Lisa Lynne is a Celtic harpist who doesn't really play Celtic music. Instead, hers is an evocation of Renaissance troubadour music, full of modal melodies and sweet harmonies. Tracks like the waltz of "Welcome" and the del... more »icate air of "Bandora's Box" highlight Lynne's penchant for gentle, cyclical melodies and lush arrangements. Like many folk-based artists, Lynne has arrived at a chamber-music sound, full of haunting flute and recorder choirs, gypsy violin, and subtle string backings, in this case from the Chamberlain, an ancient cousin of the mellotron. Lynne rarely takes the spotlight, leaving that to George Tortorelli, who soars through her melodies and stacks up choirs of recorders. Joining him on many tracks is violinist Sid Page. Only some unimaginative percussion undermines compositions that want to fly off into a realm of fantasy and nostalgia. --John Diliberto« less
Lisa Lynne is a Celtic harpist who doesn't really play Celtic music. Instead, hers is an evocation of Renaissance troubadour music, full of modal melodies and sweet harmonies. Tracks like the waltz of "Welcome" and the delicate air of "Bandora's Box" highlight Lynne's penchant for gentle, cyclical melodies and lush arrangements. Like many folk-based artists, Lynne has arrived at a chamber-music sound, full of haunting flute and recorder choirs, gypsy violin, and subtle string backings, in this case from the Chamberlain, an ancient cousin of the mellotron. Lynne rarely takes the spotlight, leaving that to George Tortorelli, who soars through her melodies and stacks up choirs of recorders. Joining him on many tracks is violinist Sid Page. Only some unimaginative percussion undermines compositions that want to fly off into a realm of fantasy and nostalgia. --John Diliberto
Laura-Alexis H. from MANTEO, NC Reviewed on 5/10/2007...
Beautiful, evocative music by, but not necessarily starring, harpist Lisa Lynne. Lisa takes the ancient harp and crafts contemporary compositions that can be called "angelic". Lovely!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Favorite Record Of The Year
05/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Lisa perform in Philadelphia in 1997, and I couldn't believe it when I found "Seasons of the Soul". I immediately bought two, one for myself and one for my best friend, who is undergoing cancer treatment. She listens to the entire CD every morning (I listen after work to remind myself of who I am after a stressful day). This is my favorite record of the year. Windham Hill should be commended for signing Lisa to their roster, and whoever made that happen is a GENIUS."
Exquisitely beautiful and truly full of soul.
04/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am honored to write a review on the beautiful Lisa Lynne's "Seasons of the Soul." When I purchased this CD I would have bought it for the name alone, but the enchantment that spilled forth from her music made my spirit want to dance with the soaring notes. Tranquil, playful, majestic, a dance with life, all exquisitely executed in musical form. Fortune was smiling on us the morning of the Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival as my husband and I experienced Lisa Lynne's music in person. We were eager to take home such enchantment and it was only as we were paying for the CD that Lisa Lynne came to us and shared that we had bought the very first copy of this new release. The depth of emotion with which this music is presented compells a response by even those whose souls have not yet awakened."
How to say it?
Brianna Neal | 11/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful! Tranquil and peaceful. I was so surprised the first time I heard it, and still am each new time I play it! You absolutely can't go wrong with this one..."
Sparkling, soulful and simply delightful!
Brianna Neal | USA | 11/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lisa Lynne once again displays her strength and talent as a composer and arranger in her own right. This set of original compositions, two of which were co-written with flutist George Tortorelli, is warm and welcoming. The opening track, which is in fact entitled "Welcome", is a wonderful example of the modern use of "ostinato" - where a musical phrase or rhythm is repeated over and over, allowing other instrumentalists to improvise around it. In this case, the ground is a simple chord progression with a repeating series of runs on the harp, and the improvisers are the talented Tortorelli, with a lovely layering of flute and recorders, and Sid Page, with delicately whimisical descants on his violin. There's room you too, if you like! Just follow their lead, or harmonize along with the ground. Lynne's musical style, while retaining signature elements, varies from album to album. This recording is perhaps a bit jazzier than the others I've heard, and nicely so. Track #4, in fact, sounds like tip of the hat to Andreas Vollenweider. Joining Lynne, Tortorelli and Page on this album are cellist, bassist and co-producer Gil Morales, Michael Fisher on percussion, and Yussi on guitar. Lynne also plays mandolins and bozouki on many numbers. Other recent releases include "Maiden's Prayer", "Daughters of the Celtic Moon", and the wistful "Moonsongs". If you like the work of Lisa Lynne and friends, you may also enjoy that of harpist Thomas Loefke and his group Norland Wind."
CD title is right on the mark!
Vanessa Jazz | Somewhere, In Arizona | 11/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For me, this CD has indeed accompanied me through the seasons of my own heart and soul. In times both joyous and tragic, this CD seems to be the perfect 'companion', as it were, along my emotional journeys.
The music is deeply evocative, with melodies and arrangements that are truly angelic! Lisa's harp remains the heartbeat through most of these songs with the flute singing beautifully alongside.
I can't speak highly enough of this CD. I can only say you'd be a fool to pass it up."