Blackmore's Night Album: “Shadow of the Moon”

Ritchie Blackmore has for years been synonomous with the being the father of the flashy, classical-influenced style of raw and powerful rock guitar playing (Deep Purple, Painbow). On this effort, he let's the acoustic guitar take the front seat to really show the "normal" listener the joys and beauty of the 16th century renaissance music that have influenced him over the years. This further proves that "tone" and "passion" in music do not necessarily come from 200 watt Marshall cabinets and a Fender Strat, but acoustic guitars, violins, flutes, violas, mandolins, and other medieval instruments.

Yes, the classical riffs are still existant throughout the entire disc (the trills, the scales, reminiscent of harpsichord) as well as some electric guitar overlays in the background and foreground by this reigning Master of the Stratocaster (...and an occasional whammy bar riff, or two). But what really makes this CD? The angelic voice of his girlfriend (now, wife?), Candice Night. This young lady provides such a smooth quality to the tracks that you actually wind up listening to her and not her husband! You'll really be taken away from the subtle beauty this album portrays.

The songs for the most part, are first rate, catchy tunes that deserve attention. Most notable are the songs "Shadow of the Moon", Play Minstrel Play" which includes a fantastic flute solo by Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), "Ocean Gypsy", "Magical World", and "Spirit of the Sea". Another bonus is to hear Blackmore's beautiful solo guitar playing on such pieces as "Minstral Hall", "Memmingen", and "Possum's Last Dance".

I highly recommend this disc to anyone who needs to relax. It also makes for excellent driving music!

This was my first Blackmore's Night cd and I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I love several of the songs, such as "Shadow of the Moon," "Play Minstrel Play," "Ocean Gypsy," (a remake, I believe) and "Mond Tanz." The rest of the songs I like a lot, with the exception of "Spirit of the Sea" and "Greensleeves"; the latter is especially not well done, which is unusual for a musician of Blackmore's standing. Aside from those two songs, if you're into excellent guitar work, then pick up this cd. As an added bonus, Ian Anderson plays the flute on "Play Minstrel Play." I found that as time progressed, Candice Night's vocals appealed more to me. Her soft voice is suited to the sort of Renaissance music that they produce, and some of her lyrics are quite sweet, as heard on "Be Mine Tonight."

The first and still the best album in my opinion! This group, with a female lead vocalist, is many things: traditional, folk, renaissance, pop! An original and talented group with so much to offer, but still so unknown and unappreciated. If you like traditional tunes and folksy songs with a more modern flare then check out Blackmore's Night!

This is new and really soulfull and inspiring music!

I already knew Ritchie Blackmore from his previous work with Purple but this is outstanding!

I love Candice's voice and everything they do in that way... really makes Celine Dion and other contemporary and boring stuff eat serious dirt!

I just love the magic in this kind of true music!

please never stop being that great!

This is my first Blackmore's Night album and I plan to collect more in the future. It's a cd full of nothing but good songs, so you will not have to skip over any. If you love a Loreena McKennitt, Qntal type of genre you will enjoy this as a new twist in sound sure to please the ear. "Ocean Gypsy" and "Shadow of the Moon" must be played over and over!