Search - Avalon Rising :: Storming Heaven

This isn't your mother's folk music!

Shanshad | Discworld | 10/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Avalon Rising is a music group from the Pacific Northwest Bay area that create an electro-acoustic blend of both traditional and original songs with a Celtic flair. The group unapologetically embraces its roots in Celtic and pagan traditions while weaving in electric guitars and jazzy riffs that give the music a distinct edge of rock and roll. The overall effect is at once comfortable and energy inspiring and a treat for anyone who is a fan of this musical genre.



Listeners can tell that cofounders Margaret Davis and Kristoph Klover, along with performers Mark Ungar, Cat Taylor and Scott Irwin love what they do, and have pulled together in the past ten years to craft a musical voice all their own. Mixing and melding traditions and times into a seamless whole that somehow just works incredibly well. The over all sound is not quite as seamlessly polished as mainstream music-sometimes the vocals can get lost amid the instruments, but I find this to be a small complaint considering what the group does deliver.



Some of the songs still have a strong traditional and ethereal flair, like the Irish folk song "The Lark in the Morning", "Do You Love an Apple?" and "Health to the Company." Other selections are traditional, but have received a reviving lift courtesy of some rock and roll flair. "Hunt the Blarney Cat" and "Musical Pesto Set" are two such. Perhaps my favorite selection on this album is "Jack Daw" which is written by Kristoph Klover. It's a piece that really brings out the band's talents. Sort of Jethro Tull meets Middle Earth sort of pagan, progressive Celtic fantasy ballad. Kristoph Klover's vocals really shine here. "Dancing Bear" written by John Phillips, is another favorite. "Musical Pesto Set" is my favorite instrumental selection and was the first song I ever heard by Avalon Rising. This selection prompted me to find out about Avalon Rising and their music and then buy this album. I have not regretted the purchase.



Fans of Emerald Rose, Loreena McKennit, Blackmore's Night and Fairport Convention will likely find this a welcome addition. If you prefer something more purely traditional, this will probably not suit your needs. You might wish to look for music by Dolores Keane or Karan Casey. Likewise, this is not a peaceful ambient music album to use during meditation-it's great for dancing though! I hope listeners will love this as much as I have. Be sure to check out their earlier album, "Avalon Rising" that was released in 1997.



Happy Listening! ^_^ Shanshad

"

Hoot Mon!! Tap Yer Toes! Better Yet, Let's Dance!

film buffman | Film Capitol | 06/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Avalon Rising proves worthy...stellar work on both traditional classics, covers and original tunes. They confirm that headlining time is here. Reminiscent of Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention and Pentangle, this band is a gift to Celtic rock fans. "Tempest" move over, musicianship and vitality come through on this bright brilliant mix of sweet, dance and merry songs.
My list of favorites : first, traditional and instrumentals; Pesto & Side Sets, Congress Reel/Red Crow, Glasgow Peggy, Hexamshire Lass, Lark In The Morning. For the originals; Jack Daw, Turning In Time, make the grade. Even the cover of John Phillips' Dancing Bear is fun.
Kristoph & Cynthia's singing could be stronger, but this cd is a fine effort. Especially musically this is a great experience. The only better thing to do is hear this adept band play these gems live. (Happily, the Celtic harp stood out more live and the solos last longer). Tossed in with their outstanding contagious tunes are surprises; a medley of Tull, and Who and then a few Grateful Dead tunes which makes us old rockers jump with glee."

Magical Celtic and Medieval

Verna D Parino | MILL VALLEY, CA United States | 05/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"STORMING HEAVEN by Avalon Rising is a magical album with its diversity of Celtic and Medieval songs all put together with fantastic instrumental and vocal arrangements. Each track has a different flavor. They are interesting, fun, really cool listening! My personal favorites are "Hunt the Blarney Cat" and "Sidhe Set" with Cat Taylor's Zeta violin hi-jinks. Many's the time I've seen them perform--they are going places. From a classic music lover--I tip my hat."