"Nights at the Alhambra" by Loreena McKennitt

"Nights at the Alhambra"

Quinlan Road/2006

www.quinlanroad.com

It has been said a true traveler begins a journey without knowing its end. For over 20 years Loreena McKennitt has been on such a journey. Her infatuation with the Celts is reflected in her music. The three disc set "Nights at the Alhambra" is a perfect example of that journey.

While eclectic in her writing - everything from traditional to new age - Loreena McKennitt is always Celtic.

"Nights at the Alhambra" is a two CD and one DVD set of her live performance in the castle built by Charles V in Grenada, Spain. While the music on the CDs and the DVD are the same; the DVD provides some shots of the castle grounds as Loreena walks among the old buildings.

But the real jewel of the DVD is the commentary by Loreena herself that is scattered throughout the DVD. And to think I almost missed it!

Also missing on the CDs but on the DVD are Loreena describing her thoughts behind some of the songs she is performing.

Loreena's concerts are not filled with fancy costume changes or wild dance numbers. They are simply Loreena singing, and sometimes lilting, as she plays her harp, piano, or accordion.

Her band is comprised of many ancient and traditional instruments with a few new ones thrown in. Watching Loreena's band is like looking at a history of musical instruments. Included in the band is a hurdy gurdy, karoun, oud, uillean pipes, and many drums and percussion. Band leader and electric guitar player Brian Hughes makes his guitar sound like it was meant to play with the pipes. The two instruments produce a sound that is incredible.

Most of the songs Loreena performs are her own works, but there are a couple of traditional pieces that will be familiar to even the non Celtic fan. "She Moved Through the Fair" has been recorded by numerous musicians including Art Garfunkel of Simon and Garfunkel fame. And "Bonny Portmore" will be familiar to fans of the Highlander television series. The song was used in the episode where immortal Duncan McLeod returned to his homeland of Glenfinnen after nearly 400 years.

Loreena McKennitt is a soprano. Her voice is clear. She has no need to attempt to impress listeners with how high or screechy she can get. Loreena McKennitt has a voice that even a non soprano lover will enjoy.

The Alhambra (Arabic for the red) Castle was first begun by Charles V in 1527. Charles V is the grandson of famed King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It took over 1,000 years for the castle to be completed. It was nearly destroyed by Napoleon.

Loreena McKennitt was born in the Canadian Province of Manitoba. In 1981 she moved to Stratford, Ontario where she still resides. She is self managed and owns her own record label Quinlan Road.