> Chris. I actually wrote you a long letter about Celtic music last Thursday but it disappeared somewhere in the posting.

Sad:-(

>Anyway, the gist of it was that I'd like to ask a Celtic aficionada (like yourself)

I didn't know I came off that way. Thanks! [pride :-) ]

> regarding Loreena McKennitt's "The Book of Secrets" (if you've heard of it). TBoS is unlike any other of McKennitt's albums; it has a lyrical atmosphere with distinct middle-eastern rhythms influencing the Celtic melodies. It's haunting and ancient with few of the high-pitched tones that cause distraction. Are there *ANY* other Celtic artists or bands who write music like TBoS?
>
> Wolfie

Ummmmmmmmmm... idunno.
I've never heard Loreena McKennit. I found some pages, but I don't have RealAudio and our system is rather old so I don't think I can download it.
So, you're looking for something with middle-eastern influences, traditional-sounding, lots of voice and, is it safe to paraphrase, a higher, dominant countermelody? Gee....
Well, there are lots of traditionals. The 'ancient' sound, as I understand it, would fit an album called Celtic Spirit very nicely. I think Narada puts it out. it's not a band, it's a compilation. The songs that have voices are generally very dependant on them, although there's not much foreign influence and no countermelodies. They're reminiscent of what you might imagine echoing through an old chapel, some are rather haunting. But, they're traditional Celtic - Christian, without what I'd call Middle Eastern beats.
Help me help you-- how do you define the Middle Eastern overtones?
Chr"trying the best I can-- really!"is