CELESTE RAY: Strings of Gold

Celeste Ray

Strings of Gold

© 2005 Celeste Ray Music (634479186837)

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Folk music blends with traditional Celtic songs, both ballads and upbeat Irish step dance tunes. A tribute to keeping traditional music alive and well. Also included are three original pieces in Celtic/World genre featuring voice and Bowed Psaltery.

notes

Celeste Ray, a native of Los Angeles, began her musical studies at age six. Positively influenced by parents who played classical piano and flamenco guitar, Celeste's imagination was captivated by the piano early in life. As a teenager firmly trained in classical music, she began exploring contemporary composers Bill Evans, Oregon and Pat Metheny. Her current influences include Loreena McKennitt, Bill Whelan(Riverdance)and Enya.

Celeste is the founding member of "The 4 Celtic Women Show" featuring Erin Hill, Carol Crittenden and Wendy Luck. Managed by CMI Entertainment, Inc., "The 4 Celtic Women Shows" performs regionally on the East Coast at Universities, Colleges and Performing Arts Centers.

Performing on the Double Bowed Psaltery was quoted by Los Angeles Times critic Josef Woodard as "ethereal and other-worldly..her voice is a warm and pleasant instrument".

Ray's diverse and eclectic background includes a tour of Australia for six months during 1997, where she was commissioned to compose a musical scheduled for national release. Her tour also included performances on the bowed psaltery for Australia's national radio station (ABC), and the Government House.

Ms. Ray's first internationally released CD, "Place With a View," features a lineup of impressive guest artists including Steve Kujala (Chick Corea) and Alex Acuna (Weather Report). Ms. Ray plays piano, handles all the writing, and introduces her unique vocal style, which impressed long time mentor Paul McCandless. "Celeste's melodic compositions, and especially her vocals, give the music a sound which is instantly identifiable..I am impressed!" said McCandless.

Paul McCandless is featured on "The Gateway," Celeste's second internationally released CD. Inspired by Arthurian and Celtic legends, "The Gateway" weaves mytho-poetic stories within a contemporary musical landscape. It creates an eclectic combination of rich Celtic tones and textures from traditional instruments such as flute, recorder, oboe and cello with the sound of world instruments such as dumbek, bohdran, and pennywhistles. Celeste Ray's dynamic compositions feature her lyric vocal styling along with impressive piano and psaltery arrangements and performances.

Celeste Ray's third album "Celtic Blessings," was made possible by a grant received from the Arts Alliance of Ventura County. "Celtic Blessings," inspired by ancient Celtic poems, reflects both original and traditional melodies illuminating the Celtic heart and soul. Her journeys throughout the UK and Ireland provided a wellspring of sacred sources for her imagination to draw upon. The Los Angeles Times describes her latest CD as "a sound at once fresh and other-worldly...her distinct calling card is her skill with the relatively obscure bowed psaltery and her voice is a warm and pleasant instrument."

reviews

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  • "But wait, Celeste is more than just a beautiful voice..."
    author: Highlander Radio

    Celeste Ray's CD "Strings of Gold" is a beautiful and inspiring compiliation of Folk and Irish music that will make any Celtic music lover smile. The album displays such a wide range of talents of Celeste and her ensemble. You will get lost in the faraway lands that "Blessing For Setting Forth" brings you to; featuring Celeste's stunning vocals. But wait, Celeste is more than just a beautiful voice - there is real character in her tribute to the ancient bowed psaltery. Celeste's Psaltery Dance will whisk you off your feet to medieval times, with its flowing heraldic sounds and its fast ministry of the court type dance. A piece that is sure to please! A great album from an exquisite commposer, songwriter and musician...enjoy an afternoon in Celtic music heaven!" 5 Stars!

