Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey

Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ark [Bur400]
• ASIN: B00004XR8Y
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,604 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Cadoc’s Blessing

2. Sea Wolves

3. Over Kells

4. Theng

5. Byzantium (Golden City)

6. Eagle Dream

7. Caliph’s Mines

8. Kaziman’s Gift

9. Eleison

10. Vows

Editorial Reviews

Billboard Magazine, August 2000

A beautifully produced epic by two musicians whose sense of melodic invention flows like a Celtic breeze.

Product Description

Celtic/Electronic Heads East

Byzantium - The Book of Kells & St. Aidan’s Journey is the brand new release from Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning. The popular duo take their contemporary Celtic sensibilities and head East following the footsteps of the Celtic monk, Aidan, featured in the best selling book written by Stephen Lawhead. Aidan’s great adventure with the Book of Kells takes him from the Irish Sea to Gaul, to Viking kingdoms, down the Volga and across the desert sands of Persia. Johnson and Dunning have recorded a rich backdrop to these diverse lands with the help of Irish violinist, John Fitzpatrick; classical vocalist, Janet Chvatal; and Turkish virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a Journey, January 9, 2001

By 

Gavin Ellis "Pastor Gavin" (Albert City, IA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Jeff Johnson's work for quite a while and was completely overwhelmed by this album. From the very first song with St. Cadoc speaking a blessing over the sublime music I was hooked. I believe that we aren't blessed enough. Sometimes it is just good to hear someone blessing you and calling for God to go with you. When listening to the second track: "Sea Wolves" I closed my eyes and could feel the boats coming across the water at me with ferociousness. The title track: "Byzantium" mystically weaves celtic and arabic music together in a haunting and beautiful way. From the Arabic call at the beginning of the song to the haunting flute to the latin chanting, the song just builds and builds. Omar Faruk and John Fitzpatrick are wonderful additions to the group of Jeff Johnson, Brian Dunning and Janet Chvatal.
If you have listened to Jeff Johnson before, you are sure to enjoy this work. If you have never heard of him. This (mostly) instrumental work is a wonderful introduction to his music. It is also a wonderful companion piece to Steve Lawhead's book: Byzantium, which is its inspiration.
This CD is very much travel music. Though it can be listened to while one is at home, I suggest taking it with you on a trip, a journey or even on a walk. With the music playing the journey will turn into a pilgrimage and you will find yourself a bit closer to the Creator.

PS- at the end of the CD, don't turn it off immediately. There's an extra song after two minutes of silence. Well worth the wait.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tops their Song of Albion Set, September 24, 2001

By 

Eric Wilson "novelist" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey (Audio CD)

I had the privilege of watching Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning perform some of this music live. Their artistry and musical ability was stunning. Songs that sound smooth and well-rehearsed on the CD came alive with even greater passion on stage. Watching Brian's fingerings and switching of wind instruments was as impressive as any guitar solo I've seen at a rock concert. I had chills through some of the set.

But if you can't catch them live, this CD is the way to go. With haunting and soaring tunes, with deep and mysterious tones, these two craft a masterpiece. These songs have the power to bring tears and heartfelt praise. Although they are a perfect complement to Stephen Lawhead's novel "Byzantium," they are songs to be enjoyed alone. From the electric cello sounds of "Sea Wolves" to the Turkish chant at the beginning of "Byzantium (Golden City)" this is an album that surprises without being jarring, that soothes without being melodramatic. I love every moment of it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey Into Legend, January 2, 2001

By 

buskelton - See all my reviews

This review is from: Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey (Audio CD)

Byzantium BLEW me away. After Prayers of St. Brendan, I had decided to not expect much from Johnson anymore. However, Byzantium changed all that. The drum loops which ruined Prayers of St. Brendan are back for Byzantium, but they're actually used effectively! The one song on this CD which has me glued to listening over and over is Byzantium (Golden City). Its like a kaleidescope of sounds from the east and west weaving in and out of each other taking your mind on an awesome journey through the city of legends. Overall, that's what this CD does, it brings to life a time full of legends and mysticism that just makes you want to go there, and while listening, you are there.