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)

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