LOREENA MCKENNITT

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

2011-01-01

On her 11th release, Canadian Celtic musician Loreena McKennitt (probably most famous for her oft-played "The Mummer's Dance") returns to the songs of her roots and recorded this set of traditional songs north of Toronto in the Sharon Temple, built in 1832. After starting in traditional Celtic music, McKennitt has incorporated music from other cultures and parts of the world -- but this release brings her full circle. As with the best of this genre, the songs tell engaging tales of romance and war, loyalty and betrayal, heartbreaking partings and maids of mesmerizing beauty. The musicianship is, as always, expert, and the sound of this release (because of the recording location?) is strikingly resonant. 1/11 MJVD W-Celtic (Traditional)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 12/2005

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Africa Calling: Live 8 at Eden

  • reviewed 08/2012

    BIBI TANGA AND THE SELENITES
    40 Degrees of Sunshine

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SUPHALA
    Blueprint

  • reviewed 12/2010

    BUJU BANTON
    Before the Dawn

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Various Artist
    Spirits In The Material World

  • reviewed 05/2009

    BUJU BANTON
    Rasta Got Soul

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.