Released by: Frontiers Records
Release Date: July 14th, 2013
Genre: Folk Rock
Links: http://www.blackmoresnight.com/
Line Up:
Ritchie Blackmore- Acoustic And Electric Guitars, Nickelharpe,Mandola, Hurdy Gurdy, Tambourine
Candice Night- Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals, All Renaissance And Medieval Woodwinds
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Bard David Of Larchmont – Keyboards And Background Vocals
Lady Kelly Dewinter – Harmony Vocals, French Horn
Earl Grey Of Chimay – Bass And Rhythm Guitar
The Scarlet Fiddler – Violin
Troubador Of Aberdeen-Percussion
Tracklist:
I Think It’s Going To Rain Today
Troika
The Last Leaf
Lady In Black
Minstrels In The Hall
The Temple Of The King
Dancer And The Moon
Galliard
The Ashgrove
Somewhere Over The Sea (The Moon Is Shining)
The Moon Is Shining (Somewhere Over The Sea)
The Spinner’s Tale
Carry On… Jon
I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been hesitant about checking out Ritchie Blackmore’s post Purple/Rainbow output with Blackmore’s Night. I’ve heard bits and pieces of the music over the years, but as a fan of his rock stuff, I’m perplexed as to why he would forsake his Fender for acoustic Celtic folk music. A friend of mine is thoroughly convinced he abandoned the rock world for a piece of ass. I can’t say for certain this is the truth (his young wife is very good looking.) Perhaps he was ready for a change of pace in his life. Again, without talking to the man myself, I can’t answer these questions. With their latest and 8th release, Dancer and the Moon, I’m finally giving Blackmore’s Night a fair shake.
With the opening track “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today” I noticed two things: 1. Sounds like the Fender has been dusted off. Without having heard the previous releases I can’t say if this is the first time, but it was nice hearing it none-the-less. 2. Candice Night truly does have a beautiful voice. Otherwise the album is pretty typical of what one would expect of Ritchie Blackmore playing medieval music. The guitar work is fantastic, and pretty well holds up to his standards. As I stated, Night’s voice is startlingly lovely. What this album boils down to is this: do you enjoy music of this genre? Songs like “The Last Leaf,” “Minstrels In the Hall,” and “The Ashgrove” are very lovely and enjoyable listens, and tracks like “I Thin It’s Gonna Rain Today” and “The Moon Is Shining (Somewhere Over the Sea)” almost sound like he wants to rock again. The album certainly puts one in the mood for a second breakfast and a long foot journey with a Hobbit if you so desired.
I’ll be honest; I doubt very seriously I would listen to this album ever again. Not to take anything away from it as it’s strictly a taste thing. If I were wanting some background music while reading A Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings, perhaps I’ll bring it back out, but it’s far too mellow for this old metalhead. The music is very lovely and certainly takes some skill to perform, but much like many of Blackmore’s old school fans, I long for the day he brings out the Fender full time and gets back to shredding.
Written by Chris Martin