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Fantastic! A lover of ancient legends, Heather Dale is a multi-talented artist who does it all on This Endris Night, one of the finest Celtic-style holiday recordings I have ever heard. Dale provides all the vocals, plays all of the traditional instruments, and supplies all of the creative arrangements that support this outstanding presentation. In addition, this incredible woman mixed and produced the album; I would not be surprised to learn that she was simultaneously painting a Picasso, baking chocolate chip cookies, and teaching nuclear physics at the same time!

This Endris Night, which means "the other night," makes Renaissance and Medieval Christmas music spring to life with intense originality and musicianship. Albums like this rest heavily on the quality of the vocals, and Dale does not disappoint. She has a rich, but delicate, instrument that effortlessly floats through the material; it is a voice that I could blissfully embrace all day. When she uses the magic of recording multiple tracks to sing duets with herself, she weaves a most satisfying tapestry of sound. Dale also masters the natural rhythms of five different languages here (English, Latin, German, Huron, French); the liner notes provide the necessary translations (with full Latin texts available at Dale's Website).

There is so much to love about this album. It opens strongly with "Ave Maria," with the gospel of St. Luke set to 12th century music. Dale's gorgeous voice is mesmerizing as it moves over a droning undertone. Soon, she is singing a round against herself, and the effect is pure pleasure. My favorite track is probably the wonderful "Huron Carol." Its lovely melody shines in this artful arrangement, and Dale's interpretation (sung in the original Huron tongue) has a Native American sensibility without being over the top. The title track is also very special; this unfamiliar carol bursts with joy and gentle rhythmic clapping as Dale creates her own duet. Finally, "The Holly and the Ivy" surprises with an intensely jazzy, contemporary feel that had me swinging in my chair as this excellent disc came to a close.

My big gripe? This album is too darn short, sliding to a halt after about 35 minutes. I wanted to spend my entire evening wrapped in this recording. Ah, I suppose that's what repeat buttons are for.

It is a wonderful thing to celebrate a great talent. This season, consider celebrating the extraordinary Heather Dale in This Endris Night.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

"Midwinter, Yule and Christmas were celebrated long before the days of "Jingle Bells" and Santa Claus. For all Western faiths, there is something very holy about this season--the sense of mystery in the expectant hush before the turning of the year. I've delved into the wealth of pre-1700AD seasonal music to try to bring forward the ideas of those people living long ago. So whether you are Christian, Pagan, or have another view entirely, I hope you will find a common ground in these songs. After all, at their heart they are about common celebration. Here's to the joy of the season!"

Produced and arranged by Heather Dale.
Recorded and mixed by Heather Dale at The Finishing Room (Toronto, Canada).
Mastered by Andy Krehm at Silverbirch Productions (Toronto).
All songs traditional.
Arrangements by Heather M. Dale, SOCAN.

Musicians:

Heather Dale: all vocals, keyboards, soprano and alto recorders, bodhran drum, bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, tambourine, percussion (bells, shaker, clapping, computer desk), reed flute, djembe drum.

From the Website:

This Endris Night: A lively holiday album of Medieval and Renaissance Christmas carols. All vocals and instruments performed by Heather Dale.

This Endris Night (an old term which means "the other night") looks at Medieval and Renaissance Christmas music, and contains 12 of Heather's original and inventive arrangements of pre-1700AD holiday songs. These lively renditions feature her versatility as both a vocalist and an instrumental performer; she performed everything you hear on the album, including all vocals, tin whistle, Irish and Middle Eastern percussion, and Medieval-style folk instruments such as the bowed psaltery and hammered dulcimer. A truly unique and joyful exploration of Medieval music!

Modern Celtic singer-songwriter Heather Dale shifts easily between the ancient and the modern. While her inspiration is firmly rooted in Celtic mythology and history, her musical style is anything but traditional. Her innovative songs range from Celtic folk-pop to bluesy rock... each strengthened by her rich vocals, evocative tunes and intelligent lyrics. Why the attraction to ancient legends? "I was completely fascinated by King Arthur as a child, so I think it was inevitable", Heather says. She brings a unique modern perspective to these tales bringing out the human element in each story and relating it to the everyday life of people in the 21st century. Her music has drawn comparison to Loreena McKennitt and Sarah McLachlan.

Heather's lifelong passion for music led her to learn a wide array of folk and classical instruments: piano, bodhran drum, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, recorders and bowed psaltery. Her first solo performance came in 1997; she now tours with a 4-piece backing band, in addition to her engaging solo shows (vocals/piano).

Heather Dale

This Endris Night

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Track List