From MainlyPiano
5
By KathyPiano7
If there are any superstars in the new age/Celtic genres, 2002 is certainly in that category. Pamela and Randy Copus released their first album as a duo in 1992 and later became one of the best-selling names on the Real Music label before forming their own label, Galactic Playground Music. Their daughter, Sarah, started coming aboard at the age of 10 and the group is now a full-fledged trio that records all of their music in their state-of-the-art home studio in Texas. "Celtic Fairy Dream" is something of a follow-up to their 2016 album, "Celtic Fairy Lullaby," but is more a second collection of stories rather than a sequel or continuation of the first album. "Celtic Fairy Dream" is a group of ten soothing songs from ancient lands that feature a blend of harp, flute, piano and orchestration with peaceful lyrics in Gaelic, Welsh and English. Eight of the songs have lyrics, but two are instrumentals in the layered, ethereal style that made 2002 famous. The CD (to be released on May 29, 2020) contains a lovely eight-page booklet with the lyrics to the songs and gorgeous illustrations that add visuals to the music. 2002’s recordings have always had a distinctive spacious, floating feeling and this one is no exception. Unless you understand the languages of the lyrics, Sarah’s angelic voice becomes another even more soothing instrument that caresses the mind and quiets the soul. "Celtic Fairy Dream" couldn’t have come at a better time to bring us all a healthy dose of healing relaxation.
"Celtic Fairy Dream begins with “Castle of Dromore,” an Irish lullaby about a mother singing her child to sleep within the safety of the castle. “The Green Fields of Autumn” is a traditional song popularized by Clannad that is slow, haunting and mysterious. Guitar, backing vocals, harp and strings wrap around you like a soft embrace. “South Wind” is one of the two instrumentals and dates back to eighteenth century Ireland. Harp, flute, guitar, piano and strings create the feeling of a warm, gentle breeze on a cloudless afternoon - classic 2002 and a favorite! “David of the White Rock” also dates back to the eighteenth century, but this time to Wales. Another favorite, the poignant, bittersweet melody and Sarah’s expressive voice touch the heart. “She Moved Through the Fair,” a traditional Irish folk song, is a tale of tragedy and loss. Sung with the cool detachment of profound grief, this song really draws you in. “Genevieve’s Waltz” is the other instrumental and was composed by Irish fiddler Manus McGuire. It appeared on his 2000 album "Saffron and Blue," but fits in beautifully with these much older pieces and songs. “Across the Waves” is an Irish folk song about a traveler returning home to Ireland. Very smooth and graceful, it’s a beautiful closing for an album destined to bring 2002 a new set of awards!
