Customer Reviews

Bending Tradition

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the two years since their first album, Emerald Rose has grown considerably, as composers of new material, as vocalists, and as performers. Bending Tradition showcases the band's blossoming musicianship. Songs like "Penny in the Well" and "Pagan Girl" have an infectious, almost pop feel to them, while "Johnnie Cope" and "Red-Haired Mary" confirm Emerald Rose's reputation as a good-times Celtic band. Larry Morris's jigs (including the cryptically named "The Ferret's Nose") sound like they could have been lifted straight out of the folk tradition. But the most luminous gem on this CD is "Freya Shakti", a Goddess chant that deserves to take its place alongside Deena Metzger's "Isis Astarte" chant as a recognizable Pagan standard. To this reviewer, the boys in Emerald Rose haven't just bent tradition -- they've contributed to it.

I highly recommend this second collection from Emerald Rose. It mixes energetic renditions of traditional Celtic songs (Johnny Cope, Red-Haired Mary) with folky, poetic ballads (Penny in the Well, Hills of America) and even some satiric pop (Pagan Girl). But the best tracks are the haunting, mythically-inspired 'Castle of Arianrhod' and the driving, oracular spirit songs--'Freya Shakti' and 'Fire in the Head.' The spine shivers; the heart weeps. Oooh, that's good.

If you're on a pagan path, this album will rock your world! I love the imagery of "Merry May Folk", it's a Beltaine romp that grabs your spirits and throws them skyward! Try raising Power while singing along with "Freya Shakti", dare you to sit still. "Pagan Girl" is absolutely my most favorite song on this CD, it reminds me of my previous relationships and meeting my wife. "Fire in the Head" called to my Druidic nature. Pagans everywhere; Rejoice! Emerald Rose RULES!!

What can one say about a band that is so in touch musically and spiritually with the Celtic? Fire In The Head is about Celtic Shamanism, bringing to bear many familiar images with a fast pace. Jigs:Green Hills of Garland/The Gallagher Lass/The Ferret's Nose is especially fun, with Larry's whistle bouncing melodically. The haunting Castle of Arianrhod shows a knowledge of Taliesin and an understanding of Celtic spirituality. Freya Shakti is my favorite Emerald Rose song, praising and invoking the Goddess in her many forms. There isn't a bad song on the whole CD. I would give this CD ten stars if Amazon allowed it!

Here is a hint. DO NOT LOAN THIS CD TO ANYONE. Even your trusted friends will turn on you and growl viciously if you suggest it is time for the CD to come back to you. Happened to me just last night. So off I went to the band's website to buy another copy. Dang it. But I did buy the full set of all four.

I've had the sheer pleasure of hearing this group perform in public. It was my first time to hear the "Shakti" piece. Everyone in the auditorium was on their feet dancing. It is a chant to overcome the dirge-like chants so many of us know.

Their traditional pieces are incredibly well done. The penny whistle rivals the best work I've ever heard.

And the original songs such as "Pagan Girl" will bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye.

These guys are true bards in the oldest sense of the word. Don't let this CD escape your notice. Truly some of the best new music I've heard in a long while.

I love this music. It's witty, well done and sticks with you. It also has one of the best chants on it ever. A must have. If you can ever see them live, do so.

They certainly left no "unfinished business" here. They chanted "Freya, Shakti" as they dropped their "Penny In The Well" on their way to "Castle of Arianrhod" with "red-haired Mary" and "johnny cope". They sung some very nice "Jigs" like "Merry May Folk" do. As they traveled across the "Hills of America" the little "Pagan girl" of Ga. said "come by the hills" and see the man with the "Fire in the head". Gosh he was not a "Lucky Man" but you will be when you buy this CD. They are great. It gets the foot stomp'n. You go ER! Can't wait till the next.

I love this cd! I'm always popping it into the cd player in my truck and singing along. "Freya, Shakti" is an incredible chant. It alone is worth buying the album for. "Merry May Folk" is hilarious and I love "Penny In The Well" and "Fire In The Head". An awesome band. Can't wait for their new cd.

I first saw/met Emerald Rose at Dragon Con 2001. I happened to be in the area and their music soon had me toe-tapping & dancing.

After the show, I bought their CD & have been happily a fan ever since.. and I've gotten a number of friends of mine to come along with me to concerts, for which they later thanked me for!

All in all, great music & a great show!

Catchy tunes with a distinctive upbeat and fun feel to them. You'll find yourself bopping along in your chair (I listen to them at work very often) and your co-workers will look at you oddly. A very fun and enjoyable album. Money well spent.

PS. But don't expect to see them live unless you live in the eastern US, they never seem to make it out twords the west...