Label: Angleterre Music

Producer: Jeff Siverman

Release Date: 2002

British born Aeone (ay-own), has written, composed, arranged, and produced a tidal wave of beautifully crafted contemporary music for the mystical half of our hearts and souls. Her success in her endeavours can be measured by the lengthy list of TV and film soundtracks she has been involved with, as well as by the sheer originality and creative innovation presented in her albums.

For the former attributes and associations, you can read all about them at her site (www.aeone.com) and also at Amazon, but for now, let's take a little look at Point of faith, an album that should be every bit as immortal as the themes and concepts it describes in both words and music.

Aeone is not just an outstanding singer/songwriter/producer; she is, without doubt, a weaver of the most astonishing musical tapestries that have adorned the same halls of innovation as Kate Bush, Enya, Marie Brennan, Maddy Prior, Sandy Denny, Sally Oldfield, Clannad, Delirium, and countless others. There is a remarkable depth of faith, emotion, passion, femininity, and sensuality in each and every song, and it seems to me that we need more albums like Point of faith if we truly wish to be both moved and healed by the power and beauty that lies in music in all of its various forms.

Aeone's unique vocal and outstanding musical credentials are blatantly apparent within seconds of pressing play. The prayer-like opening title "One Tribe", includes traditional sounds and instruments I don't even dare to name but they are truly incredible in their quite unique arrangements and delivery. Add that one simple truth to the beauty and perseverance in the powerful lyrics and vocals, and you have one of the most amazing 'world music' songs ever to emerge in recent years. The Celtic to contemporary influences and inspirations are mathematically impossible to measure, but the sense of wonder is delivered straight to your heart and soul with effortless ease.

Point of faith is another woven tapestry of superior songsmithery. Aeone's vocals and lyrics are enchanting and the musician residing within rises to the call of instruments like a knight to the call of arms. Umbra nihili with it's tantalizing eastern backgrounds is one hell of a beautiful event. Hearing this in a dream would see you flying over clouds, mountains and oceans, but when you're awake, it's your soul that takes the flight! I have to confess that I have never heard anything quite like this in my life! The Last Breath meanwhile, is an amazing love song of the first division. You can see why the girl get's the audio visual commendations for her soundtrack work, and you can see that her heart is very definitely imprinted all over this magnificent achievement. Watch out for the harmonies.. they'll make your heart melt blissfully and without restraint!

She walks with me is co-written and produced with Jeff Silverman and is another indication of how diverse and well trained Aeone's vocal capability really is, and it is also an indication of how well she co-writes with another exceptionally skilled and talented composer/producer. The Celtic veils that are lowered and raised throughout this song are timeless in their entirety and again we are treated to the eastern insertions one wouldn't normally expect to find in such a remarkable track. They just make the whole experience that bit more enlightening!

4 Chambers is a haunting and more contemporary song than it's predecessors but the vocal power riding over the drums and bass rhythms are escorted in their flight by sweeping strings and warm pads to remind us again of Aeone's versatile vocal range. The singing cloud is quite an exodus from the preceding '4 chambers' with it's cathedrally enchanting choirs and vocal meanderings. It's the first time I have ever heard such an exquisite piece of music that was destined to be performed live in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral in England... the building was made for this almost angelic conference of sound!

Come away is a song that is capable of turning any image of a harsh winter into a beautiful spring morning, it's the composition that is full of life, the one that embraces you with warmth and passion for love and living.. the perfect 'feel good' song for anyone anywhere anytime. The waterdance is a magnificent song with incredibly skilled lyrics and unsurpassably skilled music delivered with a slightly 'Delerium' styled production. Matter of the heart is a perfect follow up track to 'The Waterdance'.. calming, healing themes bridged with profound and perceptively powerful lyrics. Your moments of self reflection upon hearing this unique piece of excellence are rewarded tenfold with musical arrangements that engage the mind, heart, and soul like some rare and previously unobtainable audio potion.

In search of Kyrie has me positively spellbound and in awe of the seemingly limitless energy and vibrancy that this artist swims in. Follow the vocal spell Aeone produces in its delivery and efficacy and you'll be joining me. I Will Remember You Still, from the 'Mists of Avalon' soundtrack, is truly outstanding. It's one of those songs that is very hard to let go of, another testimony to the timelessness of Aeone's artistry. The calling is every bit as flawless and enchanting as the rest of this album has been, and Samantha Hunt's amazingly embracing Irish fiddle is something to behold and indisputably expertly arranged and produced.

Point of faith is an absolute must for anyone who has a discerning ear and for anyone with a heart and soul in need of nourishment, and I suppose that pretty much means all of us!

 

CD Reviews

IOM Magazine

Related