Nightnoise

Our family loves the Windham Hill Winter's Solstice series, and my son says this is his favorite. I don't know if I can choose a favorite, but Barbara Higbie's We Three Kings on this CD is absolutely gorgeous and makes this CD worth purchasing almost by itself. Of course, the other selections are beautiful as well. I recommend this CD without reservation--you will love it.

This is superb music, and that it is supposed to be "Christmas" music is almost beside the point. Yeah, it wouldn't be Christmas without it, but for me this disc can be a salve against the hostilities of an uncaring world. Such "therapy" need not always take place in December.

Windham Hill artists have a long tradition of coming up with very relaxing, chill renditions of holiday favorites as well as their own original seasonal music. All the music on this album brings to mind the most peaceful images of the winter season - a warming fire away from the bleak chill of winter; a snowy winter wonderland; simply being with the people you love most. This album is perfect for a quite evening away from anything and everything.

Continuing in the beautiful series of Winter's Solstice music, this CD contains traditional and non-traditional Christmas music. However, it should be played year around for its soothing and beautiful sounds.

The Windham Hill series (Winter Solstice) fhas been outstanding, featuring a sampling of their artists. You get a wide range of performers (Nightnoise, Turtle Island String Quartet, etc.) that you might not run into otherwise. The result is a superior collection for the holiday season, but not so overtly Christmas that you can't play it at other times.
I particularly like Øystein Sevåg's contribution. I can't rave enough about the beauty of these pieces. It's wonderful to play while entertaining, or to get you in the Christmas-card-writing mood, or just sit and soak it up while gazing at your twinkling tree lights.

This is such great music. I've been listening to Nightnoise for years..it's like a sound tract to my life! It breaks my heart that the musicians are not still working together, but boy, when they were together they were absolutely the tops in their field! This compilation has some of their best, give it a listen...you won't be disappointed.

This is a very good compilation of Nightnoise music. A very good cd..

This CD has some hauntingly beautiful tracks, and some beautiful melody's that are just wonderful. You won't regret purchasing this CD.

Maybe the deepest effort for Nightnoise, 'At the End of the Evening' shows how intense and emotional soft melodies and moods can be. The first song, 'Windell', is a very interesting cycling melody with a lot of Celtic taste and very nature-evocating. 'Hugh' is a very emotional and warm piano melody, that brings you a lot of memories when you hear it again times after, and the best song of the album for me is clearly 'Her Kansas Sun'. The American fiddlist Billy Oskay is the one of the band who steps further from Celtic styles and dares to bring other jazzy or maybe new agey flavours. This song is strangely and beautifully composed and played just like everything from the guy and reaches the top of my expectations for music... By the way, I agree to another writer in saying that Triona's voice sometimes sounds a little annoying and forced... also don't like so much the song that gives the title to the album.

The last song is another magic artwork, and it's called 'The Swan'. After one almost ordinary and common acoustic guitar riff it comes an ethereal flute and sweet fiddle that construct a dreamy tune that repeats like a merry-go-round and gives a very sentimental and special end to the album. This is music poetry, mostly if you play it "at the end of the evening" :)

When I first played the first Nightnoise album, I remember feeling that I had finally found the music I had been seeking; that which evoked images of the Irish countryside. The first 2 albums were perfect and would be rated 5 stars. Beautiful instrumentals which allowed me to visualize my own personal scenes. Then, the singer with the ultra-fast, annoying vibrato was added. The group was never the same and the CDs no longer perfect. It's so seldom I find recording artists that I want to play frequently and eagerly anticipate their next release. I feel angry that this joy has been denied me. Nightnoise, return to the original group and record at least one more CD.

I'm amazed there are a paltry 6 reviews for this masterpiece, which for me has transcended time and space, remaining one of the most timeless, enjoyable albums I've ever heard, years and years and years after most other albums would have been tossed aside.

This album is worth mention for many reasons, but the standout for me is the song "Snow on High Ground"--unquestionably the most moving song I have ever had the privelege of listening to. Unbelievably sad, unbelievably touching, and still as stunningly beautiful as the first time I listened to it. This is the song I want played at my funeral--the song I wish everyone on earth could listen to, just once.

Do yourself a favor and pick this up; Hugh, Her Kansas Sun, Windell, At the Races, and The Courtyard are all quite excellent, and Snow on High Ground may be one of the best songs I've ever heard. Also check out Nightnoise's album "A Different Shore", more even in terms of quality as well as being far more excitingly crafted (much lusher sound than this)!

Everyone should hear Nightnoise. Don't hesitate to drop this in your cart!

