• Winter's Welcome review by Cory C. Engel, CelticChristianTunes.com
• Isle of Light review by Cory C. Engel, CelticChristianTunes.com

Isle of Light's second outing, as the title suggests, brings a wintery theme. The title track, an Isle of Light original, uses the cold of winter and the warmth of the sun to represent separation from and union with God:

There's a place in my heart, it's where I'll find you
You are my shelter, it's where I'll run to
When everything's cold & my world is frozen
I'll stay here with you, until the sun comes out again...

Rounding out the winter theme are a traditional medley they've called "Fig under the Mistletoe" (which begins with "Fig for a Kiss"), "Apples in Winter / Winter Apples", and "Peace like a Snowfall", another original vocal piece. It is perhaps important to point out however, that while this is clearly a winter album, it is not a "Christmas" album, a refreshing change from the expected.

Speaking of refreshing changes, the album also includes a wonderfully original interpretation of "Road to Lisdoonvarna". Whereas this traditional tune is usually played at a medium pace, the first half provides a slow airy, almost impressionistic introduction. The second half shifts into high gear with a fast, syncopated, rockish beat (or as close as you can get with traditional acoustic instruments and a bodhrán as your only drum).

(Incidentally, it's interesting to compare this interpretation with Célé Dé's traditional rendition on Mist on the Mountain, released about the same time. Célé Dé is from the same area as Isle of Light, and names them among their influences.)

While the whole album is basically acoustic Celtic music in a traditional style, different tracks feature different instruments. Most tracks feature Mary Kay Wilkinson's lead vocals, but sprinkled throughout are other emphases; "The Toboggan Run" highlights David Brewer's Highland pipes, while several tracks feature Mary Kay's fiddle and David's whistles, and the whole album is unified by Jeff Wilkinson's guitar. The album contains a pretty even balance of instrumental tunes (almost all traditional) and vocal tunes (almost all original).

One track, "Two Whistles in Two Hands", is impressive, if somewhat of a novelty: it features David playing "Crodh Chailin" and "The Legacy Jig" on two harmonizing high D whistles simultaneously. (The best part is that he does it well.)

Although Mary Kay's vocals are delightful throughout the album, Jeff and David's vocals on "Voice of Many Waters" and "Peace Like a Snowfall" make me hopeful that there will be a more prominent male vocal presence next time around.

Like Isle of Light's first album, Winter's Welcome is a must-have for Celtic Christian fans. You can learn more about Isle of Light and purchase CD's at their website.

--Cory C. Engel, CelticChristianTunes.com

Hailing from California, Isle of Light is a very traditional--and very welcome--Celtic band.

This album, produced by noted folk guitarist William Coulter, is indeed a refreshing listen. I feel very comfortable comparing them to Altan in their style and proficiency, and their clear desire to praise the Lord through their music makes them a joy to hear. They have not fallen into the trap of trying to appeal to everyone by being "less Celtic" or watering down their message.

They have put together a pleasant selection of tunes (9 tracks and 37 minutes, about evenly divided between traditional tunes and original compositions), which are more skillfully executed than one often hears on self-published recordings.

"Swallowtail Jig / Zack Matthews" showcases several instruments, with flute, fiddle, whistle, and pipes sharing the mic in turn. (The liner notes do not indicate what sort of pipes David Brewer plays on the recording, but they sound like a Northumbrian set or other similar smallpipes.)

That upbeat tune contrasts nicely with several other more mellow tracks, including "Glory & Honour", an honest and inspiring song of praise:

Father God you'll never leave us
You alone provide for our needs
We are worth far more than sparrows
You alone are right in all of your deeds

Glory and honour and praise to you Father
You alone are worthy of our praise

This CD is packed with great stuff, both lyrically and musically, so it is not easy to pick out favorite tracks. However, one that stands out to me at this moment is "Re-Kindle The Fire", a haunting prayer featuring the warmth of cello and harp:

Re-kindle the fire, of our first love
Burn off the chaff and the dross
We cease from our striving to please you oh Lord
Our works we consider all loss

Quite frankly, this is one of the best CDs I've heard in a long time. This is something the Celtic-listening world ought to hear.

I encourage you to pick up a copy. You can preview Isle of Light at their official website.