We're on a Celtic kick at the moment - not least 'cos of the free website giveaway that a musician / band or artist can win over at Kilted Chaos - but specifically because this week we've been listening to the music of Sora.
Sora is a Canadian Celtic / World singer songwriter who's new album Heartwood has just been released; you can hear it streaming on MySpace by clicking on the image below.
Immediate reference points are Enya & Loreena McKinnitt but Sora is all about the voice - and what a voice; it reminds me of the double edged broadsword that William Wallace wields in Braveheart - which could sound pretty scary but she has the control to harness its power & deliver some of the simplest and cleanest melodies I've heard in a long while. My mum would absolutely love this.
Sora's music can be found on a number of web sites, but her MySpace page is probably the easiest - there are 10 tracks available for streaming from Heartwood and they're all worth getting to know. Quick note on her production and the musicianship of her band - they're great! You can buy Heartwood from CDbaby
One of the things that I think Sora does well is the use of her video blogs - she has an infectious personality and is clearly passionate about what she does - you can see them on her website and her facebook page. Her website looks as though it could use a hand as getting around is a little difficult - she should definitely enter this competition.
Sora's official web site is www.soramusic.ca.
ReverbNation
Another musician who's music we are currently listening to is composer/pianist Craig Urquhart. Craig not only produces beautiful instrumental piano pieces, but he's also a believer that music is helpful to human beings, which is one of the premises on which music2work2 is built.
According to Craig each composition reflects the healing power of music and nature as well as the emotional journeys of life. His songs are relaxing, soothing, solo piano pieces - have a listen to my current favorite "Venetian Snowfall:" click the player below and you'll be taken to the track page on Last.fm
Listening to this piece, I can envision snowflakes swirling around, some big, some small. As the snow covers trees, grass, roads, rooftops, everything is transformed into a beautiful, pure, glistening, snow-covered picture. Although snow has always been a problem for me – difficulty getting around in the snow – I think it is nature at it's most glorious.
You can visit Craig's website at http://www.craigurquhart.com, where he sells his 9 CDs through CDBaby. Apparently he has a new CD coming out to be released in late February.
Craig Urquhart has a history filled with recognitions and successes - I hope you like his music as much as we do.