A Fascinating Journey of Story and Song Offered on Local Trio's New CD
VANCOUVER - The Maenads is a trio that blends the rich sounds of three unique musicians. The combination of Rebecca Blair's Celtic harp, Linda Bull's fiddle, and Norah Rendell's voice, whistle and recorder produces a brilliant soulful sound unlike any other.
With a repertoire that ranges from traditional Irish melodies to medieval dances to contemporary tunes, the Maenads take their audiences on a fascinating journey of story and song with their new CD.
The Maenads came into being back in 2001 when Norah and Rebecca met at an Irish session. They quickly discovered that they had a unique musical chemistry that became even more entrancing with Linda's arrival.
Together the trio sparkled with creative energy and musical possibilities. The Maenads soon began performing at gigs throughout the Lower Mainland and the Gulf Islands.
The core of The Maenads' repertoire consists of ballads that showcase the story-telling approach of traditional music. The three musicians enjoy searching for and renewing songs from nearly forgotten sources.
These songs' lyrics provide the framework, upon which the Maenads weave colours, improvisations and accompaniments that conjure images and build the story - the true heart of any song.
Nearly all the songs speak of love, some about its tragic costs, others like The Lady of Carlisle offers a humourous tale in which a woman uses a very unusual method to choose a husband involving a lady's fan and a lion's den.
As a complement to these moving ballads, the Maenads show their mastery of the dance form in their lively instrumental tunes. Many of the tunes are Irish in origin.
With her newly completed Masters degree from Limerick's Academy of Music and Dance, Norah brings an authentic expertise in playing jigs and reels as well as other Irish traditional dances.
No Maenads CD would be complete without an O'Carolan tune for the Irish harp, which is found in the lyrical Hugh O'Donnell.
Further enriching the Maenads' sound, Linda has added her own unique textures and rhythms characteristic of Old Time music that is her passion.
Despite their devotion to the ballads and dance tunes, the Maenads cannot be classified as purely folk since their repertoire extends outside the realm of traditional music.
All three members started their musical training in the Classical realm, so they enjoy exploring improvisation and stylistic crossovers. A number of their instrumentals come from very diverse sources and eras.
No matter how wide ranging the Maenads' musical sources are, however, the songs and dances all have one thing in common, and that is they touch the audience with their beauty. Audiences will now be able to hear the Maenads and take their music with them as the trio presents their CD release concert at Grace Memorial United Church, 803 - 16th Avenue East in Vancouver on December 17.
Tickets are $10 at the door and CDs will be on sale for a special price of $15. For more information, check out their website at www.dancingharp.com or call (604) 874-1733.
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