An Ancient Muse

This album is similar to Book of Secrets, but still manages to be different. I think I'm addicted. The thing is, whenever I have an album of hers playing--whether it be at work, in the car, at home--and I have company around, they always ask me "Who is this? I love it!" They think the music is from India, the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, or Eastern Europe. But no, I tell them, this music hails from Canada! And that's that. I find this album just as inspiring as Book of Secrets and the other albums I have. This one is less Celtic and more Middle Eastern in tone and complexity. I enjoy listening to it while I'm studying, writing, or practicing yoga. Check it out, and check out Book of Secrets while you're at it. They're similar...but different.

Not as impressed with this CD as all her others. It's still good, but not ear grabbing!!

I'd been looking and hoping for a new Loreena McKennitt CD for years. I'd given up hope. Stopped looking...

Then -- there in The Lyric (the Baltimore opera house) -- Loreena McKennitt on tour! First I bought the tickets. Then I bought AN ANCIENT MUSE.

Having moved on from my "new age" phase of some years back my head's been in different musical spaces: serious/wondrous jazz, guitar virtuosos, classical music... So when MUSE arrived... I was in the wrong "gear"...

But with a concert fast approaching I had to find the set list, compile my own iTunes version of the concert, "get ready." And what a world Loreena McKennitt weaves! Ahh... I'd forgotten...

MUSE has been on repeat all afternoon as I worked and thought about what to say. (Ahh... I'd forgotten...)

Once you're in the right musical head space -- world music not jazz, poems set to music not motif development upon development, etc. -- Loreena McKennitt stirs the heart like few others. For me it's her voice, the courage to set long poems to music, the richness of the instrumental sounds... and did I mention her voice?

Having devoured her earlier CDs -- I've got them all! -- I feel confident when I say AN ANCIENT MUSE is right up there with the best of them!

Enjoy... and feast your ears!

Dr. Kirtland C Peterson

Loreena McKennitt has managed to put out another great CD. This is a must for any Loreena's fans. Her music is still magical and her story telling is still fascinating!

A truly wonderful album. Mysterious and magical. one of my favorites. Another favorite of mine is Dreams & Visions by Mary-Kathryn. Devotional and spiritual, a beautiful inspired voice and various world influences make this new album a gem!