Blackmore's Night has been releasing discs of original and old material in a medieval "lite folksy rock" renassaince fair flair. Finally the team of Candice and Ritchie gives us their spin on "Winter Carols". This is such a treat simply for presenting these well known and beloved holiday tunes in the signature Blackmore's Night sound. They rarely go astray from the medieval/acoustic blueprint, occasionally Ritchie throws in a tasteful snowy sweet guitar solo or two, but the very traditional, medieval feel is what sets this apart from the slew of Christmas themed discs that compete for your dollar every wintry season. "Winter Carols" blends Candice Night's warm, fairy-like vocals with Ritchie's lovely acoustic guitar work that sprinkles the songs in a kind of fireside magic. These would be songs you would imagine hearing in tiny fantasy taverns, as friends gather by the hearth to hear a bard's song or three. Or perhaps on a moonlight snow sparkling night, dancing the joy of the holidays in the middle of a frost painted mushroom circled fairy ring.

The opener duo of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing/Come All Ye Faithful" is both joyful and triumphant, Candice's voice suited so perfectly to these simple, heartfelt songs. "I Saw Three Ships" has a touch of the gypsy at its heart, and flows along on a lovely, upbeat melody. A flutter of flute, and some natural percussion sounds make it a real standout.
 
 The playful childhood excitement (and the tinkle of sleighbells) for "Christmas Eve", "Winter (Basse Dance)" being a celebration of all of winter's majesty and "Emmanuel" with its soft whispers and ethereal dignity, all stand out amongst the rest with their attention to tiny details and natural sounding performances that breathe back the past days gone by to these ageless tunes.
 
"Wish You Were Here" is lifted from their debut album, "Shadow of the Moon", and as it was one of the premier attractions of the day, it is pure pleasure to hear it again here, given a second chance at life. A wistful, gorgeous song, that truly showcases the finer points of saccharine sweet Candice's voice, and the tasteful melodic trappings from Blackmore's six string. She doesn't possess great range, but when kept in check she sounds like a winter angel.

As an atmospheric backdrop to your family get-together or Christmas tree trimming party this is a must purchase. The songs have been crafted with that elegant balance between holiday spirit and snow kissed ambience. The medieval stylings bring a different twist to these classics, and its a friendly and charming enough cd to melt the coldest heart of the most jaded scrooge. "Winter Carols" is a winner, being the ideal winter seasonal themed music experience.

Written by Alanna
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Ratings

Alanna: 8.5/10

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Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Wednesday, December 23, 2009

View Profile Comments: 166 Ratings: 46 I did not realize they released a Christmas CD. Perhaps with all the TSO craze over the years it got overshadowed. Posted by Little Drummer Boy Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Comment by Alanna (Staff) - Saturday, January 2, 2010

View Profile Comments: 245 That's exactly what happened to me. It has been laying around for two years now in my promos and I found it before Christmas and literally that was THE soundtrack for my Christmas this year. We trimmed the tree to it, unwrapped our packages, it played during dinner... My mother flipped over it, the kids liked it, it was just crazy! Seems that everyone can get into this regardless of musical allegiances. :) Some of Candice's best vocal work too. Her backup singer just fills her out and makes her sound terrific. Posted by Alanna (Staff) Saturday, January 2, 2010