Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey

Editorial Reviews
Billboard Magazine, August 2000
A beautifully produced epic by two musicians whose sense of melodic invention flows like a Celtic breeze.

About the Artist
Byzantium - The Book of Kells & St. Aidan’s Journey continues the ten year collaboration between Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning which includes their 3 CD set, Songs From Albion (Ark) and the Windham Hill released, Music of Celtic Legends - The Bard & The Warrior as well as features on many best selling Celtic music sampler releases including the Celtic Christmas series (Windham Hill) and the Celtic Twilight series (Hearts of Space). Johnson’s latest solo recording, Prayers of St.... read more

Album Description
Celtic/Electronic Heads East

Byzantium - The Book of Kells & St. Aidan’s Journey is the brand new release from Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning. The popular duo take their contemporary Celtic sensibilities and head East following the footsteps of the Celtic monk, Aidan, featured in the best selling book written by Stephen Lawhead. Aidan’s great adventure with the Book of Kells takes him from the Irish Sea to Gaul, to Viking kingdoms, down the Volga and across the desert sands of Persia. Johnson and Dunning have recorded a rich backdrop to these diverse lands with the help of Irish violinist, John Fitzpatrick; classical vocalist, Janet Chvatal; and Turkish virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek.

Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey

Tracks:

Cadocs Blessing
Sea Wolves
Over Kells
Theng
Byzantium (Golden City)
Eagle Dream
Caliphs Mines
Kazimans Gift
Eleison
Vows

Album Description

Celtic/Electronic Heads East

Byzantium - The Book of Kells & St. Aidan's Journey is the brand new release from Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning. The popular duo take their contemporary Celtic sensibilities and head East following the footsteps of the Celtic monk, Aidan, featured in the best selling book written by Stephen Lawhead. Aidan's great adventure with the Book of Kells takes him from the Irish Sea to Gaul, to Viking kingdoms, down the Volga and across the desert sands of Persia. Johnson and Dunning have recorded a rich backdrop to these diverse lands with the help of Irish violinist, John Fitzpatrick; classical vocalist, Janet Chvatal; and Turkish virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek.

Customer Reviews:

Byzantium Cd truly reflects the themes of the book........2005-03-09

If you're a JJ fan, you have to have this one. The first 4 songs are as good as anything Jeff and Co. have ever done. 'Vows' from the movie "Gangs of New York" is an exciting song and the hidden song 'Aidan's Dream' is a first rate vocal effort. If you're not a Jeff Johnson fan - you need to be. Do something good for *you* today - pick this one up.

Good in places, but disappointing.......2003-03-15

The Johnson/Dunning teaming on the CD, Celtic Legends: Bard & Warrior was a delight in the celtic music genre. I looked forward to this follow-up CD, perhaps with a little too much anticipation because I was somehat disappointed. Use of the spoken word with annoying chants at what appears to be odd times detract from the music. Stick to Celtic Legends, and hope their next CD is better.

Intriguing, questful music!.......2002-11-30

These compositions are based on Stephen R. Lawhead's novel "Byzantium", which concerns a group of Celtic monks traveling to far Byzantium, bearing the Book of Kells. Hopeful, expectant "wandering music" is tinged with mystery and mixed with eastern motifs. This release maintains Johnson and Dunning's gentle touch, but it has a more exotic, driving and deeper tone than their earlier CD, "Music of Celtic Legends: The Bard and the Warrior", also inspired by the work of Lawhead. The evolution is compelling though, and eminently suitable to the story. These compositions contain more vocals and acoustic instrumentation too, including John Fitzpatrick on violin, the chanting of Janet Chvatal, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek on percussion and vocals. Particularly intriguing is the innovative and rousing "Sea Wolves", a dissonant duet between violin and flute reminiscent of modern chamber music, set above a rousing, steady drum rhythm. And Dunning does some really nice, varying work on his flutes on this CD, from biting and breathy "Jethro Tull" style techniques to the deep, haunting effects of what sound like alto and bass flutes. If you like storytelling music, check out also the compelling "Avalon: A Celtic Legend" and "Music Inspired by Middle Earth" by Diane and David Arkenstone, and the passionate "A Celtic Tale: The Legend of Deirdre" and "A Celtic Romance: The Legend of Liadain and Curithir" by the Danna brothers.

Delightful.......2002-05-15

Byzantium, is a wonderful c.d. based on the book "Byzantium." Having read the book, which is about an Irish monk and his travels, I can say that this c.d. captures it. Each track causes emotions to arise. The music makes a person want to break into a dance, travel to exotic lands, but then ponder their life. I reccommend both the book and the c.d. The two will have great impact.

Powerfully moving music.......2002-04-24

All I can say after an extended session, listening to the CD mulitple times is "Wow." It grows on me and each time I listen I am more moved. I didn't realize Jeff Johnson is a committed Christian until I looked at his web site for ArkMusic. His faith shines through the music. Be sure and listen to the hidden song in the last track. Jeff wrote it as a tribute to his best friend who died of cancer. A powerful testimony to his faith. Well worth getting.

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