Customer Reviews

Shadow of the Moon

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are a true Ritchie Blackmore fan there is no way you would not love this album! I have heard of Deep Purple and other "Heavy Rock" fans that have not liked this album, but that has more to due with their expectations and limited scope of appreciation than it does with the reality of this effort. At 38 years of age I am looking for something more than speed and volume as the barometer of an album's greatness. I like artists who take a chance, and to be honest, it's been some time since Ritchie has taken a chance. I must admit being frustrated with everything done after Deep Purple's "Perfect Strangers". This album is really something special. There is a medieval vibe similar to the one on the very first Rainbow album (Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow from 1975) yet this album is primarily acoustic with a female vocalist. There is an absolute classic instrumental called "Minstrell Hall" that sounds like something written by a composer hundreds of years ago, which is infact a Blackmore original! Candice Night does an excellent job on vocals and contributes greatly to the overall feel and impact of this album. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull guests on the song "Play Minstrel Play" and is a perfect compliment to the style and feel of this great album.

I was never a Deep Purple or Ritchie Blackmore fan. In fact I found this CD on Amazon.com looking for Ian Anderson's new solo CD (and found "Shadow of the Moon" because IA does a guest appearance on 'Play Minstrel Play'). I listened to the sample of each cut and became an immediate Blackmore's Night fan. My question is: Why is it that great music like this never gets any air time? For those of you looking for great acoustic music you need to pick up this CD.

In one of the bigger about-faces in hard rock history, legendary hard rock guitarist Ritchie Blackmore pulls a 180 on his Purple/Rainbow persona. One of the reasons this freak of nature occurred is no doubt one young, blonde and girlfriend Candice Night. Night's voice, though not all that strong or versatile, is well suited for this sudden affection for all things Renaissance. Blackmore's strumming acoustic guitars, light and shimmery keyboards, flutes and the occasional synthetic horn swirl in with Night's whispery vocals to make this one sixteenth-century blast to the past not to be soon forgotten.

Blackmore's playing on Shadow of the Moon sounds more inspired and complex than on his latest two tries with Purple and Rainbow. At first listen, fans of those bands will be put off a bit by the mellowness of these proceedings. But after another spin or three, other dimensions of this music will begin to appear that can be appreciated in their own right. The best songs are the ones full of melody and played with passion by the pilgrim-hatted one, such as the title track, Play Minstrel Play (with awesome flute solo at close by Ian Anderson), Ocean Gypsy, Writing on the Wall (Ritchie reprises the Fender briefly!) and the syrupy but not overly sweet Wish You Were Here. I have to say I don't know much about true Renaissance music nor its merits, but this sounds well-played and intended enough for my tastes. Also, Ritchie is undoubtedly more in tune with his muse here than he has been in a long while; nice to hear always!

As a long time Purple fan, I admit! It's a big change, but as many of you remember the future of Zeppelin was in question after Zeppelin III came out. This type of release shows the creative writing and bravery to explore new territory, not like alot of todays (Trash) bands. Richie has always been one of my favorites... As me and a friend refer to as "The Big Three" Blackmore, Page & Iommi. Great Album! Trust Me.

Found about this CD quite by accident and I love it. Also bought Under A Velvet Moon. Hope to hear more of their music soon.

THIS IS ONE CD THAT CAN TAKE YOU AWAY O ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE. IT WELCOMES YOU WITH OPEN ARMES AND RELEASES YOU ON A MAGICAL CARPET RIDE OF ROCK MEETS TECNO MEETS GYSPSY FOLK.

After a horrible try at making another run of Rainbow,(a CD I used for skeet shooting practice) Ritchie has dug deep and pulled out some of the most incredible tunes yet. This dics was in my CD player for months!!! You close your eyes and your transported back in time. Check out 'Play Minstril Play' and hear Ian Anderson kicking *** with Ritchie. This one can't be missed. Candies voice was made for this kind of music. Buy it! Listen to it! Enjoy it! I still do!

It brings the music of the Renaissance to a higher level. Excellent, passionate music.

When I first got Shadow of the Moon, my mom thought that it was going to be satanic...but don't let the cover fool you. It is the most relaxing CD I have ever listened to, and it gets the same message across as rock music does. My mom loved it and I have to hide it so she dosn't use it now. it it more like Shakesperean music.

I can't choose a favorite track....they're all so good...WOW...I,ve always enjoyed Ritchie's instumentals.These grab ya and take ya for a renaissance ride through the Black Forest. Candie's Voice is so Warm,Sweet,and Mesmerizing....Absolutly Beautiful! I was fortunate enought to see "Blackmore's Night" Live in Buffalo 10/28/99 after having listened to the CD countless times...the CD was done more than Justice....Excellent Show....Excellent Music....Long Live Renaissance Rock!