BLACKMORE'S NIGHT WINTER CAROLS CD REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

Throughout the almost 10 years since the first Blackmore's Night album, 'Shadow Of The Moon' in 1998, former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and fiancee, vocalist/lyricist Candice Night have forged a new path very much divergent from the legendary rocker's heavy rock past. Largely leaving the guitar hero role behind in favor of a musical melding which combined elements of world music, renaissance, new age, folk, and rock & roll. While it has confounded some purist afficionados of Blackmore's earlier work, who fervently may wish a return to the days of old, the time has come to get over it, and accept that this is what Ritchie is happy doing, and to accept it on its own terms. Which is that this is an amalgamation of extremely talented musicians who have the strength to push this sort of material across convincingly.

Nowhere is this fact more evident than on the newly released 'Winter Carols', a collection largely consisting of traditional Christmas standards as "Hark The Herald Angels Sing,"Good King Wenceslas" and "We Three Kings" mixed in with some period sounding originals such as "Christmas Eve" alongside the more contemporary "Wish You Were Here"(Not the Pink Floyd classic, although that would've been interesting!). All mixed together to come up with an instant classic which is sure to be a holiday mainstay for years to come. Straddling the middle ground between the more slick pop/new age Mannheim Steamroller and the bombastic, near prog metal stylings of The Trans Siberian Orchestra, this is one album which will fit in perfectly among classics both old and new. Featuring almost angelic like vocals courtesy of Night, whose voice has truly never sounded better, with Blackmore sounding more and more like a modern day minstrel, it could be said that this is the record they were put together to make. Lush choral arrangements give way to the organic sounds of acoustic guitar-suddenly, amazing solos courtesy of the Man in Black cut through the mix, both acoustic and electric, still showing all the amazing talent which has made him one of rock's finest guitarists of all time. In fact, if anything, the sound's more well rounded than ever before, once again one to be taken on its own terms, as it's akin to comparing apples and oranges.The taste may be different, but still both are sweet.

Church bells leap out, cellos swell and drone and sleigh bells add to the proceedings in a seasonal way. A special mention must also be given to The Sisters Of The Moon, whose background harmony vocals blend in perfectly here. Also refreshing is the fact that these are all played on real instruments. Unlike many "modern" holiday offerings which are flooded with synths and samples, what you have are real musicians playing real instruments, and while the opening "Hark The Herald Angels Sing/Come All Ye Faithful might come across as somewhat slick (not overly so), the rest are fairly faithful and wouldn't sound foreign to the ears of 200, even 300 years ago.

If you're tired of listening to all the old Christmas standbys year after year, are looking for something fresh, yet at the same time both old and new, do oneself a favor and pick this one up and listen while chestnuts are roasting upon an open fire. Provided one has a fireplace, that is, otherwise there may be some pesky fire codes to contend with. A true winner from start to finish, this is an excellent addition to your Christmas music collection. 4.5/5 http://www.blackmoresnight.com/