Artist: Blackmore’s Night
Title: “Shadow Of The Moon”
Label: Minstrel Hall Music
Release Date: 2/9/2010
Genre: Folk Rock
Rating: 4/5

Originally released on Steamhammer SPV records in 1997, the debut release by Blackmore’s Night “Shadow Of The Moon” has been remastered and now comes care of Minstrel Hall Music. The album is essentially the introduction to the world of the new phase in musical life that was being presented by former Deep Purple and Rainbow axe slinger Ritchie Blackmore who is joined by his then companion, the lovely Candice Night (the couple would eventually marry in 2009). Together they would play an interesting blend of Classical music with a very strong Folk and Renaissance flavor to it and depending on what your tastes are this might be just what you are looking for because it is very, very different from what the conventional Blackmore fans were expecting him to do. In today’s music realm I admit to being a fan of what the band does for the world, but I had to say that when this release was initially distributed I hardly cared what it was all about for my head was in a different place and of course twelve years younger as well. Since that time I have grown to appreciate all of the wonderful melodies and arrangements that they do so it was very interesting to hear the debut release so long after it first came to us. Blackmore plays all of the guitars, be they acoustic or electric, on the album and even offers up a little tambourine and some drums while Candice handles all of the vocals. The end result is a number of great songs that take you to a different place and time and that is very effective when the music can do that to you from just a single listen. There is a warmth to the style of Blackmore’s Night that is not easily duplicated and while the debut release is largely acoustic in nature there are some rocking moments and more up tempo pieces that work out rather well.
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