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Music2work2 We’re on a Celtic kick at the moment – not least ‘cos of the free website giveaway that a musician / band or artist can win over at Kilted Chaos – but specifically because this week we’ve been listening to the music of Sora. ...Immediate reference points are Enya & Loreena McKinnitt but Sora is all about the voice – and what a voice; it reminds me of the double edged broadsword that William Wallace wields in Braveheart – which could sound pretty scary but she has the control to harness its power & deliver some of the simplest and cleanest melodies I’ve heard in a long while. My mum would absolutely love this. Sora’s music can be found on a number of web sites, but her MySpace page is probably the easiest – there are 10 tracks available for streaming from Heartwood and they’re all worth getting to know. Quick note on her production and the musicianship of her band – they’re great! You can buy Heartwood from Cdbaby One of the things that I think Sora does well is the use of her video blogs – she has an infectious personality and is clearly passionate about what she does – you can see them on her website and her facebook page. .. Jan 27, 2010 Charlotte Mecum |
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Zone Music Reporter There’s a New Kid in Town There is a new voice to be heard, a new level of composition to be examined and an exciting stage of passion to be explored inside the music of Canadian artist Sora. This is a rare album where all the elements come together to form a beguiling recording of (North American) Celtic music. Think of the offerings of Kate Price, Bill Leslie and Loreena McKennitt with their unique styles of almost, but not quite contemporary Celtic. Sora`s new album Heartwood embodies all of their methods, but with a singular strength that is literally, heretofore unheard of in the New World. Sora`s sweet voice, potency of lyric and attention to musical detail captivated me. It made me want to hear more after the very first song. I was never disappointed. Appearing on Heartwood are a number of talented musicians including Fergus March on bass, Ray Dillard on various noise makers, Hugh Marsh on violin, Douglas Romanow on keyboards, and a wonderful string quartet made up of Lenny Solomon, Ronald Bal, , Wendy Solomon and Claudio Vena. There seems to be a lot of familiar names on the list. As carpenter, I know that the strongest wood of the tree is the heartwood, strong, dense and mature. As a writer, I know that the heartwood contains the life and history of the tree. The seasons, the weather and the stories of the earth are all contained deep in the wooden core. Sora`s first cut, Heartwood is the story. Sora says it best with the words… `I’ve heard the song of the seasons Each note the lifetime of light And I live within each gossamer moment Where silences hum with life.` Sora takes a page from ancient Greek history to tell the tragic tale of Eurydice, the love of Orpheus. Musician to the gods, Orpheus is grief stricken when his beloved dies and is taken to the Underworld. His playing of the lyre so impresses Hades that he returns his wife with the provision that Orpheus not look upon her countenance until they are back on the surface world. Unfortunately, Orpheus cannot help himself and once again, loses the love of his life. This is sad tune, but it immediately became my favorite on an album of favorites. Winter has a very appealing melody with the plucking of violin strings to express delicate snowfall. When I first heard this tune I thought that Sora was about fifteen years old. The sweetness of the vocal is extraordinary as is the height to which the song climbs. Most people feel sadness in winter, but there is also much beauty and color in the season of earthly sleep. All is revealed in the song. The Irish legend of the Children of Lir has been made famous by many artists including Patrick Cassidy, Loudest Whisper and of course, Sora. Four siblings turned into swans by a wicked stepmother and forever bound by chains of silver are forced to endure their fate for nine hundred years. The ending of the story.. well, you will have to listen to Sora`s rendition to find that out. If you believe in fairytales then The Birch`s Lament is the story for you. The sweet ballad is the tale of the lighthearted Liselle and the Birch Prince. In the twilight they dance, but there is jealousy and treachery about. It is the story of unrequited love as the Birch Prince loses his love when she sacrifices herself for his safety. Sora’s story telling is enchanting as is her voice and the delightful accompaniment of the string quartet just adds more life to the tale. Had I enough room I would have written about every tune. The music is absolutely resplendent and Sora`s voice soars with crystalline purity. The melodies are complex and harmonious. The music is perfectly balanced with some use of the keyboards with tiny sounds in the background and the string quartet. For me it is the best Celtic offering of the year and the whole album is completely enjoyable. This is going on the 2009 Top Ten. As I said, Sora writes and performs with a singular strength that is Heartwood. Nov 28, 2009 R J Lannan |
