Spirit Voyage

An exquisite instrumental tapestry of Celtic Harp, woodwinds flute, santoor, tar, dulcimer, exotic strings, and gentte world percussion.

A note from Lisa about this CD

One of my favorite things to do in the world is go to the Renaissance Faire. I have always wanted to make a record that would reflect the music of those times. I searched and searched for just the right melodies, that I could learn and somehow make my own with my harp, and my favorite sounds of flutes and violin. The love songs of those times were often quite short, so I like to add my own sections giving them some magical turns and flowing changes. I wanted to use some serious authentic instruments of the times, so I got some of the expert musicians from Musica Angelica, a world renowned Renaissance Ensemble to play Lute and Viola da gamba. (Viola da Gamba is the early version of the cello) I was very lucky to have some wonderful Persian Musicians from the Lian Ensemble. (Lian means Peace) Two women, and one man from Iran, played their ancient instruments on several of the songs. The Percussion you hear comes from an ancient Persian drum called a daf, it looks like a giant tambourine. It is played very softly by rubbing hands across the skin. I wanted to make this record sound like my living room, when we are all sitting together making music with the pillows on the floor, good friends on the pillows... and the fireplace and wine. I imagine that's what they did in the 15th and 16th Century too.. Taking known melodies and changing them all around. (with fireplace and wine no doubt) I wrote four original pieces for this album too. "As Ye Lay in Slumber" is for my little niece Annelyse, just born and new to the world. I'm very proud of this record, I think that we captured some of the musical magic that must have happened in those colorful and romantic times.

- Lisa Lynne

Reviews

Reviews

Of music medieval. Such is the theme of this recent release by the exquisite Celtic harpist, Lisa Lynne. Accompanied by woodwinds, percussion, lute, dulcimer and other stringed instruments, Lisa evokes dreams of ancient Celtic worlds with overtones of a near Eastern flavor.

Inspired with Lynne's own works are those of several other composers from ages past. Some tunes you will probably not have heard before; others will make you believe they sound vaguely familiar; still others, like "Still I Will (Be Marry)" you will immediately recognize.

Light, ethereal, melodic and fun all in one package - Maidens Prayer is a CD that will lift your spirits and fill your heart with gaiety.

- Michael Woodhead, Synchronicity: The Magazine, April/May 2002

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although Lynne's enchanting Celtic harp is the unifying voice in this resplendent musical tapestry, instrumental voices from Persian culture (The Lain Ensemble) and Europe's Renaissance (Musica Angelica) contribute their own sumptuous and exotic strings, and world percussion of delicately intertwined melodies. These include traditional Celtic songs (many freshly adapted), the Italian "Lauda de Maria Maddalenna," and a number of Lynne's compositions (including" Maiden's Prayer," "Winter Moon," and "One Wish"). The richness of musical content is reflected in the package and liner notes, which are covered by layered images (in gold, gold, and more gold) in candles, ornately covered chambers, exquisitely crafted instruments, and a veiled maiden.

- KJ, NAPRA Review

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some might consider the music of Lisa Lynne to be Celtic, however, this would not even begin to describe the vivid instrumental soundscapes this talented artist has to offer. The melodies of Maiden's Prayer are graceful and warm with a bit of renaissance flair. Overall the music quite upbeat, yet, at the same time, it always feels relaxed and calms the nerves. Lynne's harp-playing is pure enchantment and one of her many talents (she also plays Appalachian dulcimer, bouzouki and bandoura on the album). Assisting Lynne is George Tortorelli playing bamboo flutes, whistles and dumbek, as well as the Laim Ensemble and Musica Angelica, who add richness to her chamber music sound with their exquisite performances.

- Music Design

Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne Franco began studying music as a child; initially attracted to folk sounds, she took up the guitar and mandolin, later playing bass in a local rock band. While enrolled at Hollywood's Musician's Institute of Technology, she concurrently enjoyed a thriving career as a session player; upon discovering the harp in 1985, Franco also formed a progressive rock outfit dubbed Bigger Than Blue. After landing a deal with the German label Innovative Concepts, however, student visa problems forced the band to dissolve, so Franco instead played all the instruments on 1991's debut LP Bigger Than Blue; three more efforts for the label -- Romantic Dreams, My Way and Silken Wings -- followed while she formed a new group, Celestial Winds, which earned a significant following playing the boardwalk along Venice Beach. A compilation of material from the group's cassette releases, Celestial Winds I, appeared in 1994, followed later that year by Christmas Morning; after 1995's Oceans of Love, however, Franco returned to her solo career, issuing Moonsongs the next year. A pair of independent 1997 LPs, Love & Peace and Fairy Tales (the latter recorded with Elfin Love Tribe), arrived simultaneously with a number of appearances on Windham Hill label compilations; Franco officially joined the record company in 1998, with her debut Daughters of the Celtic Moon credited simply to Lisa Lynne. Seasons of the Soul appeared in 1999.