Label: Frontiers
Website
Blackmore’s
Night is comprised of Ritchie Blackmore (guitarist and songwriter), Candice
Night (vocals, lyricist), Bard David of Larchmont (keyboards, piano, organ,
harpsichord, accordion and pipe organ), Lady Kelly DeWinter (voice, piano,
French Horn, and various other musical instruments), Troubador of Aberdeen
(percussion), Scarlet Fiddler (violin) and Earl Grey of Chimay (bass, mandolin,
guitar). All Our Yesterdays is their
newest album and focuses heavily on medieval rhythms.
“Allan
Yn N Fan” is the second track on the album and is very Celtic in nature. Just
listening to this vibrant composition, I felt like I was walking between the
colorful tents of a Renfest, just waiting to catch a glimpse of a maiden fair
or a knight in shining armor-but wait! An electric guitar amidst the eclectic
jamboree. This piece is exactly why I adore this band. Even without the vocals,
it shows the dedication each performer holds for their art. The music is full
to bursting with love, life and a never ending search for that special zing
that makes you beg for more.
“Moonlight
Shadow” is an epic song leaning more toward the modern end of the spectrum.
Electric guitar and a whirlwind of multi-instrumentation and percussive
elements craft a journey on the wings of night. Candace’s vocals tell of adventure
under the cover of darkness drafting a landscape of adventure under the shadow
of the moon…
“Queen’s
Lament” is an eloquently played piece you will want to savor with your eyes
closed. A fine lady walks along, her heart in turmoil by a nameless worry. The
strumming guitar simple in its majesty, a hint of ethereal sound in the
background to illuminate the piece, like a great pearl in a setting of gold.
This composition is a ghost story of a sort and will linger in your mind long
after the last note ceases. It is deceptively simple but unyieldingly complex
all at once.
“Will
O’ The Wisp” is a journey through wild forests filled with sorcery. Candice’s
angelic voice details a descent into darkness, following a will o’ wisp into
the great beyond. The blend of instruments carries you to another time and if
you close your eyes, you can feel the pulse of the excitement as you trail
behind the ghostly being, intent on finding what it is you seek. Magic.
Secrets. Mystery…
Blackmore’s
Night has a catalog of albums but I find their newest to be their most
impressive of all. All Our Yesterdays takes
the finest of old and new and whips it together for a sugared concoction of
medieval might and ethereal wanderings. From cover songs that ring familiar-but
with a new flair you won’t be able to resist, the vocals of the angelic Candice
to the instrumental antics of a band who can tempt even a writer with deadlines
to listen just a little longer, this album is a must have. Take a break from
your life and find a moment to spare for these bards. If you listen closely,
you might hear the rustle of a fine lady’s gown and the clang of a jousting
match in the background. Bring on the magic!
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Will O’ The Wisp, Moonlight Shadow,
Allan Yn N Fan, Queen’s Lament
Tracks:
01. All of Our Yesterdays
02. Allan Yn N Fan
03. Darker Shade Of Black
04. Long Long Time
05. Moonlight Shadow
06. I Got You Babe
07. The Other Side
08. Queen's Lament
09. Where Are We Going From Here
10. Will O' The Wisp
11. Earth, Wind & Sky
12. Coming Home
Tracks:
01. All of Our Yesterdays
02. Allan Yn N Fan
03. Darker Shade Of Black
04. Long Long Time
05. Moonlight Shadow
06. I Got You Babe
07. The Other Side
08. Queen's Lament
09. Where Are We Going From Here
10. Will O' The Wisp
11. Earth, Wind & Sky
12. Coming Home
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
November 16, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
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