Nightwatch Recording
New World Renaissance Band
Cantiga
Stefano Pando
Reviews
Live the Legend
Where Beauty Move and Wit Delights
Sweet Was the Song
Odessey
Lute Works
Once Upon A Time
Magic Steps
Poets, Bards and Singers of Song
Otter's Pool
Tales from the Vineyard
Martha's Dragon
Lágrimas de sangre
Visit OPALS--Owain Phyfe Appreciative Listener Society
Visit Cantiga at www.cantigamusic.com
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On May 13, 1940, in his first speech as England’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” I thought of this quote in connection with Lágrimas de Sangria for a couple of reasons: First—blood, toil, tears and sweat are the ingredients needed for any successful undertaking, whether making war, wine or even music. Second, I couldn’t quite tell from the title of the CD whether it was meant to translate to “Tears of Sangria,” or “Tears of Blood.” (Lágrimas de sangre) No matter, since sangria takes its name from the Spanish word, "sangre," which means "blood" and refers to the blood-red color of the drink.
Occasional appearances of mysterious “tears of blood” are called miracles.
However, tears of blood are often found to be faked. This latest CD from Owain
Phyfe and his friends has much more in common with Sangria than with
questionable phenomena. Everything here is authentic.
With Sangria, fresh fruit chunks and wine are combined to create a drink that is
simple to make, yet elegant in its presentation. In Lágrimas, a blend of several
Hispano-American songs are combined to create a refreshing sound with a
complexity reminiscent of one of my favorite Michigan white wines from the Round
Barn Winery (named appropriately enough for this theme) “Vineyard Tears.” From
the Round
Barn website: This wine is a
“blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Muller Thurgau and full of layers
of spice and fruit.” Lágrimas is a blend of South American, Cuban and Mexican
tunes, spiced with the flavor of Cantiga and other friends of Phyfe.
Aside from the ambiguous title, which perhaps may be due to my faulty
recollection of junior high Spanish , the only other quibble I have with the CD
is with Track 2 “Pena Heusteca.” For me, Mark Caudill’s fine fiddle was
overshadowed by the vocals. I appreciate the sorrow expressed by the song, but,
unfortunately, Phyfe, usually in such fine tenor voice, misses a couple of the
higher notes. This caused the prime mate to crack, “What’s he singing, the Star
Spangled Banner in Spanish?”
Fortunately, the soothing sounds of Max Dyer’s bass and cello evident on other
tracks and Bob Bielefeld’s merry flute on track 5—Chen Chen—soon set me back in
a better frame of mind. The love I have for the music of Phyfe, Cantiga and all
their friends still remains strong. Other favorites from this collection include
Track 7 Si Tu Superias, which is vintage Phyfe performing with members of
Cantiga. Phyfe is in very fine voice on that track. Subo on Track 9 is a treat
also, quite reminiscent of the southwest United States, although the song is
reported to be from Paraguay.
The “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” of all involved are evident throughout this
album. Trabajo excelente!
“Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” This query from “The Wizard of Oz” is one of my favorites. So, when I saw the cover for the new Cantiga CD “Martha’s Dragon”, one of my first thoughts was, “Are you a good dragon, or a bad one?” After all, dragons are right up there with lions and tigers and bears on the fear factor scale.
Not to worry, upon hearing the title cut of “Martha’s Dragon” on track 2,
I knew it for a friendly creature. The sounds are sort of like Puff the Magic
Dragon, only grown more musically mature after being dumped by Jackie Paper. Max
Dyer’s wonderful cello playing evokes a marvelous serpentine quality
undulating throughout this piece.
The CD is filled with a dozen wonderful songs. You will be delighted with the
assortment of ancient songs presented by Cantiga. Dragons in some form are
present in the folklore of nearly all cultures, and as usual, Cantiga presents
tunes showcasing a societal variety of ancient song. The group is noted for
inspired improvisations, and their fourth CD is no exception.
A particular favorite of mine is “Skillywidden.” This is a good example of
Cantiga’s ability to play, not merely perform music. There is a distinct
difference, and you know it when you hear it, particularly as concerns early
music. The former is infused with a joy of life, pouring forth into the music;
the latter is merely a perfunctory presentation of a bunch of notes. Or,
as my young nephew remarked at age 3 of another genre, “It’s not music,
it’s just noise.”
The “Skillywidden” piece, according to the insert, “began life as a playful response to too many choruses of ‘It’s a Long, Long Way from Clare to Here’, and morphed into our favorite jam tune.” Skillywidden tests a fiddler’s skills and Mark Caudill does a very fine job here.
