Search - Nightnoise :: Different Shore

Cameron Ashley H. from LACEY, WA
Reviewed on 2/28/2007...

Windham Hill is always great--

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Magical, mystical, timeless

David Michael Cook | New York, NY United States | 05/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nightnoise is without question an extraordinarily talented group of musicians! Their album A Different Shore is one of their very best, full of haunting instrumentation, lush composition and an overall excellent collection of memorable yet timeless tunes.Their opening track, "Call of the Child" is one of my favorites for its beautiful, full sound and extremely memorable melody--instantly evocative of a crisp Irish morning or afternoon. Stunning.Next up is "For Eamonn", a dirgelike but happy little piece that moves into a quiet introspective led by guitars and flutes. Not my favorite by any means, but a contemplative, subtly beautiful piece."Falling Apples" is the only song on here I just honestly don't like. Her voice is painfully shrill, and maybe it's just me but it seems to go on for far too long. Moving on..."The Busker on the Bridge" is another fabulous song, one which makes me think of a pier or small village in the springtime. It's hard to describe just why this song is so good, but it has an exciting, evocative quality that is almost unmatched on the album."Morning in Madrid" is absolutely worth the price of the album. Starting with a beautiful piano line and moving into a Renaissance-era violin/guitar ensemble, it is one of the most gorgeous melodies I have ever heard, particularly if you are fond of Celtic music. This song is exceptional, and probably my favorite on the album."Another Wee Niece" - takes a while to grow on you, as it's slow and somehow isn't as powerful as the rest, but it's quite a good song as well. While some songs on A Different Shore are more powerful due to their quietness, this piece seems somehow diminished by it--one hopes it would get more exciting and louder at some point... it does pick up later with a beautiful piano melody, but I wish it came earlier in the song."A Different Shore" is a breathtakingly beautiful piece, full of memory and grace. This song, and its title, fit the album's image so perfectly it's indescribable. I will simply never get tired of listening to this unbelievable song."Mind the Dresser" - a traditional Irish piano melds into a more traditional song format.. this is one of the ones I find myself listening to the most, both for its beautiful sense of urgency and motion and for its power. Another completely 5-star song!"Clouds Go By" is somehow a disappointment after the excitement of "Mind the Dresser", but it fits the theme well enough. The melding of piano and guitar is exceptionally good on this particular track."Shuan" is another quiet, mysterious track, not as excellent as "A Different Shore" but nonetheless a great outtro to an astounding CD. With the lone exception of "Falling Apples", which some people may love, Nightnoise's "A Different Shore" will stand the test of tine. This is extraordinary music. Enjoy!"

From a ticket in my pocket to a different shore.

Jonathan W. Williams | 01/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago I went to a Windham Hill Concert around Christmas time. I was especially taken with Night Noise and after recently rooting through my pockets before going to Goodwill I found the ticket stub to this concert, I kept the ticket and forwarded the sport coat to a good cause. I found my Different Shore CD and was impressed on how well it stood up to the test of time. I printed the cover of the CD and hung it on my fridge so as not to forget this band and the memories it evokes, not only of the music but my trip to Eire. Great music for all time."