Beltane: Songs for the Green Time

CD Details

Review

“Breathtaking! Most highly recommended! –Elizabeth Barrette, PanGaia Magazine, Jan/06

“A lovely addition to the pagan music catalogue. Very well-produced. Beautiful voices. Lyrics that speak to the pagan soul” –Boudica Reviews, Amazon.com, December/05

“This Canadian trio waves a magick wand that goes straight to your soul” –Angelfire.com, December /05

“A lovely addition to the pagan music catalogue. Very well-produced. Beautiful voices. Lyrics that speak to the pagan soul” –Boudica Reviews, Amazon.com, December/05

“This Canadian trio waves a magick wand that goes straight to your soul” –Angelfire.com, December /05

From the Artist

Jaiya reaches for the sublime within the earthly. This music speaks of the land and its seasons, and of the great wheel of life that includes us all.

About the Artist

Jaiya is the musical collaboration of three Mayne Island BC artists who share a deep connection with the land. The name Jaiya, meaning “ a celebration of victory,” in Sanskrit, and “bringing forth” in Hindi, is emblematic of both their philosophy and their stirring compositions. Their unique sound is a blend of Celtic harp, jazz accordion, guitar, whistle, drums and two female voices in harmony. Miranda Brown, Lael Whitehead and Kim Darwin bring together many talents in Jaiya, including strong backgrounds in Classical, Jazz, Celtic and Folk music. Their songs express a pagan sensibility — one that recognizes the power and beauty in the earth’s yearly patterns without being tied to a particular religious tradition. Their music is both sophisticated and accessible. Rich, complex arrangements support soulful, evocative melodies that appeal to music lovers of all stripes. The unusual pairing of harp and accordion enables Jaiya to express a deep emotional range, from the poignant and lyrical, to the lively and exuberant. Jaiya has produced two albums which are focused on powerful turning points in the earth’s yearly cycle. Firedance: Songs for Winter Solstice, released in 2003, is both an exploration of the dark and a celebration of the return of the light. Their upcoming release, Beltane: Songs for the Green Time, refers to the Celtic word for May Day and celebrates the season of growth and renewal. Both albums reflect Jaiya’s values; that ritual and celebration can strengthen the bonds of community and promote healing. In their songs, the musicians envision a world where people’s primary concern is to care for the land and for each other. As well-known environmental journalist Terry Glavin says, “There is something strangely stirring about this music, something hopeful and affirming. It’s music from the hills, from far away, and from home, all at the same time.” Since recording Firedance, Jaiya has received much positive response from listeners and critics across Canada, including a wealth of CBC radio personalities from Weekender’s Peter Togni to Music for Awhile’s Danielle Charboneau. Last December CBC DiscDrive producers invited Jaiya to perform with host Jurgen Gothe as part of DiscDrive’s ‘Live’ 20th Anniversary Winter Solstice Celebrations in Yellowknife BC. Jaiya’s music with its uplifting message is now being recognized and appreciated internationally. Firedance has been requested by dozens of Radio programmers Worldwide – throughout the US and Canada, from South America, Australia and New Zealand, from the United Kingdom and across Europe from France to Belarus. All three members of Jaiya continue to draw inspiration from the rare wildness of their gulf island home. They feel privileged to live and work amidst the peacefulness and spectacular beauty of coastal BC.