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Heathen Harvest Last year I had the honour and luck to receive Sora`s EP Light. I was captivated by the four songs on that EP. As I said at that time, it was a prelude for the upcoming album. And here it is. Heartwood. Eleven tracks strong, including the four from the Light EP. The packaging is somewhat the same; a cardboard slipcase with a CD, a booklet and a postcard. However, the booklet from Heartwood is way more extended than the one from Light. It features all lyrics, something that always scores points with me. But besides that, the whole package looks excellent. The atmosphere the frontcover paves is continued on the back, the inside and in the booklet. It`s a feeling of warmth, connectivity with nature and traditions. It`s almost melancholic. And it fits the music. The opening track showcases immediately why I love this music so much. The instruments are being played gently, while the main focus of each song is Sora`s voice. Clean, clear and high. No time is wasted on extensive instrumental parts, even though there are so many being used; violin, viola, cello, harp, mandolin, guitar, bass, piano, percussion. Sora seems to get her inspiration from various places, as apparent from the tracks on this album. `Eurydice` obviously points to Greek mythology, but `Children Of Lir` is an Irish legend. `Madron Well` is a so called `clootie well` and a sacred Celtic place in Cornwall. All of this is adapted to the present day, while retaining a feeling from the days of yore. `Drift` shows Sora`s ability to paint images in your head with just words. It`s about (two) continents drifting apart while they were once a whole; Pangaea. It can be interpreted as the Americas (north and south) being apart from Eurasia and Africa, but also as a metaphor for the love between a man and woman. They were once one and in love, but have taken different paths and live separate lives now. With `all these techtonic (sic) plates within our hearts / leaves us divided, we are now worlds apart.` These sentences just struck me. The fourth track, `Winter`, has build in an easy way, in terms of refrain/coupet. It`s worked out excellent. It`s a bittersweet track, and all the string instruments add to the atmosphere perfectly. The same feeling is continued in `Hurricane`, which is the longest track on here with its seven minutes. That`s completely filled with singing, mind you. This is a very slow moving track, and so very wonderful. What else can I do but strongly recommend this album? If you really like female vocals and have a knack for contemporary folk music, then this is an absolute must. Last time I had trouble to put this in a category, but Sora has solved that herself. She simply calls it Contemporary Celtic, and that`s exactly what it is. Oct 15, 2009 ChAwech |
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CalgarySongwriter.com Two words describe Sora`s album, Heartwood. `Oh yes!` Two stars and a warm place await this soprano. A star in Heaven, a star on the walk of fame and a warm place in our hearts. This album leaves no room for for the darkside, though occasionally caressing mystery. Producer Doug Romanow exhibits great sensitivity for Sora`s compositions. Using restraint, when so many would not. Brilliant! It`s hard to define any one cut. The album as a whole is the one. Heartwood is a moment, an experience. Delightful in one`s own space or with an amour. Heartwood is mature, mystical, marvelous. A beautiful work by a beautiful lady, not just in her looks, but in her spirit. A wonderful voice in a score of good feelings… Sep 01, 2009 Doc Hidden |
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The Martlett - University of Victoria At first glance, Sora’s CD seems to be like any old CD by a solo female singer; you expect a guitar, poppy melodies, songs about boys and heartbreak. This is definitely not the case. Sora, who gives no last name, is a Calgarian who wrote and composed all the tracks on “Heartwood”. Once you delve into the depths of the CD, you begin to see how significant that fact is, there are numerous layers of strings, back-up vocals, and drums on every track. She even does the her own back-up vocals. This layering provides a very thick backing to Sora’s vocals. This is mainly a two person effort, as Douglas Romanow also provides many of the accessory instruments to this CD, along with producing, recording and mixing the CD. I have to add that the album artwork is quite exquisite, all the photos are on their own are very visually pleasing. There are few comparison’s to Sora in today’s musical expanse. The closest thing that I am able to think of is Sarah Brightman. Sora combines a unique mix of classical vocals with a more mainstream musicality that is completely unexpected. The first notes on the title track, shock you from your seat, giving you a much more interesting perspective on the entire CD. On the track “Eurydice”, Sora and Douglas use their mixing abilities and layer two sets of vocals throughout most of the song (or piece, I’m not sure if I should be calling it that) this layering allows Sora to create a dissonance between her own vocals. It’s quite eerie but once the suspension resolves, you are left relaxed and calmed. Most of the CD has a bit of a foreign feeling to it. “Hurricane” gives a sense of a desert and an Arab setting, whilst “Drift” is very Celtic. Each track could provide a wondrous soundtrack to a different area of the world. At first, I was weary of Sora, and quick to judge her an over the top liner and for putting herself alongside the famous single names, such as Madonna, Beck and Cher, but “Heartwood” is a completely unique experience for the music lover. If you are looking for something calming but different from just about everything you’ve heard, pick up Sora’s “Heartwood”. Aug 15, 2009 Jason C. Stasiuk |