I was first introduced to Nightnoise via the early Windham Hill "Winter Solstice" compilations. "At the End of the Evening" is the first Nightnoise I ever purchased, and I have been in love with it ever since. I'm a seasonal-music kind of gal, and this CD is the favorite in my Autumn rotation. Soulful, stirring, profound ... words are really inadequate to describe the emotions this music evokes.

What a great live album! You can really hear the love and enthusiasm of the small audience as they are enthralled and amazed by the virtuoso talents of Micheal, Triona, Johnny, and Brian on display before their very eyes. The speed and dexterity of Brian and Johnny are especially breathtaking as they rip their way through "Silky Flanks" in a unique rendition of this favorite track.

I have had this cd ever since 1999 and i have listened to it and never stopped. The music you get on this cd is definitely a value at any price. I really think if you have an interest in classical or new age, you should definitely try this. It kind of blends them both together with a celtic twist. If you have ever listened to other cds by nightnoise and this one isn't in your collection, i definitely think you should buy it. Whenever I am feeling stressed or if i have homework, i listen to it. It helps me concentrate and relieves my stress. The music on this cd is very beautiful. I for certainly think that you should add it to your collection as soon as possible. And if you already have it and enjoy it, i am sure you know what i am talking about...

This CD is wonderful to listen to! I have been a fan of Celtic music for many years, but only recently did I discover Nightnoise. Their music combines fiddle, piano, flute, and whistle to create compelling and complex music. "Hugh" stands out to me as the most beautiful track, possibly because of its deceptive simplicity. However, the haunting flute melodies also are exquisite. If you are looking for a great CD of less traditional Celtic music, "White Horse Sessions" is for you!

This CD is a gem, revealing Nightnoise in a different light as they stretch out their considerable playing skills in this live recording. The tracks sparkle with energy and exhibit the musical cohesion possible only when a crew of seasoned veterans are at their creative peak.

The music, often called a fusion of traditional Irish music, jazz, and chamber music, sounds refreshing and invigorating. The opening track, Silky Flanks, sets the stage with everyone kicking in great licks and solos (I especially like the flute and whistles of Brian Dunning). Shadow of Time rendered live loses nothing of its tenderness, and if anything, the vocals of Triona Ni Dhomhnaill are more sadly bittersweet here than on the studio CD bearing this name. Michael O'Dhomhnaill's gifted guitar anchors the whole session, and Johnny Cunningham play fiddle with abandoned restraint, that is, he provides a dose of flair when needed but does not lapse into the sort of prolonged, irritating solos many otherwise fine fiddlers fall prey to on live recordings.

I suppose that one could make a case for including other tracks here, but except for their version of Moondance, I'm not sure I could sacrifice what's here for anything more (I think I've heard this song too many times, too many ways).

If indeed the "White Horse Sessions" marks the terminus for Nightnoise, then there can be no better exclamation point on what was a stellar run of some 14 years and 7 recordings.

I bought this CD several years ago when I was just getting into the Irish/Celtic sound. Today it still ranks among the best. It is a shame to see the group is no longer recording but with many other recordings available, I'll not be at a loss.

I have had this CD for nearly ten years. I still listen to it regularly. I can't think of a better endorsement than that. Listen to it a few times, it doesn't sound like much, but it's one of those albums that you'll crave. It's comforting, unpretentious and possitively one of my favorite albums of all time. You could probably download it somewhere, but honestly it's one of those CDs that is actually worth paying for.

I picked up this CD at the library last week. Have listed to it about 15 times. Yes, I like it. I'm new to this type of music so I can't speak in specifics. Anyway, I came here looking for more and was disheartend to read a review which claimed this is by far their best CD. Anyone disagree?

Years ago I went to a Windham Hill Concert around Christmas time. I was especially taken with Night Noise and after recently rooting through my pockets before going to Goodwill I found the ticket stub to this concert, I kept the ticket and forwarded the sport coat to a good cause. I found my Different Shore CD and was impressed on how well it stood up to the test of time. I printed the cover of the CD and hung it on my fridge so as not to forget this band and the memories it evokes, not only of the music but my trip to Eire. Great music for all time.

How on earth do they do it? These gifted folk, clearly not of this world, have managed to create a hybrid of chamber music and Celtic jazz that mesmerizes and transports the listener to another realm. Every cut manages to portray a different mood, to tell a story, or to paint a watercolor landscape,all undeniably and distinctly Nightnoise. It is not uncomon for a melody to start in one direction, and like a shifting breeze carry you into another direction entirely, yet almost without your awareness of it. These musicians are beguiling storytellers, and in the Irish tradition create a world where myth and reality are not so easily defined. "For Eamon" is sensitive venerable and heroic, "Mind the Dresser" full of fun, "Morning in Madrid" sensual and full of beauty; "A Different Shore" is haunting.
There are times when Triona's voice seems thin, but there is so much value in the words she is singing that you will grasp at their sensitive and eternal beauty despite the pale quality of the voice.
This album is the perfect accompaniment to sketching, painting, writing, for it so soon takes you to the sacred place of creativity.
"Nightnoise" is so very apt a name, for they are quite the dream spinners.

