Customer Reviews

Port of Embarkation

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the album because of the amazing cover artwork, hoping that it was an extension of the music inside. I was not disappointed. The music is dreamy and lyrical, yet still has a modern, edgy finish. The production is crisp, the vocals haunting. The guitarist teases out melodies, creating depth and emotion. I eagerly await the next album; Until then I will just have to tell all my friends about this one.

An excellent group of songs made by great musicians that I've seen many times in person. Great for entertaining or the ride to work. Matt Ellison's fretwork is outrageously delicious and I can't wait for his next work. Buy for all your friends and get ready for the major label debut, well one can hope.

This CD was recommended by a friend who said, "It's fabulous for just letting go and setting sail on the musical tides." So I lit some candles, covered a glowing charcoal brickette with my favorite incense and let myself float with the cascading vocals of Danan Healy...ensconsed snuggly within the illusions conjured by the beautifully crafted words of James Durham... while the knowing and sensitive guitar of Matt Ellison propelled us along this journey to the zenith of my mind. And as the final strains of "Shipwrecked Eyes" faded into the mist of my sensual consciousness, I knew that I was in a place I wanted to return to often...and I knew Aeolian May's "Port of Embarkation" could always take me there.

I first saw Danan Healy perform in a small club in North Carolina and have been a fan ever since! She is an amazing performer whose voice captivates from the very first note. Port of Embarkation is an wonderful album! Danan's gutsy emotional voice shines through each one of songwriter James Durham's beautifully crafted songs! Higlights for me are Blue Sky, Virtual Woman, and Hotel Room. This duo obviously has something to say and I eagerly look forward to future projects!

Several of the songs had the flavor of the music common to the country side of England and Scotland. The lyrics and music reminded me of the soft warm feelings I had when living there for awhile. When listening to "Shipwrecked Eyes", I was transported back to Whitby, England where my great, great, great grandmother lived and died. The author of this CD had to be born in England??

This CD proves that excellence can be produced without the trappings of a big studio and a big budget. Excellent lyrics and arrangements by James Durham, excellent guitar work by Matt Ellison, and it is all brought together by the beautiful voice of Danan Healy, who has a talent head and shoulders above the vast majority of female vocalists currently recording. Her voice soothes the soul.

The two things I really liked about this album were the melodies and lyrics. The melodies are so musical, and the lyrics create great imagery. The other really positive thing for me was how the entire album had such variety of themes and musical ideas. Sometimes an album gets really boring by like the 5th song, because the production is all the same or all the songs are about the same thing. These songs all had distinct ideas and creativity. I love driving in my car listening to this CD. My favorite song is probably Remains of the Day, with Virtual Woman or Revolution as a close second.

I've had this CD for several weeks and just love it. Dana Healy demonstrates a wide vocal range in both sound and style. The music is fantastic using a broad range of instruments and styles. Aeolian May takes some musical risks and it's refreshing to hear.

Favorite Tracks:
11. Shipwrecked Eyes -
8. Way Down South -
3. Lost Cause -
9. Hotel Room -

I recommend this CD!

James Durham, Matt Ellison, Danan Healy and additional guitarist just known as Damien created one of those rare timeless albums that appear only once in a while. Danan's extraordinary voice is reminiscent to super star millionaire vocalists such as Sarah McLachlan and Amy Lee of Evanescence. James' production and mastering skills remind me of Brian Eno's work on U2's 'Joshua Tree' and his composing and writing skills are second to none. Matt brings very interesting and unique sounds from his beautifully played guitar. His rhythm guitar is right on. Although Damien played on only one track, his softly mixed guitar on 'Port of Embarkation' is perfectly matched to the rhythm of the song and makes this title track a true radio-friendly hit. 'Port of Embarkation,' in my opinion, would make a great single. Aeolian May and it's four very talented musicians make this album take you away into a peaceful, dynamic, energetic, eclectic, raw and powerful, beautiful world. Order this album, turn off the lights, light some candles and incense and enjoy.