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Our Review

Talk about refreshing! Jaiya jumps off the charts, providing a pulsing, primal instinct and heavenly harmonies. This is Early Music at its finest--earthy tones, early instruments, and spot-on vocals. Jaiya consists of two vocalists (Miranda Brown and Lael Whitehead) and an accordion player (Kim Darwin). The chemistry yields the gold standard in folk/new age/early music/world music excitement.

As you might have guessed, "Firedance" is not your ordinary Christmas offering; for that reason, the CD is easily playable year 'round. This album is all about the winter solstice, and the songs range from good-natured party and tavern tunes to tender ballads. At the darkest time of the year, when lost in the deep folds of December, throw open the heavy blankets and set the candles ablaze. Celebrate! This album will stir your soul as you strive for the year's warmer, brighter moments.

The musical selections are precious cargo. Among the ten songs are six originals, and the whole package flows seamlessly from start to finish. Brown and Whitehead have voices that perfectly complement each other, creating melting harmonies of such clarity and buoyancy that they raised goose bumps on my arms time and time again. Two huge bonuses are Brown's excellent harp, which is used to good measure throughout the disc, and Darwin's folksy accordion, which is a steady companion on almost every cut.

Although it is virtually impossible to choose favorites among these strong selections, I would note the impressive contrasts between "Gaia's Lullaby," a sweet baby's breath across the cheek, and "Bring Us In Good Ale," a cheeky and rowdy drinking number. Regardless of tone, the musicianship is stellar.

Fans of early music vocal ensembles will find themselves wiping tears from their eyes as "Firedance" casts its spell. Magnificent.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Jaiya is:

Miranda Brown: vocals, harp, percussion
Kim Darwin: accordion
Lael Whitehead: vocals, penny whistle, guitar, percussion

Miranda Brown is an expert classically trained harpist, with a rich, powerful voice, and an instinct for song writing and arranging.

Lael Whitehead possesses a haunting lyric voice, plays drum, guitar and penny whistle, and also writes lyrics and music.

Both musicians enjoy alternating between singing lead and supporting each other with backup vocals. Their skill with harmony and blend comes from years of vocal and choral training.

The third member, Kim Darwin, is a composer, pianist, and world-class accordion player. His inspired improvisational style takes the music in exciting and unexpected directions.

Jaiya

Firedance: Songs for Winter Solstice

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Track List