaid every autumn. When she is done and her newly white plaid emerges, the mountains become covered with the first snows of winter, cleansing all the land. The Corryvreckan is one of the most powerful whirlpools in the world and when in spate its boiling maelstrom can be heard twenty miles away on the mainland!
8. The Coldest Night [The Crow & The Salmon]
This song tells of the coldest night in living memory, so long ago that only the oldest animals of our lands retain knowledge of it. It is inspired by various Celtic tales of the oldest, wisest animals including the Irish adventures of Leithinn, the Crow/Hawk of Achill and the Welsh story of Culhwch & Olwen. The Crow and the Salmon in our rendering also have mysterious links to the ancient Goddess Ceridwen & her consort, and are also partly inspired by John Matthews’ imaginative, evocative re-telling.
9. The Marriage of Gawain & Ragnell
This early Arthurian tale tells of Dame Ragnell, a figure associated with owls who appears in the guise of the ugliest hag imaginable as a test for the handsome Sir Gawain. Gawain, known as the ‘Hawk of May’ in early Welsh legend, accepts her despite her appearance, allowing her the power of choice & thus winning her heart.
10. The Entertainment of the Noble Head
Inspired by the giant Bendegeidvran [Bran the Blessed] - following an apocalyptic battle in the second branch of the Mabinogi, Bran’s Head entertains & feasts his sorrowing men in an otherworldly island paradise for fourscore years whilst they assimilate all their adventures.
11. The Wyrrd Weavers
An honouring of the Norse tradition of the three Norns, Seers or Wyrrd Sisters: Urd, Skuld & Verdandi - the weavers of fate. Dwelling in a cave beneath the roots of Yggdrasil, they maintain the health of this great tree which bridges all the worlds, and spin the fates of ALL on their giant loom…
CD Downloads are available on CD Baby and CDs can be purchased direct from the artist's own website.
SCOTT JASPER and SUSAN GARLICK: ‘DRAGONFLY MOON’ create INSPIRATIONAL SONGS OF WILD LANDS AND ANCIENT MYSTERIES:
Scott & Susan’s renowned, insightful and original music is as passionate as it is unique; weaving powerful images that evoke the wild and ancient heart of Britain, they sing of ancient myths and primordial, untamed landscapes - conjuring images of wild rolling hills, magical moorland, mysterious mountains, raging rivers, boundless oceans and sacred places.
Their albums are evocative, unique and inspirational; combining passionate, heartfelt vocals and harmonies with guitar, mandolin, mandola, piano, wooden flutes, whistles, didgeridoo and varied world drums including djembes, frame drums, darabuka, bodhran & cajón.
Scott and Susan have released seven albums between them to date and have been performing across the UK for almost a decade, remaining passionate about their unique music and the connection to landscape which it both evokes and inspires. Scott & Susan’s atmospheric and engaging concerts combine a variety of instruments and songs and leave people invigorated, uplifted and inspired.
QUOTES:
"Really inspirational and so connected with the spirit of this land. The best music I have heard for a long time"
"I very rarely get moved to emailing people but your music was so beautiful, really spot on guys"
"I really love the spirit & life in your music"
"Your music was lovely, some of the best I've ever heard... profound, genuine, no ego"
"Beautiful music... thought-provoking lyrics"
"wonderfully contrasting voices... clever lyrics and inspirational chants"
"inspiring and full of life"
"each song offers an experience that is utterly unique... deeply moving"
"inspirational and charming... a truly life changing experience"
"There is a real beauty in this music"
"The harmonies are outstanding"
"a celebration of the beauty and magic of our ancient and beautiful land"
"something really special"
"wonderful, the words are beautiful"
"powerful and transformative... it touches something deep within"
"I just love the way you FEEL the music"
"Utterly amazing - takes me to another place"
"Fantastic music"
"There is truth and wisdom within your words and music"
"Powerful"
"Awesome"
Read more...