Search - Nightnoise :: Windham Hill Retrospective

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

Windham Hill--always good!

Beautiful Celtic/Irish Inspired Music

tresi | Avondale Estates, GA USA | 11/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the second (of many) Nightnoise albums that I have purchased over the years. Essentially, it is a collection from their earlier albums, including selections from the very difficult to find first Nightnoise Album. This is my favorite Nightnoise album with my all time favorite Nightnoise selection--The Cricket's Wicket-- which is worth the price by itself. It has a simplicity and beauty that is hard to find. If you like graceful Celtic/Irish influenced music, you cannot miss with this wonderful collection by recognized masters of the genre."

A delicious compilation of signature tunes from Nightnoise's

Brianna Neal | USA | 09/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Drawn from the self-titled "Nightnoise," "At the End of the Evening," "A Winter's Solstice," and "The Parting Tide," this CD is a great overview of the group's wonderfully distinctive Celtic / New Age fusion. At times sweet or hauntingly beautiful, at others progressive and jazzy, but always emotionaly moving, the work of Nightnoise has a unique and striking appeal. It's the sort of music I love to listen to while walking outdoors on a warm, fall day or sipping warm soup and catching up with a good friend. It can either make you stop and think, or help you to gently focus on the beauty of the moment. Nightnoise is a collaboration between American violinist Billy Oskay and Irish guitarist Micheal O Domhnaill, who were then joined by Michael's sister Triona Ni Dhomhnaill on keyboards, etc. and Brian Dunning on flutes. Oskay and Dunning are particularly effective and well matched when they trade back and forth between lead melody and improvisational descants. I particularly love how Dunning can range in playing style from mellow flute meanderings to sprightly tin whistle melodies to breathy, progressive accompaniments reminiscent of Jethro Tull--he really makes the music sparkle! Micheal O Domhnaill's guitar lays down a warm, comforting ground to the songs, while Triona Ni Dhomhnaill's expert piano, electronic keyboards and clear, unpretentious singing voice also add much to the group's characteristic sound. For more from these artists, try the recordings of Relativity (also featuring Michael and Triona, along with brothers Phil and Johnny Cunningham), too, and the many Celtic-inspired collaborations between Brian Dunning and keyboardist Jeff Johnson.

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