Lisa Gerrard
The Mirror Pool (1995)
Label:   
Length:  1:08:12
    Track Listing:
      1.  
      		 Violina (The Last Embrace)    5:43
      2.  
      		 La Bas (Song of the Drowned)    7:41
      3.  
      		 Persian Love Song (The Silver Gun)    2:33
      4.  
      		 Sanvean (I Am Your Shadow)    3:48
      5.  
      		 The Rite    3:22
      6.  
      		 Ajhon    3:09
      7.  
      		 Glorafin    4:50
      8.  
      		 Majhnavea's Music Box    1:34
      9.  
      		 Largo    2:52
      10.  
      		 Werd    1:39
      11.  
      		 Laurelei    5:58
      12.  
      		 Celon    6:06
      13.  
      		 Venteles    2:37
      14.  
      		 Swans    5:47
      15.  
      		 Nilleshna    6:29
      16.  
      		 Gloradin    3:56
    Additional info: | top
      Lisa Gerrard - The Mirror Pool (1995)

      Review by Ned Raggett

      Lisa Gerrard was so indelibly and obviously a part of what made Dead Can Dance what it is
      that it's little wonder that The Mirror Pool feels essentially like a continuation of that
      band's haunting, vast atmospheres. Without Brendan Perry's deep, rolling voice as a contrast,
      Gerrard's sky-sweeping abilities transform the entire recording into a truly mystical experience.
      The use of Australia's Victorian Philharmonic Orchestra on many tracks continues the tradition
      of strong arrangements in Gerrard's work, thanks to the abilities of John Bonnar, who conducts
      as well as performs at other points. Future collaborator Pieter Bourke contributes everything from
      vocals to tabla and claps, while other guests add similar touches. Gerrard handles everything else,
      as always demonstrating her excellent abilities on the yang t'chin, while when it comes to singing
      she again is practically peerless, her multi-octave range demonstrating both power and astonishing
      control. If there is a slight criticism of The Mirror Pool, it's that as a collection it's almost
      too overwhelming-- the contrast between more direct and loftier performances on Dead Can Dance
      releases add immeasurably to their impact. It's hard to argue with the end results, though --
      Gerrard's singing is just so rich and dramatic that even the smallest complaint seems puny Her
      overdubbed choir effects are particularly striking, especially when she's exploring different styles
      within the same song. Several cuts make their studio debut after having been part of the Dead Can Dance
      live repertoire, as partially captured on Toward the Within; two standouts in particular are "Sanvean"
      and "Persian Love Song." Others, such as "Ahjon" and the immediately following "Glorafin" seem to derive
      from Gerrard's Dead Can Dance piece "Bird." There's even an attractive adaptation of Handel's composition
      "Largo," which suits the mood perfectly, and on which Gerrard's vocals are absolutely perfect.

      1. Rakim
      2. La Bas: Song Of The Drowned
      3. Persian Love Song: The Silver Gun
      4. Sanvean: I Am Your Shadow
      5. The Rite
      6. Ajhon
      7. Gloradin
      8. Majhnavea's Music Box
      9. Largo
      10.Werd
      11.Laurelei
      12.Celon
      13.Venteles
      14.Swans
      15.Nilleshna
      16.Gloradin
    Links/Resources | top