One almost gets the impression that Celtic music started with Riverdance, but interest in the Celtic form of musical expression has been sustained through many centuries through well-loved hymns based on ancient Celtic melodies. Singer/songwriter Michael Card brings this wonderful ancient music to a new generation of Christians through this project, a series of "covers" of music from the eighth through the seventeenth centuries. Card creates warm folk-styled gentle music with a sound that is very reminiscent of Kemper Crabb's Arkangel albums. You'll find lots of Celtic instruments: bodhrans, a harp, an accordion, Uilleann pipes, an Irish whistle, a hammer dulcimer. Ancient hymns such as "Morning has Broken," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" are set within an album which opens and closes with my favorite, "Be Thou My Vision," an eighth-century Irish hymn. There is only one new song, "Starkindler," which praises God for His work creating the stars, something that Card, an accomplished amateur astronomer, especially appreciates.
The main drawback of this release is that there is only 38 minutes of music. Card states in the insert the Celts showed a "refusal to compartmentalize their faith-it was woven into their art and culture, into their daily life." I wish this CD held more music to listen to while going about the daily chores of my life.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Alex KlagesA solo and simple piano opens "Be Thou My Vision," the first track on this, Michael Card's 17th album. This opening is both appropriate and telling, as it gives us a foretaste of the rest of the project. Unlike Card's other albums, there are no choirs or orchestras here; merely simple, but poignant arrangements - back-to-basics and quite enjoyable. Subtitled "A Celtic Conversation Across Time,"…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Janet FriesenToday we are in the middle of a Celtic renaissance of sorts. Everywhere you look--in books, art, and music--there seems to be a newfound love of all things Irish. In the midst of this, Michael Card has released Starkindler: A Celtic Conversation Across Time. Using traditional instruments and ancient melodies, Card has made an attempt to frame our 20th century faith with the music of believers of…Similar sounding releases
1994The CrossingDancing at the Crossroads
2000Nick and Anita HaighCeltic Roots and Rhythms - Heartcry
2004MozaikLive From the Powerhouse
1999Martyn JosephFar From Silent
2002Tony PerryChristmas
2004Sharon ShannonLibertangoMore from Michael Card
1996Brother To Brother
1991The Promise
2003A Fragile Stone
1994Poiema
1999Signature Songs
1997Unveiled Hope
