I was introduced to Blackmore’s Night just months after accidentally discovering Loreena McKennitt. It seems kind of odd doesn’t it? I mean both artists affected me in very similar ways. Their music was somewhat haunting and addicting. Their music carried the traditions of an ancient world blended with their unique interpretations. While Loreena McKennitt blends Celtic and Mediterranean with a dash middle eastern, Blackmore’s Night takes Mediaeval chamber music and folds in old world European gypsy minstrel flourishes and a little Deep Purple.
They seem to run parallel paths east from Ireland and England across the coast of the Mediterranean and the spine of Europe. One in the bazaar under torchlight, the other outside the castle walls under a violet moon. With both artists, I acquired a good deal of their material. A few CD’s still remain outstanding for each but they are on my wish list.
The Gates Of Istanbul
Sacred Shabbat
Samain Night
All Souls Night
Between The Shadows
Tango To Evora
Written In The Stars
Fires At Midnight
All Because Of You
Benzai-Ten
Way To Mandalay
Diamonds And Rust
Cartouche
Village Lanterne
Mond Tanz / Child In Time
Street Of Dreams
Scott and I thought it would be cool if Blackmore’s Night would do an album of cover songs done in Blackmore’s Night Style.