Treasure / Celtic Treasure - Reviews

[Dori]

That's exactly what i have!! Just with the UK cover. Now, is the UK booklet the same??
Dori

[roger]

Hi Dori,

The UK version is exactly the same as the insert in Celtic Treasure, apart from the tracklisting of course, and the front cover.

The Japanese version is the same as Celtic Treasure (including the cover) but it also contains a 24-page booklet of the lyrics in their original language (be that English, German, Maori or whatever), and in Japanese.

Roger

[jons]

comet said:

Hi Jon , Folks.
Why would I write a review.
I love the voice.......... I love the songs.......I love the sound of it
But most of all The Voice.

I'm sad to see that this thread has caused such division among fans

I had a feeling that everyone would love it. Now that I know I'm not getting on people nerves I wish to express myself again:

SIXTEEN SONGS AND I DON'T SKIP A SINGLE ONE!!!!!!! FANSTASIC!!!!!!

Thats better!

[jons]

jons said:

FANSTASIC!!!!!!

I think I've invented a new word there! I think it means: As a fan I think its fantastic! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[Stephany]

Here is a very positive review from the Malaysian press. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Looks meets talent
27 March 2007
The Malay Mail
(c) 2007 New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

For classical pop singers, it does help when you have the looks. Just look at Il Divo, partly thanks to their looks, the foursome has helped make opera mainstream popular again.

As for Hayley Westenra, with her freshfaced innocence and an almost flawless voice that matches, it's no wonder why she is fast becoming the darling in the classical pop scene. She can very well follow Il Divo's footsteps in introducing classical music to people who, before this, only considered it no more than elevator music.

The New Zealand songstress' latest offering, Treasure, is a mix of her original compositions, and Irish/American/Maori/Neapolitan folk songs that will satisfy pop fans and classical listeners alike.

While many of the tracks in the album would easily go down well among most English-speaking listeners, somehow, non-English numbers like Santa Lucia, E Pari Ra and Le Notte Del Silenzio (which is further boosted by Humphrey Berney's Italian chorus) are much more memorable and catchy.

Summer Rain may remind you of a familiar Enya single, but no doubt sets itself apart with the light-paced rhythm that wanders between classical notes and contemporary pop.

Another track, Summer Fly, would bring back memories of the Carpenters era. A surprisingly catchy single, Summer Fly mesmerises with excellent violin accompaniment. It is also refreshing to hear the 19-year-old finally singing something that befits her age.

Combined with a haunting rhythm, Westenra's vocal range is fully showcased in The Heart Worships.

However, the standout track is the short but beautiful Melancholy Interlude, written by English Renaissance composer John Dowland. It is that kind of song that leaves you with goosebumps all over your arms from the very first verse.

[roger]

Hi Stephany,

Many thanks for the report. It is comparitively rare to hear any feedback from Malaysia so it is good to know that news of Treasure is hitting the headlines in that part of the world.

Roger

[Dave]

stephany said:

27 March 2007, The Malay Mail

...However, the standout track is the short but beautiful Melancholy Interlude, written by English Renaissance composer John Dowland. It is that kind of song that leaves you with goosebumps all over your arms from the very first verse.

Thanks for posting this Stephany and how I echo the words I have quoted above, I couldn't have put it better myself. All Hayley's lyrics, too!

After days of agonizing, i voted that the best track on the album in our little poll, a couple of weeks ago.

Cheers, Dave

[Stephany]

Melancholy Interlude is indeed a very beautiful track. Too short, though....!

New review from New Zealand's radio Viva.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK!! 'Treasure' by Haley Westenra

Just to rejig your memory, HAYLEY’S first international album “PURE” went 12 times platinum, that’s 180,000 units, it spent an incredible 18 weeks at #1, it became NZ’s biggest selling record of all time. It topped the Classical charts in the UK where it went triple platinum, not to mention Australia and Japan, where it’s the best selling classical record in the Country’s history…the follow up “ODYSSEY continued that platinum success.

