Elemental Children of Earth by Shining Wheel Chorus © 2011 13 Tracks Total Running Time 49:14 $13.00 (U.S.) MP3 Download $9.99 (U.S.)
http://www.shiningwheelband.com The Circle Song 3:53 Bring the Rain 4:44
The Importance of Being Brigit 3:38 Spirit Lets You Fly 2:04
Gaia 4:07 No More Burning Times 2:37
She Gives Us Life (The Gulf Song) 5 06 Way Home 3 05
Never Alone 4:51 Runnin' Wild 3:09
Hecate is Rising 5 01 Elemental Children of Earth 4:10
Finding the Goddess 2:49
After several reviews of albums which were Celtic, I now return to some specifically Pagan albums. I was inspired to seek out this particular type of album (choral) as a result of a discussion with my daughter who was bemoaning the fact that there were no Pagan choral groups around (she is a big fan of choral music, and hopes to get one of her own up and running). I responded that there must be some, and launched an internet search. This was among the first entries which popped up.
Without even taking the time to listen to samples I decided to fire off a request for a review copy. That was a really good idea. It is one thing to listen to a single artist, or a small group, while they are offering music to both their audience and to the deities. It is another entire level of experience to hear the blending of multiple voices as they weave together and produce a unique sound.
If your sole experience of hearing multiple voices rising in song is your local coven, or perhaps an open ritual or two, this album will open your ears to something special. Most groups are lucky to have a member or two who have true musical ability to carry the effort, supported by enthusiastic backups.
The Shining Wheel Pagan Chorus is no new phenomenon (although they are new to me), having been performing for over a decade. They bring a unique blending of styles and influences to the microphone (rock, blues, jazz, pop, folk, alternative and even new age). The result is like nothing you have ever heard before, and unlikely to hear again. They are based in Clearwater, Florida
This is their second album (Chants of Balance was their first, released in 2003 and available at cdbaby) and although I haven't heard it yet I plan to scrape together the cash and add it to my collection as soon as I can. This album has a new "cast of characters" since the group has evolved and changed in the years between releases and I will be interested to see the differences.
The group has gone through multiple personnel changes, as is to be expected, but, much like many "big name" choral groups (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Vienna Boys Choir, etc.) each change brings something new to the mix, and almost guarantees a never to be repeated experience. What you hear on this album is probably not what you will hear at a live performance, nor is it what you will hear when their next album is released (you are planning on another one, yes????), but for that reason alone, this CD belongs in your collection. Or you can download it to to MP3 player. Whatever you do, however, I recommend you experience the joy and beauty which is "Elemental Children of the Earth."
