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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Close Your Eyes Love: Lullabies of the Celtic Lands |
| By Áine Minogue |
| Label: Little Miller Records |
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| Close Your Eyes Love: Lullabies of the Celtic Lands tracks |
1. Take Time to Thrive
2. William's Lullaby
3. Slumber My Darling
4. Close Your Eyes, Love
5. Dun Do Shuil (Close Your Eyes)
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6. Mary's Lullaby
7. Gartan Mother's Lullaby
8. Ashgrove
9. Suo Gan (Welsh Lullaby)
10. I Am Asleep (Taimse Im' Chodladh)
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My Soul To Take |
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Get ready for some music that has proved itself beyond supernatural. Áine Minogue, the transplanted Irish composer, singer and instrumentalist releases her 13th album of Celtic music. This time her theme is a part of Irish harp music known as "sleeping songs". Imagine an ancient time in Ireland when darkness fell and sleep evaded not only the weary brow of child, but adult as well. With the help of a gentle harp and the cooing of sweet voices, slumber was rediscovered and the body and spirit were soothed. There be magic in the air when you listen to her newest release, Close Your Eyes, Love - Lullabies From the Celtic Lands.
Áine Minogue was born in Borrisokane, County Tippary in Ireland, but makes her home in Arlington, Massachusetts. She is known as a world class harpist, celestial singer and recording artist who keeps the Celtic tradition alive, not only in New England, but world wide. I have reviewed many of her albums and I have always been enthralled with her talent on the harp, her true-to-tradition compositions and her amazing artistry. Minogue is joined by a host of talents including Leslie Ritter and Beth Reineke on vocals, Séamus Egan on whistles, Eugene Friesen on cello, Mildred Pennington on oboe and Scott Petito on guitar, bass and keyboards.
Take Time To Thrive opens the album with a sweet song featuring a dulcet vocal and gentle music, but then again, all the songs on the album sound this way. In olden time the gardens of Dromore were a secret meeting place for those that worshipped a singular God. Áine sings of the peace that can be found there.
"Take time to thrive, my rose of hope, in the garden of Dromore
Take heed, young eagle, till your wings are feathered, fit to soar
A little rest and then our world is full of work to do".
Well known cellist Eugene Friesen contributes his substantial talents on the title tune Close Your Eyes, Love. The tune is completely enchanting as the tinkling harp and cello embrace to make a sound that would sooth any weary mind. There are few words in the song, but the intention is unmistakable as I was invited to lay down my burden of the day and take up the ethereal threads of a peaceful night.
The Ashgrove was very familiar to me, but in a new way. The sparkling harp tells an old Welsh tale that was rather sad in its original version, but Áine has turned it into a gentle instrumental ballad featuring her delightful harpistry. It sounds like a big music box and I could imagine graceful dancers swaying to the music along with me.
Suo Gan features a bit of orchestration to enjoy as I was treated to the 17th century Welsh lullaby. The tune has been covered many times and it is often featured on Irish Christmas albums. The euphonious song is endearing and simple, just right for a night in dreamland. The last stanza is:
"Have no fear now, leaves are knocking,
Gently knocking at our door;
Have no fear now, waves are beating,
Gently beating on the shore."
The last cut on Close Your Eyes, Love is appropriately called I Am Asleep. It, too, is an instrumental that allows the voice of the harp to go deep into the spirit and calm whatever fears may be harboring there. I have to admit I am a big boy now and I never felt the least bit sleepy as I listened to this beautiful music, but I was soothed by every note and every word. There few celestial voices out there that have the power to captivate the soul like Áine Minogue. Her ability to mix that talent with poignant compositions is the stuff dreams are made of. |
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Rating: Very Good +  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 8/17/2012 |
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