Search - Jon Anderson :: In Elven Lands

Solid Album

Thomas M. Karaniuk | Massachusetts, USA | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To start off, I don't have the time nor the patience to write out a detailed review on this album. I do, however, have the time to let you know how enjoyable this album in fact is. a few highlights include, 'Dan Barlinman's Jig', which sounds like a hobbit bar song, 'Orome: Lord Of The Hunt', which is a great instrumental that will make you think of the riders of Rohan, and my favorite, 'The Sacred Stones'. The latter is a song done by none other than Jon Anderson, who is at his best in what is an epic song that contains undertones of early elven times. this album, for me, is pure brilliance. If you like music, particularly with a renaissance feel, this album is a must. If you are a YES fan, the album is worth it for 'Dan Barlinman's Jig' and 'The Sacred Stones' alone."

Bardic Magic...

Anna K. Suetterlin | US | 06/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While Jon Anderson is not the chief creator of this magnificent project, I have this to say: 'In Elven Lands' would not be the album that it is without Jon adding his own bardic artistry into the mix. I think Carvin Knowles (the primary composer) knew the album would benefit from Jon's musical wizardry.



That being said, the other artists/musicians did themselves proud by honoring Tolkien's original intentions by not only using Tolkien's material but expounding further by giving their own musical interpretations...and it came out sounding precisely how I think the music of Middle-Earth would have sounded.



If there is any 'modern gloss-over' on this album (as one reviewer suggested), it's due to the fact that it's recorded on CD, and not vinyl. Otherwise, there are no synths, no electronica stuff going on...the only thing 'electronica'-related is Jon Anderson...and don't kid yourself about his talents, because his gifts aren't solely relegated to electronic stuff...he does play acoustic guitar after all. ;-)



As for the Led Zeppelin thing: I *much* prefer The Fellowship's slower interpretation of 'Battle of Evermore.' This has more to do with sound/energy vibes than anything. If the Fellowship had tried to copy Zeppelin completely, the harder-edged result would be too harsh in comparison to the Renaissance-style music on the rest of the CD. Plus, the slower rhythm gave the song more of the 'Lord of the Rings' feel that the CD required.



I also enjoyed 'Beware the Wolf.' It has a nice Halloween-like edge to it that appeals to this Celtic Pagan..in fact, the whole album appeals to my Pagan sensibilities. ;-D



Above all, I confess that I did purchase it because Jon Anderson is on the album, but I also purchased it because it *is* Tolkien-inspired, and I am such a Lord of the Rings/Renaissance music geek that it's not even funny. ;-)"

Elvish Music

silver elves | honolulu, hi. | 09/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"we got this CD for our birthday...

dear lovers of Elven and Tolkien,

... and we love it. If you like Jon Anderson's work, his distinctive mark is on a number of these tunes. There is also a Celtic quality to much of the music, as well as what are essentially Elven Hymns inspired by Tolkien's elvish spirituality. For these elves, it is a perfect blend of all that we love and cherish. If you hunger for more of Elfland, this album will call you back to that place within your soul where you will remember that once we dreamed together in a land ruled by peace and love.

kyela,

the silver elves"