The Laughing Wolf

Music Review: Loreena McKinnett

Okay, now she is another over there on the right, down in the music section. She is there for a reason, and it is a good one.

I first had her brought to my attention by a friend, who knew of my love for Celtic music, or music influenced by Celt. That introduction led me to a wonderful song called “All Souls Night” and from there on I was hooked.

The album that contained this wonderful song was called “The Visit” and in many ways it is still my favorite album of hers. So many wonderful songs are on there: Bonny Portmore, All Souls Night, Tango to Evora (quick geek test: see if someone thinks the title is TangoPro Eudora), The Old Ways, Cymbeline, Courtyard Lullaby, and more. It is a great starter album for exploring this powerful and talented musician.

Her album “Elemental” is good too, though I don’t tend to play it as much. Let’s face it, we males are pond scum in many ways, and there is a song on there in which she sings a true and potent curse at wayward males, and the fact that she sings it so sweetly only makes it worse in some ways.

Her album “Parallel Dreams” has several good songs, though “Huron ‘Beltane’ Fire Dance” is one of my favorites, along with “Dickens’ Dublin.” Her best known album is probably “The Mask and the Mirror” with its mixture of influences from the spice road. Her Christmas albums are well worth listening to, with a variety of old, truly traditional songs that are largely lost today.

Go on and check her out, and I doubt you will be disappointed. Her voice has a range that is incredible, and her talent as a writer, singer, and composer is top rate. She explores a variety of influences, yet never looses touch with her base. This is the reason she has earned a spot over on the right, and I hope you will go and explore.

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