Search - Jaiya :: Beltane: Songs for the Green Time

At last! Some really high quality pagan music

Julia Hammond | Washington USA | 03/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am call myself a "pagan" for lack of a better word, because I believe that the earth is sacred and that we are all part of the great wheel of being. I have been searching for years for music that honors the earth and yet isn't overly "new age". I found it! Beltane is exquisite. The vocal harmonies send chills down my spine, and the instrumental arrangements are really rich and multi-layered. I love the lyrics to the original songs. So poetic and moving. I am going to treasure this album. Can't wait for the next one these talented Canadians make!

"

Good Quality Pagan Music

Boudica | Ohio USA | 09/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Canadian group Jaiya self describe their style as Celtic, classical, jazz and folk combined. The group is composed of Miranda Brown, Kim Darwin and Lael Whitehead, providing two female vocalists who play guitar, harp, bodhran, penny whistle and various drums backed by Kim Darwin on accordion.



The vocals are delightful, the harmonies well worked out. The compositions are simple yet elegant. And the songs and lyrics focus on the Beltane time of year. The lyrics, by the way, are all included in the liner notes.



There are ten compositions on this CD, for a total time of 62 minutes. I would describe most of this music as medieval in feel, very folksy, with a Celtic flair. The vocals are strong with the instrumentation filling in behind these. I would also say this music is very pagan in flavor, highlighting those things that are associated with the pagan path... Beltane, The Green Man, Spiral Dance and more.



There is mostly "listening" music here, with a "get up and dance" piece called "Going Away Jig" and a classical piece called "Stillness". I believe this would fill in nicely at a gathering or as softer music while you are working in your office.



I find the groups efforts to be a lovely addition to the pagan music catalogue, and offers a very well produced and mixed CD for those who love pagan music. Beautiful voices accompanied by professionally played instruments with lyrics that speak to the pagan soul.



This is a good introduction to this group and a lovely collection of their music. boudica"

Beltane is a winner!

Peter | Oregon | 04/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beltane is definitely a winner. I am a bit of a music snob, and this one passes my litmus test. Fine playing on this album, folks - Brown's harp is stellar, and Darwin's accordion stylings are deft and assured. Percussion, guitar and penny whistle interweave gracefully and are never overbearing. The vocals are luxurious and beautifully blended, with complex harmonies and textures.



The themes of Jaiya's songs get you where it counts. "Speak to Me" made the hairs on my neck stand out. "Stillness" sent shivers down my spine. A very intriguing tune, The Bear, pushes the boundaries of musical experience in an exciting way, taking you on a musical journey into the heart of spring reawakening.

This is an album to listen to again and again. There is so much here to pay attention to, you get more each time you listen..."