Customer Reviews

Norland Wind: Harp Music From Celtic Northwest

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This is what music is all about. I've always liked this kind of music, but never before had I really bought any CD's of this genre. That is until "Norland Wind" came and changed my taste forever. I live in a town called 'Mo I Rana' in Norway. One snowy saturday in 1999 they were invited to have a concert at one of the churces here. I of course had to go, and that two hour show must have been one of the the most beautiful and magic hours of my life. This CD contains many of the songs they performed and the rest is in the same spirit. Then in september 2000 they again came into town. And I of course showed up at the concert. Just as magic and just as wonderful and beautiful. Buy this CD, go see their concerts. These are people who know what they are doing. Kerstin Blodig, Thomas Loefke and Ian Melrose are a trio that I will never get tired of seeing or hearing. I can't wait till the next time they come by, or when another CD will be out. I actually had the chance this last time they were here to spend a little time with them backstage. Did an interview for the local television station. In addition to beeing such skilled musicians, they are also such great people to be around. If you don't buy this CD, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful CD's that are out there. Do yourself the favour and buy it.

I first heard Norland Wind in 1997. The first time I listened I wasn't sure if I really liked it, but a few more listens helped me discern that this was a group of infinite talent and nuance. Every time I listen to them, I hear things I didn't hear in previous playings. I have personally met some of the musicians in this group and found them to be as woderful as I imagined. They have been my favorite band ever since and I now follow their involvements in other bands and duos, etc. This music is not for everyone. While Celtic/World-based, it is also very contemporary. Listen to samples several times before you buy so you will be sure you are good with your purchase.

This music has depth! Featuring the spirited harp playing and clever compositions of Thomas Loefke, the ensemble also incorporates voice, guitar, mandolin, whistle, fretless bass and keyboard. Track 1, "Rime on the Moor", has a heart-tugging profoundness that begs to be sung or played along with in improvisational harmony, much like whistle-player Vinnie Kilduff does about halfway through the piece. I first heard Thomas Loefke and his friends on a Celtic compilation album that contained track 5 from this CD, "The Tipsy Elk"--a fun, jazzy number featuring harp and vocalise above a driving strummed and percussive ground. 'That's different,' I thought. It sounded rather like Lorin Grean, another innovative composer/harpist whose work I enjoy. That was enough to convince me to go looking for the source CD on Amazon.com, and I am delighted with my impulse purchase. Happily, Loefke and friends have continued to produce new material, such as the energetic and lushly textured Atlantic Driftwood, which I also enjoy very much!

This music is full of depth! Featuring the spirited harp playing and clever compositions of Thomas Loefke, the ensemble also incorporates voice, guitar, mandolin, whistle, fretless bass and keyboard. Track 1, "Rime on the Moor" has a heart-tugging profoundness that begs to be sung or played along with in improvisational harmony, much like whistle-player Vinnie Kilduff does about halfway through. I first heard Thomas Loefke and his friends on a Celtic compilation album that contained track 5 from this CD, "The Tipsy Elk," a particularly fun, jazzy number featuring harp and vocalise above a driving strummed and percussive ground. 'That's different!' I thought. It reminded me of Lorin Grean, another innovative composer/harpist whose work I enjoy. That was enough to convince me to go looking for the source CD, and I am delighted with my impulse purchase. Happily, Loefke and friends continue to produce new material, such as the energetic and lushly textured Atlantic Driftwood, which I also enjoy very much! - Brianna Neal