MOIRAI - Sideways
Wildgoose Studios WGS410CD
This trio consists of Jo Freya (vocals , sax, clarinet and whistles), Melanie Briggs (vocals, melodeon and flute) and Sarah Matthews (vocals, violin, viola and guitar). The name Moirai means ‘spinners of destiny’ and these three do spin some haunting and enchanting songs and arrangements. With three such auspicious talents, one would expect a CD that is a bit special and this debut album does not disappoint. It is truly a meeting of musical minds that knit together and weave some stunning vocals and music, all delivered with skill and humour.
Sideways opens with Chassepain / Baudimic, two bourées written by hurdy-gurdy player Gilles Chabenat. Twiddles is a wonderful chorus song which is followed by The Rites Of Man and Roll The Old Chariot. Kusnacht was learned by Mel during an aural journey across Europe and La Chapka is an elegant, romantic mazurka from French band, Le Gop. There are memories of a real event in Sideways and a tale is told in Magpie Sitting On A Broken Fence of how we should all pay heed to nature, find beauty in everything and not spoil it for others. Brian Pickell’s composition for his mother, Muriel’s Waltz, flows seamlessly into a 16th century English hornpipe. Candlelight is dedicated to Maggie Boyle and her family and a William Blake poem, Garden Of Love, set to music by Dave Walters, is done in memory of Ralph Jordan who is much missed.
This is a lovely album which is sure to find favour with a wide range of folkies. In Greek mythology the Moirai were the white-robed incarnations of destiny who controlled the mother thread of lifestyle of every mortal from birth to death. This CD covers every aspect of life (and death) and is certain to be well received.
www.moiraitrio.weebly.com
Kathy & Bob Drage
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this CD online from The Listening Post The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 110 of The Living Tradition magazine. |