John Doan: Press

Album Reviews: John Doan

Wayfarer

John Doan's music has restorative properties. Listening is like embarking on an inner pilgrimage. Wayfarer is a musical pilgrimage reflecting an actual journey to sacred sites in the British Isles. The first notes seem like an invitation to come on the journey. "Where indeed are we going? And why?" Listening to this music, we can go within to remember an ancient place where the temporal seems to touch the eternal. Locations known as "thin places" to Celtic Christians gave them this sense. We can step back in time, slow our hectic pace, and reflect upon the joys of simplicity. More than a CD, this is history lesson and guided meditation in one, thanks to the extensive liner notes. Each piece of music receives a page in the liner notes with a quote suitable for meditation, and an explanation of the holy site that inspired its composition. Although one can listen without reading the booklet and enjoy the music, it becomes more meaningful to read along. It definitely deserves a higher place than just background music.

The high quality of this CD is evident in its varied and interesting arrangements and masterful, sensitive, expressive playing by all the instrumentalists. The unique sound of the 20-string harp guitar is at once powerful and intimate, evoking an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. Precise, virtuosic playing and impeccable timing with musical flexibility is always apparent. Such amazing tone, in both low, rich, resonant ranges, and on high, clear, crystalline notes. A Medieval mood sometimes prevails, as in "Festival," with the presentation of crumhorns and doodlezock. Most tracks inspire reflection but this one with its good humor, percussive energy and a deep guttural quality to the sound of the harp guitar makes one want to snap one's fingers and dance. Amongst various ancient instruments, a Portuguese viola also makes an appearance.

A significant sense of artistry in the cover photos and inside drawings (by Deirdra Doan) completes the unified theme.

"Our noisy modern times whisk us along without allowing space for the silence we need to hear our creative imagination and the voice of God speaking to us" (liner notes p. 9). Thanks to John Doan, we have a visionary musical gift that can let us time travel to a "thin place" and find rest for our souls.

When you hear Doan play, it sounds like more than one musician performing. Wayfarer is... a collection of songs woven together with the intricacy of a Celtic knot. Doan's gorgeous melodies lift off the heather ... and go beyond the Celtic cliches and rote standards for an album that brings the mystery back to Ireland.

"Fascinating history ... Enchanting melodies ... backed by lively percussion and Celtic guitar. Wayfarer is recommended for fans of Celtic-inspired music looking to broaden their understanding of this unique culture. Doan documents his journey in great detail, adding a tremendous educational aspect to his spiritual music."

"Inspired by ancient Celtic legends and holy places, John Doan and a group of other excellent musicians provide us with polished instrumentals. The 20-string harp guitar provides an 'old' feel to these new tunes and a haunting, 'Celtic' quality. His flair with the harp guitar carries each tune well and keeps the listeners' interest."

"Doan's original compositions musically recreate a series of pilgrimages to sacred sites. The beautifully researched and illustrated liner notes include fascinating stories to accompany each muscial selection. Doan's instrument of choice is a harp-guitar, an elegant and complex instrument, ideally suited to his unique brand of musical stroytelling. Subtle layers of supporting instrumentation embellish each of ... Doan's carefully wrought musical conceptions ... with respectful delicacy. Surely all pilgrims and others attracted to the "thin places" (those spots where the veil between time and place begins to dissolve) will find assurance in this music."

"Since discovering John Doan, I have been fascinated by the sound he creates. The harp guitar ... possesses the haunting qualities of the harp and is perfectly suited to an Irish setting. Doan composed the tunes which went gracefully form early to traditional in feel. There is a distinct connection with old melodies, yet Doan possesses a timeless quality in his playing - the music is both old and new.

From the side of the woodstove in Alaska ..and I don't even like Celtic-inspired music. John Doan is a real treat. If you have never heard any of his solo releases (this one and Eire), have a listen to some of the samples here. This Oregon-based musician primarily plays guitar (and other instruments as well) on this CD. His talent is truly amazing. He brings effortless-sounding technique to the music making it complex and accomplished, yet not over-powering. There is a Celtic feel to the music, but this is not the traditional jigs and reels music. This CD is more contemplative, and evokes a mood of green lands and misted hills--after all, it is on the Hearts O' Space label. There is some additon of complementary sounds in the music, such as distant church bells, but the addtional stuff doesn't make the music sappy or contrived. Each piece is a treat on its own, so listen to any of the samples, and you will get an idea of the spirit of the music. Doan also has a wonderful Christmas CD available from Hearts of Space--try it, too.