Customer Reviews

Prayers of St. Brendan

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

 

 

I had the pleasure of residing in Iceland for a year (Aug 96 to Aug 97). I loved Iceland beyond measure. 'Prayers of St. Brendan' took me back to the cliffs of Vik, the sprays coming off Gullfoss, and amid the winds where the voice of Vikings can still be heard. This masterpiece is purely sensual and essential!

Music that moves you, captivates your imagination, takes you to another place, and is created with integrity and faithfulness to art. One thing is certain with this vocal effort - Jeff is not standing still (artistically speaking). 'Prayers' is a courageous effort, with so many different styles of music evident herein. 'I Call to You' is Jeff's best vocal song since 'Great Romantics'. If you're curious, then what are you waiting for? Some things in life are easily worth the prices we pay. It's always clearer to us afterward. 'Prayers' (or IMHO any JJ disc) is a musical adventure just waiting for your imagination. Some things are worth a try - you won't be disappointed.

Although I have several other CDs by JJ, I contend that The Prayers of St. Brendan is his best overall work. I especially enjoyed "I Call to You," "Oceanus" "Navigatio" & "Shall I (The Journey Home)." Janet Chvatal's enchanting and etherial voice is featured on the last two cuts. All in all, an OUTSTANDING CD and one that has brought this listener hours of enjoyment.

Jeff Johnson weaves a fantastic mucical voyage in this album. He explores many musical styles to create his journey. My favorite on this album is "I Call to You". This was my first Album from Jeff Johnson, it will be the first of many. There is a mystical quality to his music which draws the listener into his journey.

this CD is great! I love it, the music is very soothing and inspirational.

Jeff Johnson has defined a standard of excellence and creativity over the span of his 20+ recordings. Anything this man touches is gold. This album is no different. Although maybe not the best recording he has done, this does continue his tradition of excellence. The haunting music and passionate expressions make this album memorable and a lasting impression. I've come close to wearing out the CD already(if that's possible). Look for more great things from Mr. Johnson in the near future!

I very much enjoyed this CD. Jeff Johnson does an incredible job of making a true concept album which follows a journey. The music is beautiful and haunting. I think my favorite track is St Brendan's Prayer but the whole album is gorgeous and I can honestly say that there is not a song that I did not like. Anyone who enjoys celtic style music will be quite impressed with this.

A beautiful work. I don't know how anyone would not like it unless they approach it with prior expectations. It's probably not what you expect, even (or especially) if you're already a Jeff Johnson fan. The two songs sung by Janet Chvatal - "O Redemptor" and "Nothing Immortal" - are as beautiful as anything anywhere, and the rest is very fine.

As a fan who has followed Jeff Johnson for some time, I missed his vocals on "The Bard and The Warrior" and was glad to see them return on this album. Jeff is one of the few artists who can fuse poetry and music and not compromise either, but create somthing even better.

This album by Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning is almost as good as any they have recorded so far. The production is definately the best of any of their previous. However, I was dissapointed in the drum loops. They seemed repetitive and "fake" sounding. The acoustic drums sounded much better on the tracks they were used.

This album is far better than the average Keltic music recording. I'm sure that more people will now recognize his talent and he will finally recieve some well-deserved attention.

I must say that after hearing Celtic Legends, I was a little disappointed in Prayers. The music was still beautiful and I was taken aback by the words, however, I prefer Jeff's music without the main vocals. Granted, background vocals add to his beauty of music but I would have preferred less. Still, a good CD to own if you love Celtic music.