Joy
Shannon and the Beauty Marks
Mo
Anam Cara
10
Track CD
Triple
Goddess Records
To
be released 20th March 2015
To be released very soon!
Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks –
Long Beach California
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/JoyShannonandtheBeautyMarks
Produced, mixed & mastered by
Mark Sheppard
Photography by Xun Chi
All music and lyrics by Joy Shannon
Discography:
“As
in the Wilderness” (2008),
“The
Opium Wars or Love in Lieu of Laudanum” (2009)
“The
Black Madonna” (2010),
“Out
of My Dreams and Into My Arms” (2011),
“The Oracle” (2013)
"Mo Anam Cara" (2014).
Genre: Neo-folk, Celtic Pagan Folk,
Doom
Biography:
Joy Shannon and the
Beauty Marks are a Celtic Pagan Folk/Neo-folk band
fronted by the Irish multi-instrumentalist singer Joy Shannon on Celtic harp, cello and harmonium.
Joy Shannon
It is not surprising that this CD was sent to me for obvious reasons.
Now is the time to be with one on a journey through the Celtic calendar and
embrace the true spiritual feelings within one’s self.
The Winds of Hel
This is a very mournful and poignant track. It delights in bringing
an ambiance all its own and sends the proverbial shiver down the spine on
listening. Its Celtic and Pagan roots
are very prominent and enjoyable to witness.
Samhain
Is a dark and mysterious track that holds a rich and vibrant beauty
caressing the senses with delicate voices and delightful Harp Ensemble? It
really takes you back to glorious green mother earth. The tones are steeped in
a soft haze that mirrors the reflection of a track that allows your mind to
wander freely.
Midwinter Ghost
The delicate fingers of Joy
Shannon gently glide over the strings of her harp like waves washing over a
shoreline. The beauty of this track is very therapeutic and relaxing. It
features backing vocals from Amelia Barron, guitar from Daryl Hernandez and
bass from Andy Zacharias. It has a spellbinding effect that simply mesmerises
the soul.
Imbolc – Invocation to
Brighid
This is quite a short track compared with the last three. It
conjures up images of a flickering fire and around it stands Brighid a Goddess
in her own right. Backing vocals by Rachel Star Allbright.
Ostara – Blodeuwedd
A real awakening of the Spring Equinox this track is dream-like but
highly intense, although it still has that delicate balance of sacred voice and
strings.
The Fires of Beltane
Another poignant track that lifts the spirit to great heights. It is deep and meaningful with clever use of
instruments. It most definitely brings out the Celtic and Pagan spirits as the
track unfolds.
_____________________________________________________________
“It thoroughly embraces through
balance and rebirth just as the seasons do – It is magic in its purest form!”
_____________________________________________________________
Midsummer Witch Hunt
This track is dedicated to all the witches who died in the
flickering flames for having a sixth sense. Being persecuted by people who did
not have a connection to earth. It is an amazing song that really brings out
the dark side and is deeply disturbing!
Midsummer Witch Hunt - A highly disturbing video!
Lughnasadh – Maeve, the
one who intoxicates
Sending chills down the spine this song glides gently on an ambient
bed of notes. The backing vocals of Amelia Barron are haunting. Joy’s voice
being the most prominent are lilting and exquisite and between them and the
music is one more intense track to behold.
Findulas
With vocal imagery this track is a beautiful love song although sad
as you would expect! Love never runs smooth! Its melodic and vibrant tones
gently graze the senses and are embracing. Traversing the monumental terrain it
is yet another masterpiece of strings and haunting voices that leave their
mark.
Mabon– Airmid, Bring
back the dead
Another intensely rich track that connects to the soul with an abundance
of deep tones and poignant notes that flourish with a new awakening.
Summary:
The whole album is rife with new awakenings and based on the Celtic
calendar, going into detail of all Pagan holidays. It will bring you to the
understanding that Mother Nature is never far away.
Mo Anam Cara
translated means Spirit Guide (although in Irish it means Soul Mate) and is very
apt for this album, as it does guide you through an intense journey. It awakens
mind, body and soul. Although there are no raunchy tracks to be had here –
there is little need for them as each track delivers pure magic through the
vocal concentrate and diligently played strings alone.
It is persistent in guiding the listener and connecting them with
what the earth represents in spirituality. Its essences are magical and will
revitalise anything that lay dormant in the brain, although beware darkness
appears around each corner so navigate well.
It
thoroughly embraces through balance and rebirth just as the seasons do – It is
magic in its purest form!
9½/10
Track List:
The
Winds of Hel
Samhain
Midwinter
Ghost
Imbolc
– Invocation to Brighid
Ostara
– Blodeuwedd
The
Fires of Beltane
Midsummer
Witch Hunt
Lughnasadh
– Maeve, the one who intoxicates
Findulas
Maboh
– Airmid, Bring back the dead
Members:
Joy
Shannon – Celtic Harp/Cello/Vocals
Andy
Zacharias – Stand-up Bass
Amelia
Barron – Backing vocals on 3, 6, 7, & 8
Daryl
Hernandez – Guitar on 1,2,3,6,7,8,9, & 10
Jon
Zell – Guitar on 4 & 5
Rachel
Star Albright – Backing Vocals on 4 & 5
Special
thanks to Madeleine Baggins
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