July 2007 CDs
Changing Moon
“The term ‘Celtic Music' is an interesting one. Although most people think of Celtic as being Irish music (which does compose a large part of it, along with Scottish), actually it comprises music as far east as India, and to the west as far as the Pacific coast of North America.”
This explanation from The Celtic Ensemble Web site sets the space for understanding how the variety of music you will hear on this CD came to be part of a single album. For rich as it is in traditional Celtic ballads, reels, jigs and aires, Changing Moon is equally bountiful in original compositions with music and lyrics created by the members of this unique and outstanding San Diego ensemble. Claudia Poquoc's heartful earthy ballads reflect her Native American world view, whereas Tim Brittain's eloquent original creations express the essence of new age heart and soul.
“We are not a traditional“‘Irish' band, but a unique and eclectic group dedicated to spiritual connections between fellow humans and our world,” they say. “We hope to uplift humanity in some small way through the magic of myth, music and dance.”
Changing Moon uplifted me, soothed me, grounded me, lifted me off my feet… one cut after another, the mood changed and changed and changed again. I was intrigued and entranced by the mix, the lyrical quality and the musicianship of this remarkable CD.
As a performer, Tim Brittain shines on violin, keyboards, and percussion, as well as in his orchestration and vocals. Lead vocalist Claudia Poquoc plays the wood flute and bodhran (drum); JosÈ Carvajal adds delightful whistle and harmonica; Jack Hayden sings and holds things together with his guitar; and Carlos Warner plays the rhythmic bones.
Changing Moon is all the more relevant to San Diego and Orange County listeners for having been created by a local ensemble we have the unique opportunity to enjoy in concert on a weekly basis. If you haven't yet heard The Celtic Ensemble live, I recommend you take yourself and your friends to the Green Room at Twiggs Tea and Coffee (4590 Park Blvd., San Diego), where they play every Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
And I recommend you go to their Web site and purchase this CD and treat yourself as often as you like to this wider range of Celtic than you ever imagined. Every cut is a masterpiece, and there are 21 of them—enough to fill two albums, for half the price we would normally expect to pay for one.
—Chiwah
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Earth School Now
Definitely out of the box.
Al Nunez and David Mikeal come together to produce an album that is at once amazingly diverse and yet somehow all of a piece. The feeling I get from this CD is deeply African, overlaid with strong elements of Native American and Indian—all of that somehow seamlessly intermingled with songs inspired by Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network and the banned teachings of Jesus.
Native American flute meets didgeridoo in chants based in ancient spiritual traditions from India and the Middle East. All that, spiced with a zest of island flavor. Oh my.
While the lyrics of the first two songs celebrate Nunez' joy in Oprah's work with children in South Africa, those of the subsequent cuts appear to be an outgrowth of his journey to spiritual awakening (as set forth in the accompanying booklet). I particularly enjoyed the chant to awaken the (Sikh) Guru Nanak in each of us, the chant celebrating the I Am, and the soulful rendition of the Mool Mantra—a chant celebrating experiential knowledge through direct contact with the nameless Source, along with some spoken explanation. Another delightful cut is “Grounded,” a collaboration written and sung by Nunez and his son to “help people get grounded.”
“This album is dedicated to the one Spirit present within all of creation,” Nunez writes. “We proudly support Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network. Earth School Now is actively involved in the preservation of nature and projects that teach people how to live in harmony with the earth and spirit. Share the message. Tell your friends. Together we do make a difference….”
Yes. We do. We are. One. Treat yourself to this banquet of primal bliss, and pass it around, with its colorful little booklet. Blessed be.
—Chiwah
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