SHADOW OF THE MOON

After the initial shock of there not being the slightest trace of rock on this album, I settled down to take a careful listen. After a few minutes I actually found myself beginning to enjoy it. Even my father (who was in his late sixties at the time) said to me "Now this is music son!" Well needless to say, that was a bit disturbing!

It´s a very relaxing and peaceful album, thus appealing to people from all walks of life, old and young. Some of my favourite songs are "Play Mintrel Play" which Features Ian Anderson on the flute. It´s quite incredible how the acoustic guitar and flute run in unison. "Ocean Gypsy" and "Wish were here" are sad (long lost love) romantic songs. Candice Night captures the feeling perfectly with her distinct way of singing. Her voice has a sort of sexual maturity to it!

"Mond Tanz" has always been a great favourite and reminds me of being in some medievel hall, taking part in some old fashioned dance! The clapping makes it sound very authentic! "Greensleeves" is beautifully done and it has always made me wonder who it was that actually wrote someting so sad.(This music is from the Sixteenth century!)

I thought this would be a one off album, but Blackmore has already released another four albums with Blackmore Night. I was actually quite surprised to just how well Blackmore is on acoustic guitar. The tone is great and he never lets a finger slip (a real perfectionist) After this really good debut they started to become quite "samey"

But this, being the first album they released, is brimming with creativity and haunting beauty.