Search - Nightnoise :: White Horse Sessions

The best for last....

Michael J Harrington | Phoenix, Arizona USA | 03/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree completely with the 'Dirty Linen' review. Personally, I would have preferred a few tracks replaced with others (as one often longs with 'live' or 'best of' CD's), however some of the key (in my book) classics such as 'Hugh', 'The Crickets Wicket' and 'Silky Flanks' made it on. Anyhow, the mix works to catch the many moods of Nightnoise.The appropriate follow up to my praise of this CD is to say that this longtime Nightnoise fan hated to see 'it' end. I can only pray for a reunion tour or something - saw them years ago (late 80's), and these true masters of the celtic-laced new-agish sound are the best of the best.This live CD adds yet another dimension to the Nightnose sound, and is a must-get for fans. For newcomers, this works as well as a fine introduction to what Nighnoise is all about - although I hate to say that the 'Retrospective' CD is just as -if not more- enjoyable - mainly because they had a terrific blend of the studio numbers I had been in love with for years."

A lively and lovely set of well-burnished tunes

loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 08/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a gem, revealing Nightnoise in a different light as they stretch out their considerable playing skills in this live recording. The tracks sparkle with energy and exhibit the musical cohesion possible only when a crew of seasoned veterans are at their creative peak.The music, often called a fusion of traditional Irish music, jazz, and chamber music, sounds refreshing and invigorating. The opening track, Silky Flanks, sets the stage with everyone kicking in great licks and solos (I especially like the flute and whistles of Brian Dunning). Shadow of Time rendered live loses nothing of its tenderness, and if anything, the vocals of Triona Ni Dhomhnaill are more sadly bittersweet here than on the studio CD bearing this name. Michael O'Dhomhnaill's gifted guitar anchors the whole session, and Johnny Cunningham play fiddle with abandoned restraint, that is, he provides a dose of flair when needed but does not lapse into the sort of prolonged, irritating solos many otherwise fine fiddlers fall prey to on live recordings. I suppose that one could make a case for including other tracks here, but except for their version of Moondance, I'm not sure I could sacrifice what's here for anything more (I think I've heard this song too many times, too many ways).If indeed the "White Horse Sessions" marks the terminus for Nightnoise, then there can be no better exclamation point on what was a stellar run of some 14 years and 7 recordings."

Wondeful!!

Rebecca | Mequon, Wisconsin United States | 01/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is wonderful to listen to! I have been a fan of Celtic music for many years, but only recently did I discover Nightnoise. Their music combines fiddle, piano, flute, and whistle to create compelling and complex music. "Hugh" stands out to me as the most beautiful track, possibly because of its deceptive simplicity. However, the haunting flute melodies also are exquisite. If you are looking for a great CD of less traditional Celtic music, "White Horse Sessions" is for you!"