  • Hauntingly pretty "Scarborough Fair" delicately unreels its frames of sadness."
    author: CD Reviews.com by Michael Sutton

    Completely faithful to her music's Celtic roots, Celeste Ray creates a time-spanning experience that takes the listener to faraway lands as well. The hauntingly pretty "Scarborough Fair" regains its medieval majesty with Ray's bravura performance. It's a plaintive song about unrequited love, and Ray delicately unreels its frames of sadness. "Strings of Gold" surrounds the listeners with scenic beauty. "Come by the Hills" and "Farewell to Music" have a lushness to them that is irresistable. Ray's vocals are consistently strong throughout the album, achieving ethereal qualtities and some numbers like "Swaggering Jig" can inspire a dance step or two.

  • "Psaltery Danse No. 1" is a knockout and her wonderous voice...
    author: Alternative Rock Review/Elizabeth Jacobsen

    Likely to cross over into New Age fandom is this pleasing homage to Celtic music, sounding so authentic that you almost feel as if you're in Ireland. "Scarborough Fair" and "Whiskey in the Jar" are as classical sounding as they should. Combining instrumentals with vocal tracks, Ray is able to display both her skills with the bowed psaltery and her wonderous voice, which is best showcased on "Come by the Hills" and "Blessing for Setting Forth."

  • 9 out of 10 Stars!
    author: Whisperin and Hollerin

    .."Scarborough Fair." The original version was haunting enough; however, Ray takes it into another direction, making it heartbreaking and almost epic in scope. It is a truly magnificent cover. Balancing danceable tunes like "Battle of Aughrim/Cattle in the Corn" and the self-explanatory "Swaggering Jig" with contemplative fare such as the deeply spiritual "Blessing for Setting Forth," Ray has produced a pretty, always mesmerizing record for whatever mood that you're in." -Adam Harrington/Whisperin and Hollerin

  • This is a collection of sun-drenched Celtic songs, as pleasant...
    author: INK 19

    In about a month or two from now, when spring has been fully awakened, I know I will have an even deeper appreciation for Celeste Ray's music. This is a collection of sun-drenched Celtic songs, about as pleasant and engaging as Irish folk music gets. Fans of Enya might want to tune in now although Ray doesn't touch her synthetic atmospherics. A stronger comparison could be made with their voices. Like Enya, Ray has a voice that seems to have been ripped from an earlier age; her vocals - and style of singing - does not reflect any contemporary pop flavors. On "Come By the Hills," Ray's voice is so soothing to the ears that you'll want to sleep in the middle of it. To another artist, that might be considered an insult. However, there's nothing boring about Ray's performances. Whether or not you like Celtic tunes this is fairly accessible material, and it is consistently bright and engaging. Ray's instrument of choice is the bowed psaltery, and it creates an evocative sound that'll feel new to most of you. -Kyrby Raine/Ink 19

  • ..you have a really beautiful voice..
    author: Darius Kaufmann

    Hi Celeste, I just wanted you to know that my mother loves your CD, and thinks you have a really beautiful voice--She says it is unusual to find someone with a pure voice that doesn't use a lot of vibrato! She lend the CD to 2 Irish friends, and they love it too... Darius Kaufmann

  • Absolutely Thrilling!
    author: ON THE ROAD WITH JUDY

    I listened to Celeste's cd over and over, always feeling inspired, and wanting more! Would recommend you buy one for yourself and all your family and friends as well. Her music commands us to listen and after hearing it you will understand why! Judy Jones http://www.ontheroadwithjudy.com

  • Inspirational!
    author: Nancy De Lancey

    Strings of Gold by Celeste Ray is an artistically and expertly performed collection of foot tapping tunes, which leaves one anxiously awaiting the next melodic groove and with no alternative than to hit the replay button to re-enjoy, yet again,an adventurous musical journey, which truly evokes the Soul's Delight!

  • Brilliant!
    author: Ashtar Athena

    One or two words about Celeste Ray Ensembles newly released C.D. Strings of Gold, Marvelous, no it's Beyound Marvelous!

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