Now 19, independent and based in London, “TREASURE” is HAYLEY’S fifth album, her second international release in which she covers the traditional songs of Ireland from where her family moved to NZ in 1850. It features her interpretations of opera arias that have passed into popular culture; it’s an eclectic mix of songs but ones that have stood the test of time, “Danny Boy” and “Scarborough Fair” good examples.

“Summer Fly” has become the family favourite and identified as the album single”, “Let me lie” and “Summer Rain” are a couple of songs that Hayley has had a hand in co-writing herself and shows her determination to develop as a great songwriter and an uber talent.

During the past year some of us watched HAYLEY perform so brilliantly for The Queen, Prince Charles, President Bush, Tony Blair, Helen Clark and a large contingent of dignitaries and ex kiwi serviceman at the unveiling of the NZ Memorial in London, just in the last week HAYLEY was again invited to perform for President Bush, this time at The White House no less, but besides that her proudest duty is to sing the national anthem for her beloved All Blacks, and the good news is she’s confirmed to sing at this years Rugby World cup finals.

Not one to rest on her laurels HAYLEY is now the youngest ever Ambassador to UNICEF, she’s become heavily involved in Women’s environmental issues, and is always in demand with her extensive film and TV work which has even included an on screen movie role.

With the launch of “TREASURE” in the “Big Apple” this week, HAYLEY WESTENRA now has her feet firmly on the international stage, she’s one gem we can all feel proud and highly deserving of her 4 and a half stars for this weeks ‘ALBUM OF THE WEEK’ here on VIVA!

[Stephany]

Hi everyone,
I found a very interesting review of an American who didn't really know Hayley before but ended up buying "Celtic Treasure". She gives her opinion on the CD. I am slightly confused because the reviewer seems to think Hayley is trying to be known as a Celtic singer. Which she's clearly not. Or at least she doesn't claim to be one.

Over the weekend I had the occasion to listen to the new offering by New Zealand singer, Hayley Westenra, which is called Celtic Treasure. Celtic Treasure contains thirteen short songs of varying type.

Before receiving the CD last week, I had only heard of Hayley Westenra, and had never really paid much attention to her style of music or to her recordings. I listened to this CD cold, with no expectations, good or bad.

Usually I have an extremely wide range of musical interests, from classical to vintage rock, country to blues, 40s swing to the bubblegum top 40s of the 60s and 70s. As long as it’s pleasing and well done, I like all kinds of music. As many of you know, I am no stranger to professional musicians, with a pianist son and Darling Daughter who studies both flute and voice. I know quality.

That said, for the most part, I found the CD mostly listenable. While I’m no huge fan of Celtic music, I can listen to it. From what I could tell, traditional Celtic musicians who nicely accentuated her voice accompany Hayley: flute, harp, guitar, piano and strings. The musicians did not detract from her effort. This is a very nicely done CD.

Hayley’s lilting voice is best served when she does the more classic songs, like “Scarborough Fair” (which I especially enjoyed), “Shenandoah” and “Danny Boy.” She also does quite well on the ballads “Let Me Lie,” “Thye Last Rose of Summer” and “Whispering Hope.” Her voice sounded moderately strained on the more contemporary sounding pieces, like “Summerfly.” I’m not sure why she included this eclectic song on this CD, but her reaching for the higher notes on this more “rocking” popular piece detracted from the entire work. Perhaps she wanted to appeal to the mainstream audience, instead of just those who enjoy Celtic music.

“One Fine Day” was very reminiscent of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and while it’s quite an operatic piece, I found that Hayley’s voice sounded uncomfortable with the high notes. Hayley did much better on the following pieces, “Sonny,” “The Water is Wide” and “Abide With Me” with minimal spare piano accompaniment. If she did have to extend her range for a high note, it was done with seeming effortlessness.

For some reason, I had the distinct impression that Hayley was attempted to emulate another great Celtic singer, Enya, but was not successful on all counts. “Summer Rain” starts out musically like something from an Enya album, but Hayley’s voice doesn’t carry the high notes as gracefully. Her voice came very close to being annoying on this particular piece. The difference between the two singers is very slight, but noticeable. Enya’s voice is breathy yet always smooth as silk. Hayley, while having quite a beautiful voice, is not quite there yet.

