The ancients believed winter was a time of tremendous spiritual power.
In winter the Sun journeyed through the underworld gathering the secrets of life and death, until its verdant rebirth in spring.
Join master musician Áine Minogue in her collaboration with the late Scottish fiddler/producer Johnny Cunningham in their musical journey across the the Celtic countries honoring the Winter Solstice with these dark and beautiful selections that celebrate this season of contemplative reflection and the Inner Fire.
REVIEWS OF "To Warm the Winter's Night" :
.... a spellbinding portrait of midwinter's moods and textures. Her harp is austere, never glissando-glossy or aimlessly lush.'
Familiar melodies such as "Noel Nouvelle" and "Greensleeves" are delivered gracefully, with gorgeous string and oboe support from Cunningham and Kathy Halverson. Minogue's shy whisper of a soprano delivers a lulling Gaelic version of "Silent Night" and the ethereal "Darkest Midnight."
Spun together with brief snatches of spoken narration, this is a tender holiday masterpiece."
THE BOSTON GLOBE (One of the top 10 folk albums of the year)
THE PATRIOT LEDGER
.....a musical treasure.....
THE IRISH ECHO
...a haunting and beautiful creation.... on the of the most unusual, original and beautiful Christmas (or should I say Holiday) Albums to appear in a long time......
PROVIDENCE PHOENIX
......I'll bet she puts a spell on you......
FOLK ALMANAC
...One of the flat out prettiest Christmas albums to tumble down the chimney in a long time.... This is a soft masterpiece; ancient yet fresh, always lovely, always true to the warm spirits of this cold season.....
LEADING EDGE REVIEW
....One of the best, most original, and creatively executed holiday albums we've ever come across........This album will make you feel closer to the season and to a gentle celebration of another year's passing rooted in the richness of the ancient past........
HEARTSONG REVIEW
....a Christmas album of exceptional integrity and grace which will enrich every holiday season..
BOSTON IRISH REPORTER
....Pick of the Month
Read more...