Harpist Martha Gay is always a delight to hear, and surely she was the model for the stunning cover art. Her work on Cantiga 108, the CDs first track, is quite lovely.
New member Conrado "Charry" Garcia, and Guest artist Jamal Mohamed round out the album, and carry on Cantiga’s tradition. Garcia adds a tune he wrote in the 80s.
All in all, another fine CD from this gifted group.
On the Web
You can listen to two hours of Cantiga songs as played by the Mists of Avalon here.
Visit Cantiga at www.cantigamusic.com
"Come quickly, I am listening to stars."
Onophiles will immediately recognize this quote as a paraphrase of the words of the delighted Dom Perignon after his first taste of champagne. (Now, we know what you are thinking here, but you are wrong. Onophiles are lovers of wine)
I'm just bubbling with excitement about this new release from the Nightwatch label. Trust me, this CD is grape,
er, great. Yes, I promised to keep the wine puns to myself, but all bets were off when I saw the words,
"Ancient Songs and Dances, uncorked and decanted by Owain Phyfe and the New
World Renaissance Band". Besides, there simply are far too many parallels between fine wine and fine music.
Every once in a while, Nature provides the perfect conditions to produce an extraordinary beverage called Icewine. By leaving grapes on the vine to freeze, then harvesting them at cold temperatures, the grapes produce a very sweet juice. This process makes a delightful dessert wine. Conditions were similarly right for the production of "Tales from the Vineyard," blending the exceedingly fine tenor voice of Owain Phyfe with the very talented musicians from Cantiga and the New World Renaissance Band. So, I think of the entire album as a "musical Icewine." With studio consulting done in both Michigan and Texas, this work is a true varietal. Yet, the overall musical flavor is more like a sassy Australian Shiraz, familiar as a fine cabernet, yet, infused with a new spirit for modern tastes.
Under a skillful sommelier's hand, aided by the light of a candle, a dusty old bottle of wine is transformed into a drinkable beverage again. Separating the drinkable nectar of early music from the sodden sediment has long been a hallmark of these very talented musicians, appearing together for the first time in many years. Somehow, they always manage to get just the right blend of modern and ancient sounds, wholly devoid of that self conscious, "We are playing early
music, and it's a very hard row to hoe"
sound that permeates the work of many other artists while attempting to perform centuries old songs.
Particular favorites of mine are "O Madame," and "Heart's Ease." Heart's Ease is a sort of musical
memento mori enjoining the listener to remember that life is short, and,
like (what else?) a fine bottle of wine, should be savored.
As the song says, "Nothing is worse than a full purse," so, buy this CD now.
This collection of beautiful songs leaves behind a lingering bouquet of hauntingly sweet
notes. The sounds are as rare as a Texas raisin wine, and every bit as sweet and
melodious. Can be enjoyed now and for years to come.
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording, and note their reasonable prices. "Send more if you like," as the ever cordial editor of National Review, William F. Buckley, might say. Don't forget to mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
Otter's Pool -- A fitting sequel to "Once Upon a Time"
Words are so wholly inadequate to describe the magical quality of early music as performed on Cantiga's 3rd CD. It's better to look at Alvin Felch's cover picture--running across the top, is a musical score that suddenly comes to life. Notes are transformed into living creatures, gaily prancing about, ready to jump off the page and cause you to dance as well. (We'll get a picture here just as soon as we are able) I may be wrong, but what sets these musicians apart in my mind is their ability to play, not merely perform the music. You are made aware of their evident joy and pleasure taken in each note of every song.
If you are a new fan, I urge you to collect everything recorded by these musicians that you can. If you are a long time loyal listener, you know what incredibly large musical footsteps fiddle player Mark Caudill follows in. Rest assured, he is very talented, and the jigs, reels and brawls are made all the more merrier with his playing. Since the CD is released in October, the "Spooky Medley" (or "The Espooky Tune" according to Rio Blue) is very apt, and will greet my guests this Halloween season.
Listeners familiar with or new to Cantiga will delight in the blend of Celtic, Spanish, Islamic, Jewish and "medieval blues" running throughout the songs. Running throughout this musical tapestry are Max Dyer's consummate cello sounds--the ultimate "golden thread" which binds all the work together.
Complementing the cello and fiddle are lovely harp and flute sounds. It is difficult to feel melancholy, even on a rainy October day, when you can listen to Martha Gay and Bob Bielefeld playing. You just know that the sun'll come out tomorrow, tomorrow...oh, wait, that's been done, and it's the wrong era.
Ray Dillard helped with sound mixing on this CD, leaving percussion sounds to be ably handled by guest artists Jamal Mohamed and Nestor Prieto.
