One has to respect (and certainly appreciate) the massive effort it must take to bring an experience like Loreena McKennitt’s current tour to frutuition. I never realized that, from time to time, I have taken Loreena’s music for granted. So caught up in the beauty and mysticism of her voice, I don’t always realize how much is going on with the music. Witnessing everything unfold in a live setting doesn’t allow for this. Instruments from Russia and India and Turkey and Ireland, etc. were not originally intended to share the same stage, and in some cases, are tuned very different. However, that is exactly what she has done.

With ten (great) musicians onstage, a perfect mix and balance of sound (at any time, you can focus in on one instrument and clearly discern it from the rest), the listener has no choice but to be drawn into the energy created in front of them…

…the rhythm section – a rockin’ drummer, two percussionists (sometimes three, as many of the musicians play multiple roles), and Brian Hughes’ many stringed instruments – can instantly transform the landscape. One moment you are in Morocco, the next, tearing your way through a rock concert! Despite the “script” these guys have to follow for each tune, you can clearly see, by the way they react and respond to each other, that they are still able to improvise just enough to be free…

…the sweet emotion passed between Loreena’s voice, onto Ms. Lavelle’s cello, turning into a beautiful duet with Mr. Marsh’s violin - worthy a place on any of the greatest stages, past or present. The smallest instrument onstage, the Lyra, takes center stage in so many of the songs, because, despite its size, the emotional power of its tone will make you weap…

…and when Hugh Marsh launches (this is the only way to describe it) into his violin solo towards the end of “Santiago” he grabs hold of you, and all your senses are taken for a ride – a ride in which you can’t move, can’t even breath - because even to breathe feels like an insult to the experience…

Yes, it is exactly like this.

Good health to you Loreena. And may the ‘Muse’ continue to inspire you and your wonderful group of musicians on your road ahead.

And for those waiting patiently for Loreena to make her way to your town, sleep well this eve, and all that follow, and rest assured- you will soon pay witness to the most extraordinary musical journey.

Wow..i regret so much no to see her live last march at the italian tour dates
her collaborators are so talented and skilled..they're a family;you can notice such a confidence between loreena and the band,their talents melt together everytime they're on stage.
Loreena always takes care of her fans,she's really present when touring,never detached or indifferent.

Thanks Dan and Guitarpat56. I am sooo enyious of you two! I wish I could have met Loreena and her band members. I had such a long drive ahead of me I felt like getting on the road...such is life. Maybe next time (hopefully not another 15 years!)

Well written, Scott! Couldn't have said it better!

Well said, couldn't agree more. I never expected it to be as good a show as it was when I went in the building in Boston. I knew it would be good, but as you said it was just plain excellent. I really enjoyed speaking with Hugh Marsh after the show as well as Loreena. He's a character. I brought one of his CD cover's with me to have him sign that as well. Everybody across the nation so far seems to be enjoying it. Those who are waiting their turn for the show to arrive, I envy you.