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Leduc Representative Heartwood captures beauty in storytelling “It feels at times as if music comes, not so much from within me, but that it passes through me in the ways of half-remembered dreams.” So writes Calgary singer-songwriter Andrea Hunt, better known as Sora, in the introductory notes to Heartwood, her second full-length solo album. It’s an accurate summary of a collection of songs in which light and dark, dreams and memories, myths and legends intermingle to create an ethereally beautiful escape from the mundane. Fans of Loreena McKennit and Enya will find Heartwood familiar territory, and Sora lists them among her primary influences. However, her background as a violinist with the Calgary Youth Orchestra and years of performing and competing as a classical pianist are evident in the sophistication of her compositions. This is not just a woman with a piano. The songs on Heartwood are complex and deeply emotive, and the large cast of musicians who appear on the album provide more than mere background accompaniment; their instruments are other voices, interwoven with Sora’s own. The result is an album that defies classification in a single genre. Songs such as ‘Madron Well,’ ‘Children of Lir’ and the title track ‘Heartwood’ have a strong Celtic flavour. However, folksy references to trembling aspen and the obliterating prairie winter betray her roots as an Alberta girl. Sora draws inspiration from nature, and lyrically, several of the tracks, most notably ‘Winter’ and ‘The Juniper’ are poetic reveries that invoke shady forest clearings and windswept fields as metaphors for emotional experiences. However, where Sora’s true strength as a songwriter lies is in her ability to give credible voice to tragic figures from legend. She describes Heartwood as “an examination of the places the heart inhabits,” which in the mythology explored on the album can mean a certain place and time or an object in nature, such as a tree or animal. In ‘Eurydice,’ Sora assumes the character of Orpheus and recounts his harrowing journey to the realm of the dead to rescue his beloved wife and his fateful decision to look back at her as he leads her out of Hades, causing the guardians to snatch her back into the depths of the underworld forever. Sora, her crystalline soprano voice set against a backdrop of rippling piano and violin, is hauntingly believable as the heartbroken Orpheus cursing the gods and his own lack of strength. ‘The Birch’s Lament’ is another triumph of musical storytelling, made all the more unique by the fact that it is based on a fairytale Sora’s husband wrote for their four children. It tells the tale of the love between Liselle, an orphan girl, and the prince of the birch trees, who comes to life each night to dance with her in the forest. When Liselle sacrifices herself to save her beloved trees, the sorrowing prince writes love letters to her — the reason birch trees have markings on their bark today. These universal themes of love and loss are what ultimately make Heartwood so accessible, but it is Sora’s uncommonly beautiful voice that elevates the album to the status of a hidden gem. Aug 14, 2009 Alexandra Pope |
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Maverick (UK) Sora`s first album saw her cover many traditional folk and Celtic songs. This second one features eleven self-penned songs. An album rich in magic and atmosphere, Sora has tried to bring the outside in with this fresh new body of work. Not just an ablum of songs or music it is self-discovery experience for the listener. Four of the song --The Birch`s Lament, The Juniper (a charming piece that will captivate any listener), Light and Twilight--were previously featured on Sora`s 2008 LIGHT EP. The album opens with the haunting and evocative title song as Sora effortlessly blends folk with classical music to create a delightful combination. Artists like Enya and Clannad spring to mind whilst listening to her mesmerising voice. There`s a whole range of instrumentation including piano, mandolin, cello, violin, drums, accordian, harp and viola. An album that is magical, beautiful and delicate all rolled into one as it takes the listener on a journey; with a feeling that you are soaring high in the sky looking down on the green fields below. Drift is a charismatic song punctuated with Sora`s goddess like voice. Eurydice a more dramatic piece that speaks of love and death has a haunting sound. Winter sees the mood lighten; Sora`s voice is more upbeat and the music is vibrant and engaging. Listening to this album is like reading a book with each song forming a chapter. Hurricane has a strong folk feel to it. This is another dramatic piece that describes a person as a hurricane. Children of Lir is a lighter, breezier piece with a classical style. The chorus is uplifhting and quite refreshing to the ear. The music is gentle and has a slight Arabian sound. Sora`s voice is stunning and outstanding on this piece, which really brings the album to life. Madron Well, the final track, is a dreamy delicate classical sounding number. Sora`s voice is just perfect once again. It is huge shame when the album ends as this is such a wonderful masterpiece. Amazing! Aug 01, 2009 Sara Hunt |
