Prayers Of St. Brendan: The Journey Home

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The voyage of St. Brendan, a well-known Celtic legend, is given musical voice here by composer, songwriter, keyboardist, and singer Jeff Johnson, who explored similar themes on his previous Music of Celtic Legends and No Shadow of Turning. Inspired by the tale, he's composed some dazzling soundscapes, and sings on several pieces, along with guest vocalist Janet Chvatal, whose skill and talent as a singer is impressive. The CD opens with "Oceanus," which sets the mood for the entire recording with the sound of ocean waves and some lovely pennywhistle work from Brian Dunning, whose playing is featured elsewhere on the CD as well. The music ranges from the Clannad-ish "I Call to You" to the dramatic "Jasconius," which features some excellent electric cello work from Jami Sieber. Chvatal's vocals sound truly inspired on "The Crystal Pillar," with acoustic guitar and washes of cymbal sound providing counterpoint. The album as a whole has the feeling of a journey, which is appropriate given Johnson's source material, and proves a wholly satisfying listen. --Genevieve Williams

Tracks:

Oceanus
I Call To You
Shall I? (The Journey Home)
Brendan's Prayer
The Isle Of Birds
Jasconius
The Crystal Pillar
O Redemptor
A Fiery Mountain, Part 1: Sheol
A Fiery Mountain, Part 2: Nothing Immortal
Navigatio

Product Description

1. Oceanus
2. I Call To You
3. Shall I? (The Journey Home)
4. Brendan's Prayer
5. The Isle Of Birds
6. Jasconius
7. The Crystal Pillar
8. O Redemptor
9. Sheol Part 1
10. Nothing Immortal Part 2
11. Navigatio

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The voyage of St. Brendan, a well-known Celtic legend, is given musical voice here by composer, songwriter, keyboardist, and singer Jeff Johnson, who explored similar themes on his previous Music of Celtic Legends and No Shadow of Turning. Inspired by the tale, he's composed some dazzling soundscapes, and sings on several pieces, along with guest vocalist Janet Chvatal, whose skill and talent as a singer is impressive. The CD opens with "Oceanus," which sets the mood for the entire recording with the sound of ocean waves and some lovely pennywhistle work from Brian Dunning, whose playing is featured elsewhere on the CD as well. The music ranges from the Clannad-ish "I Call to You" to the dramatic "Jasconius," which features some excellent electric cello work from Jami Sieber. Chvatal's vocals sound truly inspired on "The Crystal Pillar," with acoustic guitar and washes of cymbal sound providing counterpoint. The album as a whole has the feeling of a journey, which is appropriate given Johnson's source material, and proves a wholly satisfying listen. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Great meditation CD.......2006-09-13

this CD is great! I love it, the music is very soothing and inspirational.

Jeff Johnson's Best!.......2006-05-08

Although I have several other CDs by JJ, I contend that The Prayers of St. Brendan is his best overall work. I especially enjoyed "I Call to You," "Oceanus" "Navigatio" & "Shall I (The Journey Home)." Janet Chvatal's enchanting and etherial voice is featured on the last two cuts. All in all, an OUTSTANDING CD and one that has brought this listener hours of enjoyment.

Jeff Johnson sets a higher standard.......2005-03-09

Music that moves you, captivates your imagination, takes you to another place, and is created with integrity and faithfulness to art. One thing is certain with this vocal effort - Jeff is not standing still (artistically speaking). 'Prayers' is a courageous effort, with so many different styles of music evident herein. 'I Call to You' is Jeff's best vocal song since 'Great Romantics'. If you're curious, then what are you waiting for? Some things in life are easily worth the prices we pay. It's always clearer to us afterward. 'Prayers' (or IMHO any JJ disc) is a musical adventure just waiting for your imagination. Some things are worth a try - you won't be disappointed.

Work of Pure Beauty.......2003-03-22

A beautiful work. I don't know how anyone would not like it unless they approach it with prior expectations. It's probably not what you expect, even (or especially) if you're already a Jeff Johnson fan. The two songs sung by Janet Chvatal - "O Redemptor" and "Nothing Immortal" - are as beautiful as anything anywhere, and the rest is very fine.

Well...........2000-04-21

I must say that after hearing Celtic Legends, I was a little disappointed in Prayers. The music was still beautiful and I was taken aback by the words, however, I prefer Jeff's music without the main vocals. Granted, background vocals add to his beauty of music but I would have preferred less. Still, a good CD to own if you love Celtic music.

Music:

Music

Music