Maiden's Prayer

by Jim BrenholtsLisa Lynne is one of the world's leading practitioners of ethnic tribal ambience. That is a different way of describing her music, but it fits. She is internationally famous for her virtuosity on the Celtic harp, on which she has performed original compositions and traditional Irish music from the ancient tribes of Eire. Using Brian Eno's definition, Lynne's music is interesting enough to be the focus of deep listening and innocuous enough to be part of the environment. Lynne upped the ante with the release of Maiden's Prayer. This beautiful cross-cultural hybrid blends the musical styles of Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, Celtic, Western European, and Appalachian cultures. Lynne's frequent collaborator, George Tortorelli, contributes his virtuosity on various wind instruments and percussion. Lynne also incorporates the musicianship of the Lian Ensemble and Musica Angelica, along with several other guests. This multi-talented artist has outdone herself. Lynne continuously sets the standard for other new age artists to follow. This CD will appeal -- strongly -- to all fans of good music. The cross-cultural hybrid is similar to the Afro-Celt Sound System and Baka Beyond, but Lynne is more restrained.