Customer Reviews

Parting Tide

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

 

 

From jazzy and jaunty to elegantly wistful, Nightnoise lends a unique sound to Celtic music that is different than any I'm familiar with, except perhaps for some songs from the group Relativity (which, of course, includes two of Nightnoise's members). Both groups make liberal use of electronic keyboards from the "early days,"--a little tinny and tinkly, perhaps, but proudly played like pianos and showcased for what they are (rather than trying to emulate every acoustic instrument and movie sound effect under the sun). Add to this ambience some mellow guitar, lilting violin, wistful accordion, and a pleasant array of flutes, pipes and whistles, and you have the recipe for some of the most pleasingly and authentic-sounding New Age / Celtic fusion I've come across. Okay--with all the variations that keep developing within the genre, I'm not sure one can actually define "authentic" New Age, but when I say it, I mean that elusive combination of gently creative compositions with enough of an electronic ambience to qualify as "new," but without overpowering the timeless, relaxing qualities of the acoustic leads. That--at least from producers like Windham Hill and Narada--is New Age to me, and the distinctive, gently rambling music of Nightnoise fits the description perfectly! Full of heart, spark and appeal, yet still mellow enough to relax me, "The Parting Tide" is a favorite album of mine. The group is made up of brother and sister Micheal O Domhnaill (guitar, keyboards and backing vocals) and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (keyboards, accordion and lead vocals), violinist and keyboardist Billy Oskay, and flutist Brian Dunning. Check out their other albums too, such as "Something of Time" and "Nightnoise: A Windham Hill retrospective."

If you are looking for simple lyrics and a gentle Celtic sound, you've come to the right CD. The Tryst has a slow and uplifting but slightly melancholy sound, while the piano on Through The Castle Garden builds into the song beautifully. Snow Is Lightly Falling features the singer's lovely voice and longing lyrics that suit the title.

Somehow, even the light-hearted A Jig Of Sorts manages to blend nicely with the rest of the CD. My favorite I think must be The Abbot, it is very Celtic sounding and lifts one all at once away. Occasionally I feel the music is jilting, but I believe that repeated listenings will smooth that away. Otherwise, I have no complaints, for some soft music with Ireland in the heart, this is a good album.

I bought this CD for the 4th track ,I was expecting a little more on the rest of the tracks it's more of the 80's type did not check the year but it sounds like an old version of Irish folks songs.Sorry