...listen to a few bits of the first, second
and last track
You can hear more clips at cdbaby
The new CD includes songs in Irish, Scottish,
Breton, Cornish, Welsh, and Celtiberian. There
are songs for dancing, songs for mourning, and
songs for lulling, and there's one track we've
been trying to get on a CD for over 6 years!
Tracks:
1. Ellas
Mari (Cornish)
2. Domhnall Dubh an Domhnallaich/Seallaibh Curaidh Eoghainn (Scottish)
3. Ma Labousig ar C'hoad (Breton)
4. Ffarwel fo i Langyfelach Lon (Welsh)
5. Lowena (Cornish)
6. Letontu Litokum Abulos (Celtiberian)
7. Maro eo ma Mestrez (Breton)
8. Falt Trom Trom Dualach (Scottish)
9. Ta me Cortha O Bheigh 'm Aonar Mo Lui (Irish)
10. Caitlin Triall (Irish)
11. Thalaidhinn Thu/Air Faill ill O/Do Chrochadh a Thoill Thu (Scottish)
12. Thig an t-Eathar (Scottish)
Here's what Brian O'Donovan of WGBH in Boston
has to say about it:
How do you describe the music of
Navan? Yes, technical terms exist. Exquisite...
a cappella... harmony singing in all of the
Celtic languages. But Navan is a classic case
of the whole being greater than the sum of
the parts. There is something about the blend
of human voices without the burden or rhythm
of instruments in accompaniment that affects
us spiritually. This is the sound we popularly
think of as that of angels.
In hearing the songs of Navan on this, their
third CD, you will be transported to other
places, other times. The sound is ancient,
elemental. It is a continuum of experience
for Celtic peoples through the ages seeking
guidance and comfort in lives tied to the
land but looking at the moon. The songs are
food for the spirit, a warm drink on a cold
night in front of a welcome fire; the smile
of a stranger; the softness of a baby's cheek;
the sadness of remembrance; and yes, the blended
voices of the angels, wherever they may be.
And a few comments left for us at CDBaby:
As soon as I heard the
first song I knew I had to have it. These are the kind of songs that
instantly make the day better- I'm amazed such powerful harmonies
come from just three voices. (Johanna)
Navan is one of the best groups of a capella singers whom I have
ever had the pleasure of hearing. I would highly recommend their
music to anyone who likes vocal music or Celtic music. Their scholarship
and authenticity are admirable, and their musicianship is incredible.
(Alan Bieber)
A transporting experience, listening to these voices. First new
CD in over a year. The last one was a gift, an underground recording
of the Dalha Lama doing a healing chant. Lowena is equally transporting.
(BD)
Lowena creates a wonderful world. It transcends the traditional
celtic/folk music. There is a simplistic beauty in the way the songs
are sung. Their voices are crisp and ring like a bell. (Roxann & Steven
Graber)
LOWENA is an extraordinary CD in the Celtic genre. The music reaches
deep into my soul, and transfixes me. It is primordial, spiritual,
and deeply moving, as it touches and soothes all those ancient archetypal
qualities we all have buried deep inside! The harmony of voice and
beauty of the Gaelic languages is superb, and capable of bringing
me to a place of such peace... Lowena is a must have CD. (Annie Wellington)