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"Bright & Merry," indeed! This lovely collection of winter-themed Celtic and early music is a rewarding gift this holiday season. Celtic Muse (Valerie Klemetti Blessley and Jennifer Pratt-Walter) interweaves delicate harp music, creating an ambiance that is simultaneously joyous and comforting.

This generous album (nearly an hour of music) covers territory that extends well beyond the usual Christmas fare. This gives the CD remarkable replay value through the winter season, even if the decorated pine tree no longer guards your living room corner. Of the 19 tracks, perhaps six or seven are holiday dead-giveaways; the rest are intricate, ancient tunes that have universal appeal. The very helpful liner notes provide tremendous detail regarding the songs, often including some background and information about the musical choices made.

When it comes to holiday music, the harp is such a satisfying choice for instrumentation. Its ethereal nature equates with Christmas magic. In "Merry & Bright," we have the double good fortune of TWO harps, both in the hands of extremely capable harpists. The instrumentation does not, however, stop there. Celtic Muse layers in the recorder, pennywhistle, tambourine, and flute to most delightful effect!

The results are absolutely heavenly. As I write this review, I am lightly swinging in place, wearing an enormous grin. The whole album is delightful from the cheery opening "Merry & Bright" to the closing "Banish Misfortune," a traditional Irish jig. Nice!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Celtic Muse follows their acclaimed recording "Wind and Wood" with "Merry & Bright," a winter-themed collection of evocative Celtic and Early music. Celtic Muse, the duo, began at a Renaissance themed wedding in 1995, and has since become a Northwest favorite, appearing in popular venues ranging from the Portland Christmas Revels to winning the 1999 Northwest Regional Scottish Harp Competition.

Valerie Klemetti Blessley's musical adventures began with learning the flute and recorder as a child. She has since added harp, pennywhistle, bodhran and kantele to the mix. Valerie studied harp with David Harper, in Albuquerque, NM and Marion Fouse in Portland, OR. When not playing harps, Valerie assists her husband, Dr. Mark Blessley, in making them. She has a degree in visual arts. Look for her book of harp music entitled, "Songs I Can't Play" at www. pacifier.com/~blesses.

Jennifer Pratt-Walter seeks to transmit her reverence for the Celtic harp with an expansive repertoire of Medieval, Renaissance, folk, classical, and original works. She has been at the harp since 1986, studying with Marion Fouse. Jennifer also plays recorders and unique percussion. She was the 1999 Pacific NW Scottish Harp Competition solo champion, and volunteers her talent in the hospital setting. Her debut album "Ancient Realms" is an Amazon.com harp best-seller.

Celtic Muse

Merry & Bright

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Track List