Customer Reviews

Isle of Dreaming

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read these reviews and thought I should join the conversation. I am deeply touched that there are people out there who comprehend my creative efforts, and I want to take this opportunity to address an issue that has plagued me for 15 years... I am not a Loreena-wanna-be. The music industry and fans alike have compared me to her ever since the release of my 1993 recording THE TIME BETWEEN, and I am truly flattered to be in such splendid company. However, there are as many differences as there are similarites. THE ISLE OF DREAMING is a unique recording. It is the next evolution of my creative self. The tonal pallette is very diverse- ancient instruments and time signatures used in contemporary composition. My compositions are rather organic, and sometimes they do take some time to get inside of.. hence the reviewer that said it improves with subsequent listening. I hope that you are adventurous enough to enter the realm of my music, and I hope that you are delighted once you do. It is my goal to illuminate beautiful inner vistas- to take you on a journey you may not have taken any other way, and make soulful contact by doing so. Blessings...

Despite being a fierce fan and defender of Loreena McKennitt and Eithne ni Bhraonain, I must say that on many levels, Kate Price's work transcends both of theirs'. The reason for this is complex, but anyone who has picked up this CD will realize why Ms. Price scores higher than the other picks of her clan.

I agree with other reviewers, and Kate herself who says that it takes repeat listening to get into this album the way it should be listened to. There are a couple of remarkable things about this recording :

a) It is utterly original. While Enya tamely relies upon her older hits to lead the way, regarding tone and voice, Kate Price weaves new magic with unusual, yet completely mesmerising instruments, most notably the sitar, which finds a surprisingly suited home on this collection. I have no idea how many instruments she plays herself, but the end result is nothing short of breathtaking. Drawing upon Persian influences, and Celtic nomad chants, Kate has created an album that is timeless.

b) Kate's voice. While certainly not as keen-like as Loreena, Kate has a voice that works well on most scales. The only peeve I have is that she doesn't let her words flow into one another, and the pauses and breaks between each word are often perceptible, and it feels like shes reading off a page than singing from her soul, but once you overlook this, the rest of the ride is sheer perfection. Kate's own dialect and pronounciation is at one both British and American, lending it a quaint likeability.

c) The length of the album. Though there are eight tracks, this is a comprehensive, and compelling album throughout. It is not short and abrupt as Enya's latest CD, nor is it careless in its' rendering.

d) There are no 'fillers'. Each track stands out as unique.

e) It is intensely spiritual. Meditators and Yoga freaks would do well to get their hands on this as this is New Age music at its purest and classiest. Forget all those pseudo-chanters like Secret Garden. Kate Price is where its at.

I hope this review has been of help. I got this CD while randomly searching the Web, and I don't regret for a moment the money I spent on it. It is beautiful, and artistic, and one of the best female New Age albums of all time - right up there with Enya's 'Watermark', and Loreena's 'The Mask and Mirror'. In some ways, its even better than those two classics. Kate Price is an acquired taste, but once savored, its a delight you will enjoy relishing, time and again.

I wonder if you've reached this quiet page the way I first did: by floating down the tributaries and backwaters of the endless amazon, wandering from list to list and reference to reference, seduced by ecstatic cries from strangers, but wary of them also - for if you believed but a fraction of their claims, you would be bankrupt by tomorrow. Perhaps by now you are on unfamiliar waters, many miles away from the landmark album with which you started your chase for something beautiful. If so, haul your canoe up the riverbank and rest your weary ears, for you might just have found it.

First read the reviews, because they happen to be true. All they omit to mention is the outstanding quality of the recording itself, making this even more of a joy if you have a good system. Now click the grungy lo-fi clips of Ms Price playing her hammered dulcimer. If you howl in pain and rip your headphones off - as I do myself at most of these picnics by the waterside - then bon voyage and better luck with the next siren who sees your boat and lures you in. But if the flavour of the music interests and intrigues (and that is the most one can fairly expect from these little droplets of sound) I do hope it leads to your buying this wonderful and special piece of work.

I stumbled across Kate Price' music many years ago and her first two albums continue to be longtime favorites of mine. Her newest album is excellent and her style seems to have matured in nice way. Her music is a great blend of celtic, folk, and the best of the female vocals. Her musical compositions are unusually good and her music speaks to the soul. Kate is in the same league as Connie Dover, Loreena Mackennitt, and Mary Black, all of which are favorites of mine.

Never heard of Kate Price until hyperlinks lead me to this album. On a whim decided to get it. Here's what happened: 1st listening: Hmmm. Loreena she is not. So-so. 2nd listening: OK, this is better, kinda like that one track. 3rd listening: Better still, kinda like those tracks now. 4th listening: Hit the repeat button. 5th listening: OK, I'm hooked.

It took a while, but I got there, and I'm hard to please. So my recommendation is don't discard it after the first play or so if you're not sure. Only discredit is for a little repetitiveness in some of the instrumental pieces. But I still want to let other people know about it! The description on its little cover sticky is appropriate - an ethnic, celtic, classical, jazz, new age blend.

I stumbled across Kate Price while looking for Loreena McKennitt CDs here on Amazon, and I've never been more grateful for the site's recommendations.

The Isle of Dreaming is a hauntingly lovely album, incorporating many different styles of music into a beautiful tapestry of sound. Price's music reminds me of Loreena McKennitt's in that she seamlessly blends Celtic sounds with Middle Eastern styles and exotic instruments. Price's hammer dulcimer is a treat to listen to; not many artists take advantage of its unique sound.

If you are a fan of Loreena McKennitt (or even if you're not), I would definitely recommend Kate Price, particularly The Isle of Dreaming.

I have been a fan of Kate Price since her 1993 release The Time Between. I have been awaiting this new release for a long time. Her music touches my heart like few other artists. It wraps around my soul and leaves me refreshed and nourished. Her compositions are soulful and expansive. I remember hearing that Kenny Loggins once said that Kate has the voice of an angel- she sure does! This recording has been well worth the wait. GO KATE!

First off, Kate Price is a wonderful soul. I had the pleasure of meeting her many years ago at the So. Cal. Renaissance Pleasure Faire when she used to play there. I stood there in front of her listening to her play exotic compositions on her sweetly-toned hammered dulcimer transfixed, mesmerized and inspired, which doesn't happen to me all that often. I'd love Kate's music even without knowing her, but having come to know her and having seen the lovely, feminine yet strong spirit of Kate has made me one of her fans and admirers. Her CDs are labors of love and of the highest quality and made with great devotion. Anyone who buys her CDs is making a solid musical choice. Kate, if you ever happen to read this, my best to you always, my sister.

Kate Price's newest album is a jewel in my collection. I think the biggest reason is her ability to express her mystic inner voice through her singing, writing and arrangements. She is a courageous artist, in that she seems to let her music take her on a journey instead of recreating one already taken. I like the oboe, the sitar, the beautiful guitar work and the spilling forth of shimmery tones of the hammered dulicimer. My favorite song on the album is "Voices Of My People." With such original words and harmonic arrangement it's apparent that Kate has a gift for Hearing and translating what she has heard into music. This is rare and to be treasured.

I ordered this cd on the basis of listening to the previews and reading the customer reviews. I'm so glad that I paid attention. This cd has been on my player since I received it. Price's voice is wonderful and the music is inspirational. Run--don't walk--to order it. Wow!