Post by milewalker on Apr 16, 2007 6:59:10 GMT
The praise on this one is so effusive that it almost sounds like a promotion - the author certainly uses some of the Decca text in the review. However, she expands on it some, so here it is....
CELTIC TREASURE; Words Can't Do it Justice
Written by Paula K. Parker
Monday, 12 March 2007
Celtic Treasure
Hayley Westenra
Decca Music Group
While cultures may vary, one thing that bridges the gap between one people and another, between one nation and another, is music. Music has the power to speak where language cannot. Music’s language has the power to endure through generations, through centuries. New Zealand singer/songwriter Hayley Westentra celebrates the power of music in her newest album, Celtic Treasure.
Hayley’s earliest musical training came from her grandmother. “My grandmother used to sit me on her knee and sing songs like "Danny Boy" from as early as I can remember, and each one had a fascinating story of its own. A singer herself in her earlier years, she has always been a never-ending source of songs, and she traveled round the country picking up new songs to perform. It's this legacy of music that she's been passing down to me since my childhood, and it's many of these beautiful old songs that I've explored here on my new album.”
Besides “Danny Boy,” some of the ‘legacies’ on this album include, “Scarborough Fair,” “Shenandoah,” and “The Water is Wide.” Hayley also offers classical pieces like “One Fine Day,” from Puccini’s opera, ‘Madame Butterfly,’ and “Santa Lucia,” a song made famous by the great tenor Caruso. She also includes two hymns, “Abide with Me” and “Whispering Hope,” and a traditional Maori song, “E Pari Ra.”
Hayley does not stop by merely looking back. “New music has to be written, new songs created,” she states, “otherwise we are robbing the future of a past.” Celtic Treasure includes songs that Hayley has co-written. “Let Me Lie,” is a soothing invitation to find peace in the beauty of nature, while “Summer Rain” is song celebrating the power of love to rejuvenate the soul.
Hayley’s voice inspires phrases like, ‘crystal clear,’ ‘angelic,’ ‘pure’ or ‘bell-like.’ You can add such terms as ‘delicate,’ ‘haunting,’ and ‘evocative’ to the list. It may sound cliché and hackneyed, but words, unlike music, are limited in their ability to convey the emotions evoked by this remarkable young singer.
Hayley Westenra is presently touring the U.S. as an integral member of the world-famous Celtic Woman. Hayley shines as part of this amazing ensemble, but she is equally impressive as a soloist. Look for more to come from this amazing young singer.
www.buddyhollywood.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=959&Itemid=70
CELTIC TREASURE; Words Can't Do it Justice
Written by Paula K. Parker
Monday, 12 March 2007
Celtic Treasure
Hayley Westenra
Decca Music Group
While cultures may vary, one thing that bridges the gap between one people and another, between one nation and another, is music. Music has the power to speak where language cannot. Music’s language has the power to endure through generations, through centuries. New Zealand singer/songwriter Hayley Westentra celebrates the power of music in her newest album, Celtic Treasure.
Hayley’s earliest musical training came from her grandmother. “My grandmother used to sit me on her knee and sing songs like "Danny Boy" from as early as I can remember, and each one had a fascinating story of its own. A singer herself in her earlier years, she has always been a never-ending source of songs, and she traveled round the country picking up new songs to perform. It's this legacy of music that she's been passing down to me since my childhood, and it's many of these beautiful old songs that I've explored here on my new album.”
Besides “Danny Boy,” some of the ‘legacies’ on this album include, “Scarborough Fair,” “Shenandoah,” and “The Water is Wide.” Hayley also offers classical pieces like “One Fine Day,” from Puccini’s opera, ‘Madame Butterfly,’ and “Santa Lucia,” a song made famous by the great tenor Caruso. She also includes two hymns, “Abide with Me” and “Whispering Hope,” and a traditional Maori song, “E Pari Ra.”
Hayley does not stop by merely looking back. “New music has to be written, new songs created,” she states, “otherwise we are robbing the future of a past.” Celtic Treasure includes songs that Hayley has co-written. “Let Me Lie,” is a soothing invitation to find peace in the beauty of nature, while “Summer Rain” is song celebrating the power of love to rejuvenate the soul.
Hayley’s voice inspires phrases like, ‘crystal clear,’ ‘angelic,’ ‘pure’ or ‘bell-like.’ You can add such terms as ‘delicate,’ ‘haunting,’ and ‘evocative’ to the list. It may sound cliché and hackneyed, but words, unlike music, are limited in their ability to convey the emotions evoked by this remarkable young singer.
Hayley Westenra is presently touring the U.S. as an integral member of the world-famous Celtic Woman. Hayley shines as part of this amazing ensemble, but she is equally impressive as a soloist. Look for more to come from this amazing young singer.
www.buddyhollywood.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=959&Itemid=70