Not knowing anything about Hayley, I decided to visit her web site at www.hayleywesterna.com. I was surprised to learn that Hayley is only 19 years old! For such a young person, she has been singing professionally for five years. She’s an extremely beautiful young woman, and for a singer her age, has a strong and wonderful voice. In addition, she’s very socially aware, and donates time and money to various causes. She has achieved quite a bit for a person her young age.

I would love to see Hayley do a Celtic Christmas album. In addition, her voice is so well suited to standards, and I would love to hear more of that genre.

I’ll no doubt keep my eye on Hayley Westerna. As time goes on, and she matures, I am sure she will eventually become the foremost Celtic singer. Until then, Celtic Treasure was a pleasant introduction to an up and coming young performer.

[jons]

Alright already!! Their next step is to join HWI.

[Eric]

Greetings from the States from a "love-struck" country boy.

I recently bought the US "Celtic Treasure" after discovering Hayley's tremendous talent. Two words: "I'm hooked!" Every song is simply beautiful. I do agree with earlier posts about "Summer Fly" and "Sonny". It caught me by surprise. I wasn't really expecting these types of songs to be on her CD. Not that they were bad (not by any means)...just that it's a bit different than simply classical/traditional songs. With that said, those two songs, along with "melancholy interlude" and "one fine day" have become my favorites. Hayley's voice is senstational (as everyone knows). My only disappointment with the CD is that there weren't more songs!! I could listen to her all day long!

Btw, does anyone know where I can find the UK version? There are songs that's missing from my US copy ...we can't have that!! And are her other cd's "Pure" and "Odyssey" still being circulated? If so, are there different international versions with those?

Regards,
Eric

P.S. In case I ever have the opportunity to meet Ms Hayley, what would be the best and the worst thing to say? I'd hate to finally get to meet her and say something stupid like, "Hey, you're that girl, right?" or "Is it true that commodes in NZ flush the other way?" Knowing me, it may just jump right out there!

If she ever reads these things, Eric says "howdy"

I may have jumped off topic there...bottom line, Celtic Treasure is awesome!!

[milewalker]

Eric,

Most well stocked record stores should have her entire international catalogue in stock. (They do in St Louis anyway). Additionally, stores like Target and Best Buy vary widely from having everything to having never heard of her. If you live in or close to a major city I would be surprised if you couldnt find everything with a bit of hunting.

There are also the on line providers (Amazon etc)- who not only carry the international releases, but many of the major ones as well. Not only that, but the earlier releases she did before going global are pretty easy to find there as well.

Welcome aboard Eric! We could use a thousand more like you.


----
The review above confuses me for a couple of reasons. I was not aware that Summer Fly had any high notes to strain, and while Summer Rain was certainly arranged similarly to Enya - there was nothing particularly evocotive of her in the performance at all, in my opinion. Confusing One Fine Day with ALW is a lot like confusing Brahms with the Beatles.....I am sure people make this mistake all the time.


Jon

[jons]

ericd03 said:

P.S. In case I ever have the opportunity to meet Ms Hayley, what would be the best and the worst thing to say? I'd hate to finally get to meet her and say something stupid like, "Hey, you're that girl, right?" or "Is it true that commodes in NZ flush the other way?" Knowing me, it may just jump right out there!

The worst thing to say to Hayley is "Hello Mrs Church!"

The media reviews of 'Treasure' are starting to get silly now. I completely agree with Comet - just listen and enjoy!

[milewalker]

Comet -

those reviews may be silly - but they are still one of the ways that word of an album spreads, in particular when the good ways (like radio play) break down. For this reason, whether we are comfortable with them or not, they are important.

Jon

[jons]

It wasn't Comet who said they were silly, it was me. I was just agreeing that, if your a fan, listening to the album is your own review, you don't need any other. And 'bad' reviews do not do Hayley any good. If a person off the street wants to criticize her albums thats up to them, but people go to music critics to get what should be a definite review. People reading those reviews may be put off.