My Top Ten Songs from Blackmore's Night

I have to admit I have many favorite musical artists and bands...it all depends on the mood one is in, doesn't it? The blustery, chilly weather I am feeling at the moment always seems to put me in a Blackmore's Night mood. So does rainy weather, or walking in the woods in my favorite place in upstate New York. All of this means that yes, they are one of my very favorite bands.

Castles, the moon and stars, minstrels and maidens, medieval instruments, a renaissance faire - it is all a part of Blackmore's Night music - and why I love it all! I don't remember exactly how I found out about them, if I looked for the music, or if it found me - but it was a short time after my husband and I had attended a local renaissance faire, where we stood mesmerized by a lone minstrel sitting on a haystack, playing a mandolin, the notes flowing out with such soul. My husband leaned in and whispered to me: "That guy looks just like Ritchie Blackmore." I focused on the man's face and replied "Yes, he really does!" We giggled at the thought of one of rock music's most famous guitarists coming to a faire in our backyard to play medieval music. But still, the thought never left our minds - we both clearly remember that moment to this day, more than a decade later!

Was it really Ritchie? Very possibly, as I found out a few years later from their manager that yes indeed, Ritchie had enjoyed visiting many renaissance faires. Even if it wasn't Ritchie - it was a sign, it was meant to be. The Universe had already introduced him to his life partner and soul mate, Candice Night - a stunning lady with the same passion for a lifetime ago, blessed with an ethereal voice and inspired with verse to bring this music to life.

What a wonderfully cosmic beginning to a new musical fandom for me, and the reason for one of my favorite Blackmore's Night songs, "Renaissance Faire", from the cd titled "Shadow of The Moon" - the melody is perfection, and Candice's words tell the story in the hearts of all those of us who feel a pull to another time, another place.

A huge reason why Blackmore's Night music is so special to so many of us is the beautiful way the melodies and the lyrics mesh together, waking up our imaginations to conjure up the pictures and histories the songs tell. When I listen to their songs, I am transported, taken on a fleeting vacation each time.

Another favorite song is "Spanish Nights (I Remember It Well)", from the "Under A Violet Moon" cd. Though I've never actually been to Spain, Ritchie's excellent guitar work throughout the song brings an authentic Old World Spanish vibe to the song that makes me feel that I do "remember it well"!

"All For One", from the "Ghost of a Rose" cd, is a rousing anthem-type song, combining many medieval instruments and again, Ritchie Blackmore's amazing skill on whatever instrument he plays. The song calls us all to stand together in whatever we do - powerful and thought provoking. An especially excellent song when experienced live in concert.

Speaking of anthems, another is "Mond Tanz/Child In Time" - the second part of the title you might recognize, it is the epic song from Ritchie Blackmore's Deep Purple days. The beginning is a short instrumental that leads into Child In Time, sung by Candice with backing vocals by the Sisters of The Moon, who are Lady Nancy and Lady Madeline. The way their three voices meld is indescribable! This is on Blackmore's Night's "Village Lanterne" CD. Once again, an absolutely amazing song for those lucky enough to see it live - the Sisters' extended crescendo would leave everyone shaking their heads in disbelief. Lady Nancy and Lady Madeline are no longer singing with the band, but have their own new musical endeavors.

Back to the "Under A Violet Moon" CD, the title song is a lovely, lilting tune - it speaks of enchanted woods, dancing the whole night through, and "going back to a time we knew". Sounds wonderful to me!

"World of Stone", on "Village Lanterne", complete with dramatic chanting, is about disillusionment with all the darkness existing in the world, and the realization that it can still be overcome, that Spirit cannot be broken when we stand together.

"Shadow Of The Moon", the title song, is one of my favorites because it calls directly to me, especially the lines that speak of dancing in the starlight and singing
to the night.

"Home Again" from the "Fires At Midnight" cd, is about the feeling that many of us get when we wander around the world...when we find our "home" - we are happiest, and at peace.

"Faerie Queen" is from "Village Lanterne". Do you believe in faeries? In a Goddess or two, or a Mother God? This is what the song means to me, it can apply to any female deity that we wish we could see. If we are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Her, we still long to see more, and to be reflected in Her eyes.

"Fires At Midnight", from the cd of the same name, is probably my most favorite Blackmore's Night song. Celebrating nighttime, the stars and magic - with a blazing solo from The Minstrel himself. I even have a line from this song painted onto one of the walls in my home, it is so very meaningful to me.

When I find my thoughts drifting to days from long ago, I play some Blackmore's Night. Ritchie Blackmore's soulful playing and Candice Night's magical singing and lyrics bring me further into those dreams, so that I dance in joyous circles, and the stars shine down in brilliant Love and Light.