Simon, Alan - Excalibur II: L'Anneu Des Celtes (The Celtic Ring)

Year of Release: 2007
Label: EMI
Catalog Number: 3856312
Format: CD
Total Time: 55:27:00

Six years ago French composer and producer Alan Simon released Excalibur - The Legend Of The Celts, a concept album that was launched as the first part of a trilogy. Backed by a selection of international artists, the album went on to become "gold" in France and also the live shows attracted large audiences. Towards the end of 2008 the final chapter, Celts Odyssey, should be released, followed by some large concerts combining the music of the entire trilogy. With the success of the Celtic music during the last decade, for sure Alan Simon has added some extra spice to make it super interesting.

Alan Simon has found the ideal combination between authentic Celtic elements and intelligent rock resulting in an accessible aura of lush folky themes and melodic beauty. Helped out by an outstanding selection of the world's best musicians, the album is a floating journey through Celtic history and matching landscapes delivered in stunning audio quality. With Alan Parsons helping out during the instrumental opener "The Celtic Ring," it's the first vocal track that directly delivers the radio friendly nature of this stunning new album. John Wetton has always been one of my all time favourite male singers and he surely does what we expect from him in the magnificent "Lugh."

In order to deliver a well balanced album, the vocal tracks alternate with lively jigs such as "Tuatha De Danann" in which Flook makes a first appearance. You only need one second of Jon Anderson's unique timbre to be overwhelmed and captivated by his presence. Including some wonderful Spanish guitar, "Circle Of Life" is yet another highlight set in a very contemporary production. It's probably the very first time that a member of Yes collaborates with a member of Supertramp in the same song, as John Helliwell also adds some sax. Not only does the album contain the perfect balance between vocal and instrumental tracks, it also contains a good balance between male and female singers. The fragile voice of Karan Casey perfectly suits "The Girl & The Demon," again backed by a superb arrangement, even including some tasty accordion that nicely blends with the orchestra. And if this wasn't enough there's also a generous balance between "old" and new talent.

With Fairport Convention guesting on "Dragon Breath," it's as if you're present during a Riverdance experience. Remaining in the same folky stables, Maddy Prior, the face of Steeleye Span, delivers a glistering rendition of "Secret Garden," with her voice still sounding as clear as when she first started out in this business so many years ago (for your information Maddy will be sixty on 14th August this year!). What certain people have in their voice Andreas Vollenweider has in the sound of his harp. Blending his harp playing with the folky voice of Jacqui McShee and her Pentangle, "Sacrifice" is yet another well succeeded venture. The kind of artists who keep on going decade after decade are the ones who have a worldly quality about themselves. Such an artist surely is Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward who shines on two occasions here, they being "Earth & Sky" and "Celtic Heart."

While there are two versions of Barclay James Harvest on the road these days it's the Les Holroyd version that delivers "Call" here, a typical BJH song that would fit nicely amongst the band's Time Honoured Ghosts era material. It's great how guitar and whistle are integrated.

Although there are plenty of great themes and melodies on this album, the track that stands out for me is "Celtic Heart" as sung once again by Justin Hayward. The theme is so strong that it is repeated by a full marching band towards the end of the album.

Alan Simon has taken the Celtic heritage into the 21st century by means of one of the most qualitative recordings ever to have graced this ingenious and original era. For sure an outstanding album delivered by an incredible cast which delivers highlight after highlight. Hats of to Alan Simon and his crew and if ever there was justice in this world then the least he should get is a Grammy nomination!

www.excaliburtrilogy.com

Tracklisting:
The Celtic Ring (3:54) / Lugh (4:27) / Tuatha De Danann (2:27) / Circle Of Life (4:30) / The Girl & The Demon (3:18) / Dragon Breath (1:49) / Secret Garden (3:15) / Pilgrims (3:45) / Brennan Mac Finn (2:02) / Sacrifice (4:10)

Musicians:
Alan Simon
Alan Parsons
Jon Anderson
John Wetton
Justin Hayward
Maddy Prior
Jacqui McShee
Martin Barre
John Helliwell
Flook
Karen Casey
Fairport Convention
Pentangle
Andreas Vollenweider
Barclay James Harvest
Didier Squiban
Merzhin
Lunasa
Carlos Nunez
Le Bagad De St. Nazaire
L'orchestre Symphonique De Prague

Discography:
Excalibur - The Legend Of The Celts (2001)
Excalibur II - The Celtic Ring (2007)
Excalibur III - Celts Odyssey (expected 2008)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin BE

Added: February 17th 2007
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg
Score:
Artist website: www.simonalan.com
Hits: 4968
Language: english