Showing posts with label Bill Leslie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Leslie. Show all posts

10/28/2015

New Age/World Instrumental Review: Bill Leslie-Across The Water

Release Date: October 4, 2015
Label: Capitol Broadcasting Company

Bill Leslie has won numerous awards for his recordings over the years and it stands to reason that momentum will continue with the recent release of another instrumental classic titled Across The Water.

Across The Water is a 12 track tribute to Ireland including 10 songs composed by Leslie and two traditional tunes. The album features superlative musicians performing on acoustic guitar, grand piano, violin, cello, oboe, accordion, Celtic whistles, flutes, harp, uilleann pipes and stand-up bass. 

The title track turns the page on the story that unfolds to a gracious and inviting introduction and from that point each track seamlessly blends into the next as the colors and textures change as the journey moves along. The combination of several instruments makes for a new age/world treat for the senses.  

“Gaelic Ghost” which was featured on the Rate The Tracks site, really sets the tone and atmosphere for the premise of this recording. If you are not recognizing the Celtic essences of this track you are either oblivious to the world around you or just ignoring the beauty that is enveloping you at the moment. This is all about the long lineage and history of the people that shaped a land far away from our shores here in the U.S. but also a reminder of the immigrants that helped to make our great country.

I hear a longing and sadness and in the same instance a joyful remembrance of days long past in this music. The emotion and meaning found in these instrumental compositions are what stand out the most. "Irish Girl” framed it all for me with one listen. The precise piano playing, longing violin and enchanting flute give it a traditional feel helped along with today’s marvelous studio techniques and superb mastering.

I think it’s safe to say that Bill Leslie has created yet another masterpiece that will garner plenty of attention on a global scale. Inside this music is history, tradition and a beauty that has been lost in our high tech society. If you are feeling numb, listless and need some culture and colorful sounds to brighten and enhance your day give this album a spin, it is likely to change your perspective on things that you never considered before. Thought provoking music has a way of doing that.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Across the Water, Gaelic Ghost, Irish Girl

Tracks:
 

01. Across the Water
02. The Boatman
03.Connemara
04. Miriam
05. Lorica
06. Gaelic Ghost
07. Stephanie
08. Irish Girl
09. Ring of Kerry
10. Cloud of Witnesses
11. Gougane Barra
12. Irish Blessing
 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder
October 28, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews



9/23/2015

Instrumental Track Review: Bill Leslie-Gaelic Ghost

Inspiration for music can take many forms. With the release of Bill Leslie's new album Across The Water the energy was gathered by taking a trip to Ireland. 

"Gaelic Ghost" is the subject of interest on this feature. Leslie and his band take you on a journey across the pond to another land, one with an ancient history, rolling green hills and beautiful sites and sounds. Yes, the Emerald Isle is given a wonderful tribute in this enchanting track.

Tender notes from acoustic guitar lead the way as other instruments join in it becomes a celebration of life and all its glory. The flute is alluring as it can be when it mesmerizes and pulls you in like the tides of the ocean.

"Gaelic Ghost" was the perfect selection from Bill to introduce you to his new release. Have yourself a good listen and let it sweep you away...enjoy the ride!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


More About Bill Leslie: 
http://www.billleslie.com


A trip to Scotland and a concert by the contemporary Celtic group Nightnoise paved the way for my music genre today. I heard someone play the Celtic whistle on the side of the road near Inverness and fell in love with the haunting sound. No one in Raleigh could teach me how to play the whistle so I taught myself using books, cassettes and videotaped instructions. I bought a multi-track recorder and began laying guitar tracks. I blended guitar with whistle and piano tracks. Soon I built a full-fledged studio at my home. I co-founded a Celtic fusion band Bragh Adair featuring guitar, whistle, violin, piano, bass and percussion. We played for nearly four years and produced two wonderful albums "Grace in Stone" and "The Hunt" which can be purchased on this website. We had some outstanding concerts at Meymandi Hall, Grandfather Mountain, Johnston County, Cary Academy and Red Springs. It was very sad when the group featuring Mary Page Johnson and Kerry Johnson folded in 2002. They are terrific musicians.