WXPN Radio

The premier guide for new and significant artists in rock, blues, and folk - including NPR-syndicated World Cafe

XPN2 - XPoNential Radio

24/7 Musical discovery. A unique mix of emerging and heritage blues, rock, world, folk, and alt-country artists.

World Cafe Archives

Join the World Cafe through performances and interviews with celebrated and emerging artists.
Listen
  • font size decrease font size decrease font size increase font size increase font size

Loreena McKennitt - An Ancient Muse - Verve

For her 7th full-length studio album - and her first for over 9 years - Canadian singer, songwriter, accordionist, harpist, and pianist Loreena McKennitt has followed An Ancient Muse indeed.

Drawing primarily on the music of Turkey and the middle east, the album is lush, beautiful and haunting, much like the best of McKennitt's past work. Her lovely voice is on display throughout the album, especially on tracks like "Caravanserai", "Penelope's Song" and "The English Ladye And The Knight." Another standout track is the totally engaging instrumental "Kecharitomene" and the spellbinding "The Gates Of Istanbul."

An Ancient Muse is another fine example why the enigma named Loreena McKennitt continues to enchant and fire the imaginations of listeners worldwide. According to her web site, a North American tour is being planned for the Spring of 2007.

Written by Dan Reed.