Blackmore's Night
Under A Violet Moon

After the successful "Shadow Of the Moon", the 1999 release of "Under A Violet Moon" is the undeniable proof that the diligent duo composed of Ritchie Blackmore and (his partner) Candice Night, aims to take the form of a concrete project, whose artistic path is equally divided between regular album releases, supporting tours, and related interviews in prestigious musical magazines.

The intense live activity conducted in the aftermath of their recording debut has undoubtedly improved the already evident vocal qualities of the angelic singer, as well as provided greater cohesion among the numerous involved musicians, leading to further refinement and identification of the crafted sounds. The disc I hold in my hands offers a rich quantity of musical compositions, where the simplicity and purity of a style prevail, managing to take shape through delightful songs and brief harmonious instrumental interludes that fully refine the work.

The introduction to this bacchanal is entrusted to the gentle title track, which paves its way with Mr. Blackmore's six-string to trace an impeccable musical path, where an "initially" loving vocal execution later enlivens, gleefully arriving at a catchy chorus. "Castles And Dreams" could be the music box to lull a newborn to sleep, while the combination of notes in "Avalon", inevitably makes one mentally soar to a cold winter evening, spent listening to tales and legends of yore, rejoicing in the welcomed warmth spreading from a burning hearth. The restful interlude of "Possum Goes To Prague" anticipates "Wind In The Willows", the only composition for two voices where John Ford (also in the role of bass player) alternates - with the lovely Candice -, in a pleasant folk nursery rhyme where the two recount a day spent meeting regular travelers in the English countryside of centuries ago (So I asked them to tell me their name and their race So I could remember each smile on their face "Our names they mean nothing... they change throughout time So come sit beside us and share in our wine": I asked