"Mirth and music must be specially used to ward off sickness and soreness," said the 16th century physician, William Bullein. Get this CD now, before cold an flu season strikes, and stay healthy this winter.
Visit this website to find ordering information. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
The Renaissance speaks and sings, and it's voice is
Owain Phyfe.
Like most aspiring media magnates, I wrote this headline weeks before I had even seen this CD, let alone purchased it. The paraphrase just sounded so good. Fortunately for me, Owain Phyfe does indeed speak during a prose introduction. His words "Now is the time, from twilight to the edge of sleep, that has, from ancient days, become the special province of poets, bards and singers of song" set the tone of the album as one for accompanying some relaxed contemplation at day’s end.
Phyfe’s exceedingly fine tenor is in it’s usual excellent form, and never better on standouts such as "A Health to the Company", and "Pucelete".
The mood of relaxed reflection is somewhat broken (for me) by "El Rey De Francia". Like winter wassail, the viol de gamba is a taste I’ve never quite acquired. I think of it as a bagpipe with strings. Kinder writers have described the viol de gamba’s sound as "nasal". Whatever, the unmistakable sharp sound never fails to make me wince.
But, having said that, I hasten to add that Sasha Raykov's playing of this difficult instrument is extremely accomplished. In fact, it sounded remarkably like a recording of baroque music featuring the viol de gamba that I heard recently one eveing on the Canadian Classical station 89.9FM. The name of the piece escapes me, but the musicianship is on an equal professional par. I suspect that part of my problem is that I spent the preceding two weekends prior to my purchase of this CD in the company of the Emerald Sinfonietta, a local string ensemble. This ensemble is drawn from members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra, and the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony. So, my ears were much more attuned to the sound of modern stringed instruments (and Christmas songs!)
Speaking of Christmas, Phyfe makes an interesting departure on this CD to present one of the few songs in his repertoire with a religious theme. I believe the Bocca Musica chorus singers are new to Nightwatch Recording as well, and are a nice addition to several of the songs.
Highly recommended.Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
(Yes, this cover pic has been cropped. Although sex sells, we do not want to alert Michigan's persistent fighter of crime, Atty Genl Jennifer Granholm, to either the Tudor Times or to Nightwatch Recording)
The early music of an early music ensemble.
The album titles and the attention paid to the choice of cover pictures are what absolutely knock me out about the offerings from Nightwatch Recording. "Magic Steps" is a mix of works done over several years by the members of Cantiga (Spanish for "song") The cover is an original work depicting Medieval musicians, but done in an American primitive style, reminiscent of Anna Mary Robertson ("Grandma") Moses. And, that is how the songs played out for me. You do recognize a couple of the tunes, but they are decidedly American in character and arrangement. Very "New World", if you will.
Hearing cuts 4 and 7 never fails to cause me to break into a gap toothed grin, reach for a chaw of tobaccy, and a jug of whiskey…oh, yes, excuse me. You can certainly hear the vibrant passion and evident joy that these musicians have for their work, but it is a very young enterprise, like the first steps young toddlers take before they run off into the world, laughing. Or, perhaps, these songs are more like a raw, new vintage of wine, certainly drinkable and enjoyable now, but definitely able to benefit from a few years aging, and the skillful hand of a winemaster.
However, for all it’s youth and Americana, this CD contains some of the very finest fiddle playing I have heard outside of my own family, made all the finer as it is the last we may hear in this world from Malcolm Smith. The CD is dedicated to the memory of this very fine musician, but it is not at all a mournful work. It is like a behind the scenes peek into the early beginnings of this very talented group, a time when they began to take their first steps towards the musical magic that they weave on later CDs.
It’s
like stepping into a cool, green forest filled with delightful sounds.
I ordered this CD by Cantiga along with Lute Works, but, the difference being, I wanted this CD for more than simply to scratch curiosity’s itch. I had heard one of the songs on the radio and read the Nightwatch newsletter detailing the songs, and just had to have it. I have used this music repeatedly to lighten my work when doing all sorts of chores, from housework to entering data for demos.
This CD has been likened to a warm summer evening by a local classical music host, Pat McElroy, but for me, the sounds are like those made by fairies, sprites and other woodland wee folk. Stand where the forest river meets the sea, and you will hear the sound of a sailor’s hornpipe carry across the water. Walk back in the forest a while, and you’ll hear gypsies, wizards, Kings and warriors. Listen! Don’t the harp and the fife remind you a little of birds, singing a joyous refrain? And the cello, a bit like the sound of your footfalls on the forest path? Isn’t that running water from the nearby brook? Oh, #@*& !, I’ve let the bathtub run over. Gotta go. And, if you truly enjoy sounds with a magical blend of Celtic, Spanish and French overtones, then you’ve gotta go here to order this CD. It is, quite possibly, a symphony to rival Spring itself.
Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
Raise, don't lower your
expectations. Splendid Music.
Another confession-I only purchased this CD to satisfy my curiosity as to where I had seen this picture before. It was driving me batty. Beyond that, I really didn't expect too much. Sure, I enjoy the music of the New World Renaissance Band, and all, but this is simply lute songs, no singing, no harp, no cello, nothing else. So, I tore off the wrappings, let the CD fall to the floor and looked for the picture credits. Ah ha!! The cover is a detail of the Ambassadors, a picture ripe with Renaissance symbolism, if ever there was one. Recalling that the painting shows the lute with a broken string, to symbolize discord, my expectations were right down there on the floor with the CD. So, I put it away until the prime mate and I went on a vacation. "What's that?" grunted the prime mate, who really only tolerates some of my music choices. "Oh, uh, this is like that classical guitar guy, Govi", I said brightly, with my thumb placed strategically over the title. "You'll like it". "Looks like a lute, to me", the prime mate said suspiciously. His ear is as sharp as his eye, as he growled on hearing the second selection, "Wait a minute, that's an archlute!"
Well, what a pleasant surprise. No, not that the prime mate recognizes ancient instruments, but that there is really wonderful music contained on the CD. Despite the choice of cover picture, there is only hauntingly sweet and melodious sound herein. Devoid of distractions like other instruments, or voice, these works take on a special quality all their own. Skillfully performed by Stefano Pando, these songs display a remarkable range of emotions. An exciting surprise was, "My Lady Carey's Dumpe", (dumpe being a doleful song). Which lady Carey is this? Mary (nee Boleyn) Carey? Or, her daughter, Catherine? Whatever caused the lady's sorrow? Was it being cast aside as the King's mistress in favor of your younger sister? Or, maybe it was watching your brother and that same sister die by beheading within a few days of each other as in Mary Carey's case. Or was Catherine Carey just finding out that the King just could be her father? Hm. Or, is is some other lady Carey saddened (most likely) by some man's disappointing behavior?
And speaking of which, I was jolted back to the immediate present by the prime mate's burning question: "Hey, I get equal time for Iron Butterfly and (help me) Credence Clearwater, right?"
Overall: Highly recommended. (The Lute Works, not CCR)
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
Click to visit The Tudor Times if you enjoy the fun, fashion and frolic of the English Renaissance, then you should be heading to this website.
A musical
journey to another time
Finally ready to admit you're tired of the macerena? Get ready to hear songs that have
enchanted listeners for over five centuries. This CD includes songs spanning the 12th to
16th centuries, sung in any one of eleven languages. It contains one of the best versions
of "Greensleeves" I have yet to hear. Another highlight of the CD is
"Tourdion", a 16th Century drinking song. Listen to this with a glass of good Merlot, Pinot Noir, or any fine red wine.
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
I have turned to this melodious CD many times to find a pleasant reprieve from the cares of the everyday world. Open the CD, note the stylized Tudor Rose which epitomizes the music of this very gifted group. You easily see that something old and familiar has been transformed into a fresh creation, yet remains faithful to its origins. The album contains several songs by popular Elizabethan composers John Dowland and Thomas Campion. Dowland has been praised for his "heavenly touch upon the lute", and these talented musicians are surely no less divine.
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
Where Beauty Moves and Wit Delights This album contains a very spirited, "Helas Madame", attributed to Henry VIII himself. (I suspect he had some help on this one) This song is a primer in "courtly love". Meant to be sung as a duet, it tells the story (in French) of a woman all but driving a man to distraction. While not presented as a duet on this album, the lively instrumental interludes provide enough of a counterpoint to convey the sense of the song.
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
What architecture is to "frozen music", the meltingly sweet sounds of the New World Renaissance band are to "musical castles." In "Live the Legend", the songs have combined to recreate "Nonesuch", the fabulous palace of Henry VIII.
With the choice of "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" as a cover picture, you begin to appreciate this band on several levels. The painting by Sir Frank Dicksee is a visual adaptation of a poem by John Keats. Rest assured, the musical adaptations of this talented group are equally rich in color and texture. The traditional carol, "Drive The Cold Winter Away", has a freshness and vitality that carries over into all the other songs. Other songs are treated with equal verve and evident passion for early music. If you must limit your purchases of early music to only the very best, then this is one group to collect.
Click for ordering information direct from Nightwatch Recording. (available as CD or cassette) Always mention the Tudor Times when ordering. It's fun to hear people ask, "Who?"
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