Customer Reviews

White Horse Sessions

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree completely with the 'Dirty Linen' review. Personally, I would have preferred a few tracks replaced with others (as one often longs with 'live' or 'best of' CD's), however some of the key (in my book) classics such as 'Hugh', 'The Crickets Wicket' and 'Silky Flanks' made it on. Anyhow, the mix works to catch the many moods of Nightnoise.

The appropriate follow up to my praise of this CD is to say that this longtime Nightnoise fan hated to see 'it' end. I can only pray for a reunion tour or something - saw them years ago (late 80's), and these true masters of the celtic-laced new-agish sound are the best of the best.

This live CD adds yet another dimension to the Nightnose sound, and is a must-get for fans. For newcomers, this works as well as a fine introduction to what Nighnoise is all about - although I hate to say that the 'Retrospective' CD is just as -if not more- enjoyable - mainly because they had a terrific blend of the studio numbers I had been in love with for years.

This CD is a gem, revealing Nightnoise in a different light as they stretch out their considerable playing skills in this live recording. The tracks sparkle with energy and exhibit the musical cohesion possible only when a crew of seasoned veterans are at their creative peak.

The music, often called a fusion of traditional Irish music, jazz, and chamber music, sounds refreshing and invigorating. The opening track, Silky Flanks, sets the stage with everyone kicking in great licks and solos (I especially like the flute and whistles of Brian Dunning). Shadow of Time rendered live loses nothing of its tenderness, and if anything, the vocals of Triona Ni Dhomhnaill are more sadly bittersweet here than on the studio CD bearing this name. Michael O'Dhomhnaill's gifted guitar anchors the whole session, and Johnny Cunningham play fiddle with abandoned restraint, that is, he provides a dose of flair when needed but does not lapse into the sort of prolonged, irritating solos many otherwise fine fiddlers fall prey to on live recordings.

I suppose that one could make a case for including other tracks here, but except for their version of Moondance, I'm not sure I could sacrifice what's here for anything more (I think I've heard this song too many times, too many ways).

If indeed the "White Horse Sessions" marks the terminus for Nightnoise, then there can be no better exclamation point on what was a stellar run of some 14 years and 7 recordings.

I bought this CD several years ago when I was just getting into the Irish/Celtic sound. Today it still ranks among the best. It is a shame to see the group is no longer recording but with many other recordings available, I'll not be at a loss.

This CD is wonderful to listen to! I have been a fan of Celtic music for many years, but only recently did I discover Nightnoise. Their music combines fiddle, piano, flute, and whistle to create compelling and complex music. "Hugh" stands out to me as the most beautiful track, possibly because of its deceptive simplicity. However, the haunting flute melodies also are exquisite. If you are looking for a great CD of less traditional Celtic music, "White Horse Sessions" is for you!

I have had this cd ever since 1999 and i have listened to it and never stopped. The music you get on this cd is definitely a value at any price. I really think if you have an interest in classical or new age, you should definitely try this. It kind of blends them both together with a celtic twist. If you have ever listened to other cds by nightnoise and this one isn't in your collection, i definitely think you should buy it. Whenever I am feeling stressed or if i have homework, i listen to it. It helps me concentrate and relieves my stress. The music on this cd is very beautiful. I for certainly think that you should add it to your collection as soon as possible. And if you already have it and enjoy it, i am sure you know what i am talking about...

What a great live album! You can really hear the love and enthusiasm of the small audience as they are enthralled and amazed by the virtuoso talents of Micheal, Triona, Johnny, and Brian on display before their very eyes. The speed and dexterity of Brian and Johnny are especially breathtaking as they rip their way through "Silky Flanks" in a unique rendition of this favorite track.

I'm a big fan of nightnoise but I prefer their studio efforts to this live recording. Nevertheless it is interesting to hear the contrast between their live and studio recordings

Nightnoise has set a high standard of excellence in new music that only they have equaled and raised. Always elegant, sophisticated, perfect, charming with a tasteful balanced, Neo-Celtic influence that, quite unfortunately, has never been equaled in style or perfection.

This is the only concert album and contains three selections that appear nowhere else in the Nightnoise collection.

Stirring, peaceful, striking, restful, progressive, with classical, intellectual, sophistication for those who like to "think" their way through listening sessions yet is appropriate for elegant background music.

Enya is good, but she comes nowhere near the classical sophistication and elegance of Nightnoise.

This album was recorded in the late 1990's and, sadly, is their last. Any Nightnoise album sounds as if it was released recently. That timeless quality is a true indication of artistic perfection.

If you buy one album and like Nightnoise, get them all! They don't disappoint!