Rating:
Genre:
New Age
Release Date: 08/17/2004
Sure, any album title that includes the word
faërie (especially as a modifier for the word
forest) is cause for alarm. And yes, multi-instrumentalist
Gary Stadler has worked previously in a project called
Fairy HeartMagic, and singer
Wendy Rule has a similar affection for the word
Magic, which she tends to capitalize (though, mercifully, she doesn't generally end it with a
k). All of these things are more than enough to give a rational music-lover serious pause. But the music on this album really is quite attractive; at times it's just a bit simplistic, but straightforward beauty is always better than overblown bathos, and that's what you get on such lovely
Celtic-inspired tracks as
"Invocation," "Uyll," and
"Lus y Vaaish." Rule has a fine voice, though the tight vibrato she employs on an otherwise lovely setting of
W. B. Yeats'
"Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a bit distracting, as are the pitch problems on
"L'Pavane." But in general, the combination of her clear, sweet voice and
Stadler's bass and keyboard playing is very pleasant, and the guest appearances by harper
Lisa Lynne and percussionist
Joshua Levin are also very enjoyable. Recommended.
~Rick Anderson, All Music Guide