Customer Reviews

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

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3 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

These compositions are based on Stephen R. Lawhead's novel "Byzantium", which concerns a group of Celtic monks traveling to far Byzantium, bearing the Book of Kells. Hopeful, expectant "wandering music" is tinged with mystery and mixed with eastern motifs. This release maintains Johnson and Dunning's gentle touch, but it has a more exotic, driving and deeper tone than their earlier CD, "Music of Celtic Legends: The Bard and the Warrior", also inspired by the work of Lawhead. The evolution is compelling though, and eminently suitable to the story. These compositions contain more vocals and acoustic instrumentation too, including John Fitzpatrick on violin, the chanting of Janet Chvatal, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek on percussion and vocals. Particularly intriguing is the innovative and rousing "Sea Wolves", a dissonant duet between violin and flute reminiscent of modern chamber music, set above a rousing, steady drum rhythm. And Dunning does some really nice, varying work on his flutes on this CD, from biting and breathy "Jethro Tull" style techniques to the deep, haunting effects of what sound like alto and bass flutes. If you like storytelling music, check out also the compelling "Avalon: A Celtic Legend" and "Music Inspired by Middle Earth" by Diane and David Arkenstone, and the passionate "A Celtic Tale: The Legend of Deirdre" and "A Celtic Romance: The Legend of Liadain and Curithir" by the Danna brothers.

The Johnson/Dunning teaming on the CD, Celtic Legends: Bard & Warrior was a delight in the celtic music genre. I looked forward to this follow-up CD, perhaps with a little too much anticipation because I was somehat disappointed. Use of the spoken word with annoying chants at what appears to be odd times detract from the music. Stick to Celtic Legends, and hope their next CD is better.

"Byzantium" was a very calming sort of music...I really enjoyed it and it is very good to kind of 'wind down' at the end of a day with it. Also, the vocal track at the very end is by far my favorite song on the album!

All I can say after an extended session, listening to the CD mulitple times is "Wow." It grows on me and each time I listen I am more moved. I didn't realize Jeff Johnson is a committed Christian until I looked at his web site for ArkMusic. His faith shines through the music. Be sure and listen to the hidden song in the last track. Jeff wrote it as a tribute to his best friend who died of cancer. A powerful testimony to his faith. Well worth getting.

If you're a JJ fan, you have to have this one. The first 4 songs are as good as anything Jeff and Co. have ever done. 'Vows' from the movie "Gangs of New York" is an exciting song and the hidden song 'Aidan's Dream' is a first rate vocal effort. If you're not a Jeff Johnson fan - you need to be. Do something good for *you* today - pick this one up.