Songs from Shadow Wood by Anwyn & George Leverett

George hand-built all the old-world instruments used on their recordings for the best possible tone and

authenticity. The combination of these rare, ancient instruments creates a beautiful ethereal sound that is no longer available in modern music.

Their CDs, Skye Boat, Altar Wind, Songs from Shadow Wood, and Christmas Around the Hearth have sold over

50,000 copies. Relaxation and gentle peace are the keywords to describe this collection of CDs. Skye Boat has an "ocean feel", Altar Wind is "open and airy and reflective", Songs from Shadow Wood has a "forest feel", .

Shadow Wood is a mystical journey through the forest of the Fae folk, inspired by the beautiful forest George and Anwyn live in in Oregon, laced with ancient cedars and dark pools. This CD leans in a more Medieval direction than the others in this set of CDs. Mostly instrumental with three soft Anwyn vocals,featuring the original "Maiden Wine" about a maiden who prepares a love potion from flowers to entice her first love. Anwyn backs George's harps on the hurdy gurdy, bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer, guitar and zither.

George & Anwyn Leverett's music is played on Celtic music radio shows across the US, Canada, Australia,

Ireland, Russia and Brazil. For more information visit their web site at aroundthehearth.com for information on the old world instruments go to altarwind.com

Songs from Shadow Wood reviewed by, Elizabeth Barrette, Pan Gaia magazine

Anwyn and George Levertt sent us these delightful albums, which I am pleased to share with you. Most of their

material is traditional Celtic and European folk music, with Pagan-flavored original songs as well. Songs from Shadow

Wood, despite its title has a light and delicate air about it. I collect period music and I was particularly charmed by their rendition of "Banish Misfortune," "Sheebeg Sheemore" and "O'Carolan's Welcome." Anwyn has a sweet, fey voice that

delivers an exquisite performance of "Scarborough Faire." Other tracks include "Tinware Lass / Gabriel's March",

"Skara Brae", " Glengariff Bay / Lady Ann Hope", "Maiden Wine", "Shadow Wood", "Castle Kelly", "O'Carolan's

Quarrel with the Landlady" and "Merrily Courted in Spring." In addition to vocals, Anwyn plays guitar, hammered

dulcimer, hurdy gurdy, psalter, and zither. George plays Celtic harp, citern, bass, guitar, penny whistles, recorder and violin; plus vocals. He personally made every harp and psaltry heard on this recording! It's hard to beat that for good old-fashioned sound.

Songs from Shadow Wood review by Sheela Ardian

New Witch Magazine

Here is a frisky album to brighten your day. Songs from Shadow Wood contains a mix of contemporary Pagan music

and traditional folk tunes played on harp, hammered dulcimer, guitar, citern, and pennywistle. My favorite song is the

sly and sassy "Maiden Wine," which is nothing less than a detailed description of a love spell! Here's a sample... "The

world is kept by man, All things wrought by his hand, But from mother to daughter through time is the secret of maiden

wine, Stir while you sing this song, Mix with hazel wand, Sometime this season, my True Love I'll find and bring him

my maiden wine." Another original song is the title piece "Shadow Wood," which has a darker tone suitable for

sneaking off into the woods. I was also enchanted by the vocalists' performance of the folk song "Scarborough Faire"

and the modern Pagan song "Merrily Courted in Spring." The instrumental pieces are lovely, too, particularly the

medleys "Tinware Lass / Gabriel's March" and "Glengariff Bay / Lady Ann Hope." Songs from Shadow Wood is perfect

back round music for a warm afternoon... and I'll bet you can think of a good use for "Maiden Wine!"

Average Customer Review: