Annwn: Anarchy & Rapture Self described as Celtic Blues/Rock/Jazz performers, Annwn sets out to encompass aspects from all four of these musical styles with their third and newest compact disk, titled "Anarchy & Rapture." Though they had a good degree of artistic success with this blend on their last album, "Come Away to the Hills," they fill out the sound and show off quite a bit of progressive influences on the new effort. A more complete band, a few extra contributions from its members, and more even blending of the Jazz and Blues influences makes "Anarchy & Rapture" an album that is sure to bring a few more fans into the growing Celtic Rock phenomenon. Breaking away from the near constancy of the solid and definite Celtic sound that was predominant in their last album, Annwn incorporates many more Progressive Rock influences. Their new composition of the traditional "She Moved Through the Fair" has heavy Jethro Tull influences, and they borrow David Crosby's "Triad" Reels, the Jigs, and the first couple of minutes of "The Parting Glass" have noticeable progressive influences. It may be hard to maintain the folksy feel of their previous albums with so many musicians in the band. Having lost Greg Hines to the folk duet Ashby House (of which Leigh Ann is involved, as well), Annwn struck gold by adding Jazz guitarist Brian Hill to their lineup. Co-founder and member of Jazz groups Nomad and Murray, RJFski & Hill as well as Funk band Laughing at the Sky, Brian brings an impressive resume and a professional Jazz overtone to the group. With a style that tends to blend the light hearted free form of Lee Ritenour and the roaming but rhythmic sense of bassist Nathan East (both are members of the Jazz group Fourplay), he adds the essence of Jazz, which Annwn has been experimenting with, while not Russell Pickett steps in to fill the full time position of bassist. Though not a newcomer to an Annwn album, he only performed on the opening instrumental ("Morrison's Jig") on the previous album. With the steady accuracy of Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike & The Mechanics) and a Fusion twist of Muzz Skillings (Living Colour), Russell pulls the competent bass player gig with the occasional flare. Often, the flare is stylistic but not overpowering. The best evidence of his Jazz/Fusion flare can be heard in the instrumental "The Sound of Mull" or the traditional "She Moved Through the Fair." Often packing a hard Blues rhythm or pattern, Russell is a firm addition to the foundation of the group. Larry the O, drummer/co-founder for Phoenyx and composer for the "Star Wars: Rebel Assault II" soundtrack, signs on to fill out the percussion line with a full set and a cross section of percussive talents. "The Blacksmith," he lends a solid Rock baseboard to the more Progressive Rock tunes such as "She Moved Through the Fair" and "Awakening." Back for her second recording experience with Annwn, Billie Mandel slips in a few surprises for the fans. Still up to her excellent improvisational flute playing and competent backing vocals, she proves that alto sax can be used in a Celtic band on the somewhat traditional "Follow Me Up to Carlow." Billie also takes her first stab at lead vocals and song writing with "Awakening." This Progressive Rock track succeeds in a 'Tony Banks meets early Heart' sound that the late 80's band Gallery attempted, and has an ever so slight similarity in flow and feel to Tempest's "Manifest Destiny." Though nestled in-between a Reel set and the Blues and Jazz influenced version of "The Blacksmith," "Awakening" makes for a new and unique edge to the sounds of Annwn. actually get slightly understated on this album. Leigh Ann has all lead vocals except for one, but her fiddle gets used more to round out the sound and smooth out the edges. Though she does complete the bands sound with her fiddle playing, the fiddle only gets a few moments in the forefront with the exceptions of the Reel and Jig sets. Elton contributes a steady hand at rhythm guitar and other string work, but blends in behind Brian's freeform perfectly. On the plus side, Elton and Leigh Ann are blending in perfectly. Just because they do not get as much of the spotlight as they used to does not mean the band is having any problems. This is only to say that the folksy, small band sound is not a part of this album. Though some people will miss the Celtic Folk style that Annwn used to be anchored in, this new progressive sound is certain to catch the attention of any Celtic Rock fans who might chance to hear it. With a scat intro on track three, the Rock edge that Tempest is known for, the Blues overtones from both vocals and bass, and jazzy string work that reminds me of Fourplay and Dave Stewart's more recent work, Annwn is now quite nicely filling the void that was left by the disbanding of Phoenyx years ago. Daniel Sanford - freelance reviewer ---------- Annwn's web-page is set up with sound clips from various albums and schedules for upcoming shows. Visit them at http://www.elfhill.com ---------- "I just wish people would quit fighting over whether to use the left or right oar when the boat is sinking" - J. Michael Straczynski