Different Shore has a solid 38 minutes of great Celtic instrumental music. Nightnoise members are from Ireland, but recorded in the state of Oregon. My favorite tracks are mainly the ones with flute, fiddle, etc. laid over an acoustic guitar strumming rythmn. Highlights are:

"Call Of The Child" - mellow acoustic guitar with flute melody
"For Eamonn" - synthesizer and whistle play lilting Irish ballad
"The Busker On The Bridge" - upbeat acoustic guitar strumming with bouncy accordion, flute, etc. (my favorite on this album),
"A Different Shore" - a soft ballad, bass flute melody begins it with acoustic guitar picking in the background, then fiddle takes over the main line in the middle section, and then bass flute, flute, etc.
"Mind The Dresser" - based on bouncy piano line, joined by flute, middle section changes rythmn and has some nice background vocals
"Clouds Go By" - relaxing midtempo piece, goes by easily, starts off with accordion backed by acoustic guitar, joined by fiddle then piano
"Shuan" - ballad, features flutes over quiet acoustic guitar, a great ending to this album.

Since this is my only NIGHTNOISE cd I have nothing else of theirs to compare it to. Being a fan of celtic/irish music I was somewhat surprised at how languid the music was...almost "new age" rather than what one comes to expect from ,say, ALTAN, which interjects vigorous jigs and reels between the slower tracks.
Perhaps the name NIGHT 'NOISE' gives a hint of revelry or romp atypical of the genre. Not here.
The music is gorgeous though. Semi mood music with flourishes of traditional celtic, classical, even progressive strokes. I was hoping for something less expansive and, dare I say less "jazzy". It seems they would be better served (here) with more definition, sharper focus.
The group sounds as if the name should be NIGHTDREAM or NIGHTMIST. The sound is anything but "noisy". Very mellow, which is not a bad thing really. Unlike with most music I listen to with headphones, with this particular cd the only NIGHT "NOISE" you'll hear is the "noise" of my snorring. It's that kinda album.
Still 3.5 stars, maybe 4. The beauty of the music redeems its slow, contemplative pacing.

I was dissapointed with this CD. As a HUGE Nightnoise fan, I have every Nightnoise CD, as well as many Various Artist CDs (mostly Windham Hill) featuring them. This CD however, is not one that makes Nightnoise one of my favorite bands. Its dull.. and almost boring! Especially the song "Silly Flanks". Don't get me wrong, I love that track, on the CD "White Horse Sessions".. Its upbeat and makes me want to get up and dance.. but on this CD its like a whole other song. I suppose that I do have a taste for live though. Every track on this CD sounds the same.. and while it is Nightnoise, and you still have to like that, you don't love it. The CD I'd recommend to a newcommer to Nightnoise is "A Different Shore". That is by far Nightnoise's best CD.

If you like celtic. You'll love this. Soothing, predictable music to lay back and enjoy.

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THIS CD FOR A LONG TIME AND HAVE FOUND IT AGAIN. I AM GOING TO HANG ON TO IT THIS TIME! WHETHER YOU WANT TO KICK BACK, HAVE SOME GREAT DINNER MUSIC, OR JUST BE THIS IS THE CD!

I highly recommend this CD, especially to those new to Nightnoise. It is a nice representation of some of their best cuts. How sad that Micheal is gone, and there won't be any more of their superbly original music added to the universe!

I agree with all of the previous posts. This CD is full of wonderful music.

Drawn from the self-titled "Nightnoise," "At the End of the Evening," "A Winter's Solstice," and "The Parting Tide," this CD is a great overview of the group's wonderfully distinctive Celtic / New Age fusion. At times sweet or hauntingly beautiful, at others progressive and jazzy, but always emotionaly moving, the work of Nightnoise has a unique and striking appeal. It's the sort of music I love to listen to while walking outdoors on a warm, fall day or sipping warm soup and catching up with a good friend. It can either make you stop and think, or help you to gently focus on the beauty of the moment. Nightnoise is a collaboration between American violinist Billy Oskay and Irish guitarist Micheal O Domhnaill, who were then joined by Michael's sister Triona Ni Dhomhnaill on keyboards, etc. and Brian Dunning on flutes. Oskay and Dunning are particularly effective and well matched when they trade back and forth between lead melody and improvisational descants. I particularly love how Dunning can range in playing style from mellow flute meanderings to sprightly tin whistle melodies to breathy, progressive accompaniments reminiscent of Jethro Tull--he really makes the music sparkle! Micheal O Domhnaill's guitar lays down a warm, comforting ground to the songs, while Triona Ni Dhomhnaill's expert piano, electronic keyboards and clear, unpretentious singing voice also add much to the group's characteristic sound. For more from these artists, try the recordings of Relativity (also featuring Michael and Triona, along with brothers Phil and Johnny Cunningham), too, and the many Celtic-inspired collaborations between Brian Dunning and keyboardist Jeff Johnson.

