Combining the riveting performance style of Irish born violin virtuoso
Fionnuala Sherry and the lush melodies and soundscapes of Norwegian
composer/keyboardist Rolf Lovland, Secret Garden celebrates a remarkable decade
of success in the classical, new age realm with its highly anticipated 2005
Decca release Earthsongs. Among the recording’s 12 new
composed tracks are four new vocal classics, including the Irish flavored ballad
“Always There,” sung by Decca recording artist Russell Watson. Earthsongs
is the follow up to the 2002 recording Once in a Red Moon that featured
the inspirational song “Your Raise Me Up.” This song became a worldwide
phenomenon thanks to the Grammy-nominated performance of Josh Groban.
While Once in a Red Moon topped the classical lists, went gold both in
Ireland and stayed in the Top Ten of Billboard’s New Age chart for several
weeks, “You Raise Me Up” was drawing much deserved pop crossover attention to
the globally acclaimed music of Secret Garden. Composed by Lovland with lyricist
Brendan Graham, the song has been recorded by a total of 60 artists worldwide,
was performed in connection with such important global events as the 2004 Summer
Olympics and the 9/11 day of remembrance at Ground Zero in New York, Superbowl
XXXVIII in commemoration of the NASA crew killed in the Columbia tragedy and is
currently the #1 selling sheet music in America.
Songs From A Secret
Garden in 1996, their five recordings (including the 2001 compilation
Dreamcatcher) have sold over 3.5 million albums in 80 countries and have earned
a total of 27 gold records worldwide. Even as Lovland and Sherry’s
rousing live performances have taken Australia, Asia and Europe by storm, PBS
has broadcast their concert program “A Night With Secret Garden” (now available
on DVD) repeatedly in the U.S. since its 1999 debut.
For Secret Garden’s long awaited follow-up, Sherry came up with the title
Earthsongs as a reflection of the organic nature of the music and
the way the 12 tracks touch upon the “soil and roots” of her cultural
background. Sherry was born in Naas in county Kildare, Ireland, surrounded by a
musical family that cemented her passion for music. Eventually moving to Dublin
to study music, she graduated from Trinity College and upon graduation she
became a member of the popular RTE Orchestra. Her musical interests were varied
and moved beyond the classical repertory and led her to conceive, write and
present her own music series for children on Irish National TV in the early
90’s. Prior to co-founding Secret Garden, Sherry was a studio and
touring performer working with Sinead O’Connor and Van Morrison.
Says Sherry, “The music on this album came to us in a very natural way,
with us discovering the deeper feelings of it as the project evolved,” she says.
“It’s more emotional and performance driven than some of our earlier work. We
also made a conscious decision to go with a larger orchestral element, using the
strings to offer details of the story rather than simply enhance it as in the
past. With only two upbeat jig numbers (‘The Reel,’ ‘Daughters of Erin’), this
is also Secret Garden’s most intimate recording to date.”
The recording of Earthsongs began in June of 2004 at
Ireland’s remote but hyper modern studio Grouse Lodge, logistically perfect for
gathering the many participating Irish musicians. The Irish Film Orchestra,
Choir and vocals were then recorded at RTE’s main studio in Dublin, while the
participating Norwegian musicians and Sherry’s magnificent violin solos
were captured in the rural setting of PUK Studios in Jutland, Denmark, where the
duo had previously recorded parts of their first CD. Then, during their Fall
2004 tour of China, Secret Garden recorded a performance by renowned Chinese
“erhu” (Chinese 2-string violin) player Bian Liunian for the gently hypnotic and
ambient tune “Lotus.”
The final mix of Earthsongs was done in Los Angeles with
Alan Meyerson, legendary for his work with film composer Hans Zimmer on films
like “The Gladiator,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Last Samurai.” Another
distinctively West Coast touch is added by members of the gospel choir from
Christ-Centered A.R.M.E.D Ministries and West Los Angeles Church of God in
Christ from West Los Angeles, who back Russell Watson’s vocals brilliantly on
“Always There.” The other significant gospel moment on Earthsongs is the
final track “Raise Your Voices,” which Secret Garden debuted in Dublin in May
2003 at a performance in the Helix Concert Hall. The album version of this
anthemic modern hymn features The Chamber Choir of Ireland accompanying the
Irish Film Orchestra, orchestrated by David Downes.
The notion of discovering the reality within seemingly impossible dreams has
been a Secret Garden trademark since Rolf Lovland and Fionnuala Sherry
met at a 1994 Eurovision song contest in Dublin. Lovland, who holds a master’s
degree from Norway’s Institute of Music, was a veteran composer for TV and pop
singers in his home country whose songs had topped his country’s charts more
than 60 times. After winning the competition in 1995, the two joined forces
professionally and soon became a recording and touring sensation, traveling the
world in support of their early releases Songs From a Secret Garden
(1995), White Stones (1997), Dawn of a New Century (1999) and
Once In A Red Moon (2002).
Secret Garden’s relentless touring schedule continued in 2004, with spring
concerts in Singapore, Korea and Australia and 18 sold out fall dates in China,
Taiwan and Hong Kong. Adding to their popularity in Asia was the inclusion of
their song “Adagio” in the high profile Chinese film “2046” directed by Wong Kar
Wai. In connection with the Norwegian release of Earthsongs, Secret
Garden recently performed to a sell out audience at the Oslo Concert Hall on
December 4, 2004. The duo had a U.S. tour in the spring to coincide with the
album’s March 2005 release and plans to tour Australia, China and Korea
extensively as well.
"Somewhere within us all there is a secret garden. A garden in which we can seek
refuge when times are rough, or retire to in joy or contemplation. For years I
have visited my own secret garden in search of organic harmony and melody. The
songs on this CD are some of what I've found.
In 1994 I met an artist who through the soulful simplicity of her instrument
gave my songs a voice. She is the famed Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry.
Together we have tended the secret garden - and the crop is here for your
picking. It is my sincere wish that by uncovering some of our secrets, you will
pay a visit to your own garden." - Rolf Lovland
View & Listen to Earthsongs Presentation from Secret Garden web site.
Order Online at Amazon - CLICK HERE.
VISIT
THEIR WEB SITE
www.SecretGarden.no
Published: Capital Celtic Network
Year Written: 2005
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Many musical artists and groups are active in their communities. Some perform before faithful fans on a regular schedule each week or weekend. They are independent musicians as compared to those music industry big names. We often think of the big name groups because we are exposed to the marketing blitz. I have had the opportunity to hear a number of independent performers with Capital Celtic. Some are just starting out and are perhaps a little rough around the edges and some are so outstanding I wonder why they have not entered into the "Big Time" music industry. Perhaps you have experienced the same? Perhaps you know of a new artist or group that you believe has talent that would be enjoyed by others? If so send me a CD and Bio and we will feature them on The Capital Celtic Network. - EEHealy
