Blackmore's Night - The Dancer and the Moon

by Lisa Torem

published: 29 / 6 / 2013

Blackmore's Night - The Dancer and the Moon

Label: Frontier Records
Format: CD

Compelling seventh album from Blackmore's Night, the band of ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his wife and vocalist Candice Night, whose music is influenced by fifteenth and sixteenth century Renaissance music

Review

You’ve heard about the British Invasion, but how about the Renaissance Invasion? In 'Dancer and the Moon', Blackmore’s Night captures the intoxicating purity of that era with complete devotion to detail. The band, fronted by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow) and vocalist/lyricist Candice Night, borrows a few songs from previously recorded albums and artists, creates some stunning new ballads and instrumentals and pulls it exquisitely together with recorder, passionate electric and acoustic guitar solos and tales of yearning and hope. 'Dancer and the Moon' opens with Randy Newman’s ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today,’ which is given an exotic sounding twist. ‘Troika’ was gleaned from traditional Russian music and the graphic lyrics transport the listener to a magical landscape in seconds. Night’s vocals, simultaneously tender and powerful, evoke wild abandon: “Let the horses run free/So dark against the light/Where the snow lies so deep/You can’t even see the sun.” ‘The Last Leaf,’ a metaphor about one of their children, finds Ritchie and Candace employing an enchanting vocal/guitar fugue. ‘Lady in Black’ is a triple threat, which was written by Ken Hensley. This colourful character “reduces men to animals.” Night’s harmonies serve as a powerful jack knife, moving the fable along with intensity. The flute adds gripping mystery. The short instrumental, ‘Minstrels in the Hall’, celebrates the important role of dance in the 1500s, as does ‘Galliard,’ an additional short but majestic instrumental that recalls a simple period dance. Ritchie’s guitar work is rich and engaging. Another royal slice of life awaits in ‘Temple of the King’ - “far from the circle at the edge of the world.” The last phrase supremely showcases Night’s abilities. Layers of percussion and reserve compound the modal theme of ‘Dancer and the Moon’: “secrets are lost in time to the heartbeat of the night.” ‘The Ashgrove’ is another vehicle for expression: “With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o’er me/The ash grove again is my home.” ‘Somewhere Over the Sea (The Moon is Shining) goes tipsy turvy in its second incarnation: ‘The Moon is Shining (Somewhere Over the Sea).’ The first features Black’s wistful yearning: “The stars stopped glowing/Still I have to believe you’ll return to me…” The techno version, which follows and also runs wild with Ritchie’s explosive guitar solos, will leave you begging for more. ‘The Spinner’s Tale’ is yet another return to simplicity, with its heartbreaking recorder solo and earnest message: “ribbons get tangled within the storm.” ‘Carry On…Jon’ is the final instrumental – a “tip of the hat” to Jon Lord. Even the exciting organ solo was designed to tribute the late Lord’s talents. 'Dancer and the Moon' is a Renaissance banquet flavoured with spot on rock trimmings. Night’s impeccable singing, Blackmore’s world-class acoustic and electric solos and superb material abound.

Track Listing:-

1 I Think It's Going to Rain Today
2 Troika
3 The Last Leaf
4 Lady in Black
5 Minstrels in the Hall
6 Temple of the King
7 Dance and the Moon
8 Galliard
9 The Ashgrove
10 Somewhere Over the Sea (The Moon Is Shining
11 The Moon Is Shining (Somewhere Over the Sea)
12 The Spinner's Tale
13 Carry On... Jon