I first heard Nightnoise in the early 80's. I had won a cassette tape in a radio contest, and it was a Windham Hill Collection. One of the songs on it was The Cricket's Wicket (which is on this CD) and is probably one of their best known songs. It's also one of my favorites by them. Toys Not Ties and several others are also very good. This is wonderful celtic new age music!!!

This was the second (of many) Nightnoise albums that I have purchased over the years. Essentially, it is a collection from their earlier albums, including selections from the very difficult to find first Nightnoise Album. This is my favorite Nightnoise album with my all time favorite Nightnoise selection--The Cricket's Wicket-- which is worth the price by itself. It has a simplicity and beauty that is hard to find. If you like graceful Celtic/Irish influenced music, you cannot miss with this wonderful collection by recognized masters of the genre.

A winding road through complex improvisations, experimental rhythms and irregular phrasing, "Something of Time" is a sophisticated and interesting fusion album. Primarily mellow and moody in tone, this CD nonetheless falls closer to the jazz or modern classical end of the spectrum than the New Age, and is "Celtic" only by virtue of the fact that some of the instruments and musicians are Irish. The duo of Billy Oskay on violin, and Micheal O Domhnaill on guitars and keyboards weaves a subtle, magic spell with their freeform compositions, often enhanced by the flutes and whistles of Brian Dunning. Keyboardist Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, later to become a regular with the group, appears here in only one song. The meandery, jazzy unpredictability of this music is what makes it fascinating, though at times this quality can also render it a little unapproachable and hard to relax to. If you're looking for simple, boring music to lull you into a meditative state, this definitely isn't it, and likewise don't look here for traditional Celtic favorites. But for a unique and elegantly honest statement of creative imagination, "Something of Time" is a good pick. I especially enjoy the group's use of harpsichord and exploration of its different voicings in #9, the reflective "Apres-Midi." For more gentle, innovative, intelligent fusion music, try the other albums of Nightnoise, as well as those by Orion, Maggie Sansone, and Axiom of Choice. And for another take on integrating the harpsichord into modern music, check out "Fresh Aire IV" by Mannheim Steamroller.

From jazzy and jaunty to elegantly wistful, Nightnoise lends a unique sound to Celtic music that is different than any I'm familiar with, except perhaps for some songs from the group Relativity (which, of course, includes two of Nightnoise's members). Both groups make liberal use of electronic keyboards from the "early days,"--a little tinny and tinkly, perhaps, but proudly played like pianos and showcased for what they are (rather than trying to emulate every acoustic instrument and movie sound effect under the sun). Add to this ambience some mellow guitar, lilting violin, wistful accordion, and a pleasant array of flutes, pipes and whistles, and you have the recipe for some of the most pleasingly and authentic-sounding New Age / Celtic fusion I've come across. Okay--with all the variations that keep developing within the genre, I'm not sure one can actually define "authentic" New Age, but when I say it, I mean that elusive combination of gently creative compositions with enough of an electronic ambience to qualify as "new," but without overpowering the timeless, relaxing qualities of the acoustic leads. That--at least from producers like Windham Hill and Narada--is New Age to me, and the distinctive, gently rambling music of Nightnoise fits the description perfectly! Full of heart, spark and appeal, yet still mellow enough to relax me, "The Parting Tide" is a favorite album of mine. The group is made up of brother and sister Micheal O Domhnaill (guitar, keyboards and backing vocals) and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (keyboards, accordion and lead vocals), violinist and keyboardist Billy Oskay, and flutist Brian Dunning. Check out their other albums too, such as "Something of Time" and "Nightnoise: A Windham Hill retrospective."

If you are looking for simple lyrics and a gentle Celtic sound, you've come to the right CD. The Tryst has a slow and uplifting but slightly melancholy sound, while the piano on Through The Castle Garden builds into the song beautifully. Snow Is Lightly Falling features the singer's lovely voice and longing lyrics that suit the title.

Somehow, even the light-hearted A Jig Of Sorts manages to blend nicely with the rest of the CD. My favorite I think must be The Abbot, it is very Celtic sounding and lifts one all at once away. Occasionally I feel the music is jilting, but I believe that repeated listenings will smooth that away. Otherwise, I have no complaints, for some soft music with Ireland in the heart, this is a good album.