Loreena McKennitt: “The Road Back Home” (2024) Vinyl Review

When most of us think of going home, it’s not just a place that we have in mind, but a time. Always an earlier time, before the responsibilities of adulthood took hold. And sometimes it’s an almost-mythical time, a memory that isn’t quite our own, a feeling of what the past must have been, a return to a time we have heard about, thought about, but not experienced. And in that time there is a feeling of warmth and comfort and joy, and so we yearn to be there. Loreena McKennitt has captured that feeling with her new release, The Road Back Home, a live album recorded last summer when she was performing at folk festivals in Ontario. The tracks on this record come from performances at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and the Summerfolk Music And Crafts Festival. Loreena McKennitt plays both harp and accordion. She is joined by Caroline Lavelle on cello and backing vocals; Miriam Fischer on pads, accordion, piano and backing vocals; Errol Fischer on violin, mandolin, tenor banjo and kick drum; Cait Watson on whistle and backing vocals; Pete Watson on guitar and backing vocals; and Romano Dinillo on bodhrán.

Side One

The album opens with “Searching For Lambs,” and Loreena McKennitt’s gorgeous voice immediately transports us, to both another place and another time, that destination feeling just right. The cello adds a solemn feel, sounding like an almost mournful call from the past. “Searching For Lambs” is followed by “Mary & The Soldier.” Some pretty work on the harp sets the tone for this one, the sound of this track putting us in a place of green fields, of innocence, of young love, of community, everything presented in sunlight. The music is incredibly appealing. Does this not feel like home to everyone? Then “On A Bright May Morning” contains a beautiful instrumental introduction, gentle and sweet. Loreena McKennitt possesses a voice that makes wonders feel natural, and nature feel magical, and which gives us the feeling that we can take part in it all. It is a voice that is tender and passionate. When she sings of true love, it has a spiritual quality, the feeling that love is much greater than its participants. This is a song that Loreena McKennitt included on her 2010 album The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

“As I Roved Out” has a strong rhythm. I’ve always loved this song. Flynn recorded a really good rendition of it for his Let The Show Begin album. Here Loreena McKennitt delivers a wonderful rendition, featuring a good energy and some excellent work on strings. That’s followed by “Custom Gap,” a beautiful piece, feeling like a dream. I could drift along with this music, knowing it will take me somewhere spectacular, somewhere safe, somewhere green. And I love that moment when it picks up in pace and becomes joyful. A good number of Celtic songs do that, and every one makes me happy. This instrumental track is a delightful way to wrap up the first side of the record.

Side Two

Loreena McKennitt begins the second side with “Bonny Portmore,” and as the song begins, the music seems to welcome us to a special spot out in nature. Loreena delivers another gorgeous vocal performance. one of warmth, of love, of compassion, sounding both timeless and immediate. There is also some wonderful backing vocal work, some beautiful blending of voices. This is a song that Loreena McKennitt included on her 1991 album The Visit. That’s followed by “Greystones,” an instrumental track. As it begins, it feels like walking along a mountain path, where there is no danger, where the earth is welcoming, and the trees and even the sunlight are our companions on the journey, wordlessly guiding our footsteps and wishing us a safe homecoming. And finally in the distance we see loved ones waiting for us. So beautiful. “The Star Of The County Down” is another song that I’ve heard a lot over the years, and have always enjoyed. It is no surprise that Loreena McKennitt does an excellent job with it. I have not yet been to Ireland, but this music itself feels like home to me.

“Salvation Contradiction” has a pleasant, gentle and youthful air about it as it begins. And then suddenly, the drums take over, and lead the piece into a more spirited section. Again, I love it. The music raises our spirits as it brings us to our feet to dance. There is great joy here. This instrumental track has a big finish. James Keelaghan joins Loreena McKennitt on vocals for the final track. However, it begins as a beautiful instrumental, “Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór,” which is both soothing and uplifting. It feels like a road home indeed, the end of a long journey. Then it moves into “Wild Mountain Thyme.” Ah, but is our journey coming to an end, or are we starting another? James Keelaghan sings lead on a verse. What a wonderful conclusion to an excellent record.

Record Track List

Side One

1. Searching For Lambs
2. Mary & The Soldier
3. On A Bright May Morning
4. As I Roved Out
5. Custom Gap

Side Two

1. Bonny Portmore
2. Greystones
3. The Star Of The County Down
4. Salvation Contradiction
5. Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Wild Mountain Thyme

The Road Back Home was released on March 8, 2024, and is on 180 gram black vinyl.