Star Edwards - Reviews

The Emerald Crossing by Star Edwards reviewed by Jennifer Pratt-Walter

Star's album is a journey through Celtic harp traditions, touching on many emotions and styles along the way. From lightheartedly playful to sweetly pensive, from courageous to somber, Star's choice of tunes complements those seeking to expand or enhance their Celtic collection.

Both nylon and wire strung harps in turn take center stage. Nimble fingers make the jig "Pet of the Pipers" an energetic start. "Sheebeg Sheemore" takes on new character with unexpected and interesting rhythmic changes, casting the wellknown tune into more of its descriptive battle role. Those big and small fairy mounds aren't being lulled to sleep in this version!

Star's strongest musical skill is undoubtedly the wire-strung harp. I enjoyed her evocative ancient sound, precise ornamentation, and varied rhythm treatments on the wire harp feature pieces "Stu Mo Run," "The Harp of Dunvegan," and "Feahgan Geleash." The plaintive call of uilleann pipes made "Sea Invocation" the standout of the collection. Pipe and harp call to each other, like selkies from afar. Insistent drone and repetitive patterns are a constantly present, reminiscent of sea tides.
Pennywhistle dances with harp on a unique version of "Wild Mountain Thyme." "Dark-Eyed Molly" has a chord structure that concludes the album on a contemporary wistful note.

For those seeking harp masterful handled in the ancient wire-strung style look no farther. "The Emerald Crossing" is a pleasant jaunt over the fields and cobblestones of the Celtic lands. For more information on the web, visit www.starharp.com or write Enoch productions, PO Box 18464, Denver, CO 80218 Tracks: Pet of the Pipers (2:10); Minstrel Boy (2:26); Stu Mo Run (3:30); Coolin (2:20); The Harp of Dunvegan (2:26); Sheebeg Sheemore (3:09); Wild Mountain Thyme (2:58); Feahgan Geleash (2:46); The Sea Invocation (4:01); Marquis of Huntley's Highlanders (2:32); Dark Eyed Molly (2:32).

Star Edwards Arc of Promise [Enoch Productions (1995)] Celtic harpist Star Edwards presents a savory plate of traditional and original tunes that are strikingly beautiful and dense in structure. Edwards plays not only harp, but also Arabian drum, recorder, bells and keyboards on songs that range from her original renditions of the Sephardic tunes "King of France" and "Puncha! Puncha!" to the trio oftraditional Israeli songs "Dodi Li/Shalom Chaerim/Mana Vu." There's also some French,English, Spanish, Irish and American tunes, but her original compositions like the cleverly written "Silken Yoke," the more urbane love song "Song for Life" and the haunting melody of "Amethyst Rising" are the most intriguing works offered. Edwards' playing is impeccable with the distinct ability to infuse these tunes with her passion and sincerity. Amidst the dozens ofCeltic harp albums available, Arc of Promise stands out with its unique selection of spiritual material. (JM) Used by permission of Dirty Linen. © 1995 Dirty Linen

STAR EDWARDS, Arc of Promise: This radiant album of harp music opens with the hauntingly beautiful title cut, harp and recorder blending and dancing around each other. Though a piece inspired by the faith of Joan of Arc, it was hard not to feel transported to an Irish wood full of faeries and elves. The album goes on to cover a wide range of musical origins and traditions. Edwards' uses her harp to create lovely renditions of traditional Israeli & Sephardic songs (Dodi Li/Mana Vu), Italian (La Rotta, played at a more somber tempo in the beginning than usual, then jumping into a sprightly beat accentuated by Arabian drum), as well as traditional Irish & English tunes. Edwards' use of other instruments is sparse, such as a few notes of bells on Searching for Lambs, moving into a brief drum accompaniment of single beats, then back into harp alone. In her choice to keep the accompanying instruments simple, she has made them more memorable in each piece by their very simplicity. Edwards has done a marvelous job of blending a world palette of harp music that is unique and inspiring.--Anna Alekner © 1995 Heartsong Review

The Music Paper, May 1996

"STAR EDWARDS, Arc of Promise (CD15):Celtic harpist Star Edwards plays sensitive, gentle, new age-ish renditions of traditional Israeli,Spanish, French, Italian and Irish folk tunes, as well as six of her own moving compositions, on this soothing disc." © 1996 The MusicPaper

NAPRA ReVIEW ABA 1996, Vol. 7, No.5

ARC OF PROMISE by Star Edwards, Enoch Productions, 303/831-1744. Those interested in true Celtic harp sounds and melodies will enjoy this imaginative and refreshing mix of voices. Edwards delivers an uncommon mix, modern renditions of traditional melodies that take us on a journey from Ireland to France, Italy, Spain, and America; even ancient Sephardic and Israeli love songs combine pleasantly with her original music. Her mastery of the wire and nylon Celtic harp lends visions of faraway landscapes, helping awaken ancient stirrings as we journey along the paths of the human heart. This is definitely not boring; it is a manifest forward movement in the effort to bring back the vibrational quality of musical expression; through the rebirth of the Celtic harp in the contemporary music scene. -RGW © 1996 NAPRA ReVIEW

Celtic Harp Music Star Edwards
Denver, CO 7/29/05 at 8:58 pm

Star Edwards is a great performer, and true to the Irish/Celtic spirit. Her music speaks to the soul, whispering images of the Emerald Isle, rolling Highlands, and crystal seas. It evokes the spirits of the Fey Folk said to live there, and one can almost see them dancing joyously as her nimble fingers play across the harp strings. Her music is most definetly worth the price for a CD, which is reasonable and fair. It is often hard to find her music in the large music outlets, however I bought mine off of her website, www.starharp.com. Her next performance is on August 13th, at the Colorado Scottish Festival Heritage Park in Highlands Ranch.