Bill Douglas is the major contributor to this,
Vol. 1 of the Hearts of Space label's
Celtic Twilight series. The series builds from Hearts of Space's affection for swirling, soothing new age, layering instruments like fiddle and dulcimer into the sound. The result is better understood as new age with Celtic overtones.
Douglas,
Mychael Danna, and
John Boswell lead the charge for Hearts of Space, and they're joined by kindred spirits like
Steven McDonald ("Eastlander") and Irish whistle player
Joanie Madden.
Loreena McKennit contributes the haunting "Ancient Pines," taken from her 1989 release,
Parallel Dreams -- the track gets at the moody majesty Hearts of Space seems most interested in with its
Celtic Twilight series. They largely get it right, this groove, even if traditional instrumentation could have played more of a role.
Twilight should play well with fans of the label's sound, as well as Celtic fusionists. ~ Johnny Loftus