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100 Mile Free Press Sora is a songstress out of Calgary, Alberta. In that land of cowfolk and rodeos, one would expect only country-influenced artists to emerge — not a classically-inspired, Celtic-flavoured folk singer. But that`s exactly what Sora comes across as; and, what she does, she does impeccably. From the first, Sora makes a good impression. Her media package for her 2009 independent release Heartwood includes a personalized postcard (that was addressed to me, by name, making me feel special); a colour-printed blurb card; and an amazingly professional and impressive cardboard, folded album with thick colour booklet and, of course, CD. The colour scheme of the package reflects Sora`s music: earthy and organic. Heartwood, the title track, starts everything off and sets the mood for the album. At first listen, well-known artists Loreena McKennitt and Enya come to mind; but Sora`s music is distinct and that becomes apparent throughout the next songs. A variety of instruments and musicians are utilized in the songs — accordion, glockenspiel, violin, electric guitar, cello — and the musicians blend their work perfectly with Sora`s dramatic soprano, who also plays keyboard on some tracks. Sora`s background in violin and piano is certainly noticeable as the songs are well-formed, causing Heartwood to be as much an orchestral accomplishment as vocal. The songs are fairly slow-tempoed, with percussion on some adding further dramatic touch to the melodies. Sora does not falter in her commitment to nature in her lyrics. In `The Birch`s Lament,` Sora sings as a tree watching the seasons pass with, what seems like, regret deep in her `bark` of letting her princess get away. Overall, the album is well done all around and will be well enjoyed by those looking for the next celtic-folk sensation. Jul 31, 2009 Laura Kelsey |
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Yorkton This Week OK to start this review I’ll just say if you love amazing voices and great music you should abandon reading this right now and instead simply go out and buy Heartwood by Sora. It took all of 35 seconds of the opening cut of this CD, which also happens to be the title cut, to totally fall in love with this lady’s voice. To term it anything less than stunning, or amazing, would be to do Sora a disservice. As for the music, well we reviewers love to categorize, but in this case it’s interesting to read what Sora herself says. “I have thought a lot about genre, about where I should place my music and after all these years, I still have no idea,” she said on her website. “My favorite description of my music is neoclassical, although I often call myself Contemporary Celtic or that nebulous singer/songwriter category. As a kid, I had strict classical teachers and mentors as well as folk, neither could seem to find merit in the other, but I see music as simply music. Genre, you always hear about genre. Classify yourself, categorize, but be interesting and unique while doing it. My music, to me, comes from the natural world. That is what inspires me, that is the imagery I place in my songs. Trees, and forests, light dappling through the canopy. The feeling of fiery leaves falling around as you walk on an autumn day, a cherry full to the brim with blushing blossoms, springing to life. The way ice forms in intricate patterns on my window, the sound of the wind in the trees. My lyrics come from there and that is what I want to share with my listener.” Sora’s view of her own music is interesting, in that it shows the poet inside her. The view is descriptive. It is near lyrical. That is what you get here, music that paints pictures. That comes from the heart. As for vocals style, two names came to mind Loreena McKennitt and Enya. So it was interesting to read, again on Sora’s website her view of her influences. “I love so many different musicians and types of music, from Rachmaninoff to Enya, and it all has helped to create my music,” she wrote. “But as to style, I guess Loreena McKennitt is my greatest influence. I have loved her music from the very first note on the very first song I heard, many many years ago. She is an inspiration to me. She is the only artist in which I can listen to every single one of her CD`s all the way through and love every song. Amazing! Other influences include Tori Amos, Jewel and Sarah McLachlan.” I won’t even try to select a best cut here. They are all just excellent, all written by Sora as well. This lady is an amazing talent. Check it out at http://www.soramusic.ca/ Jul 09, 2009 Calvin Daniels |
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Celtic Music Fan Sora:Making Music that Elves Make. I could close my eyes and let her music turn my speakers into forest. Warm, organic and ethereal, that’s Sora’s music for you. Heartwood, her third release of 2009, explores the landscapes inside the heart, with varying textures and soundscapes of acoustic layered instruments and superb production. The nuances and richness of her voice is captured by Producer/Engineer Douglas Romanow. She teeters between the discipline of Classical music and the evocative atmosphere of Celtic music . Described as picturesque. This album is something that any Secret Garden and Enya listeners would lend their ears too. Apart from her beautiful soaring soprano, Sora is also a keen instrumentalist playing strings and keyboards in her recordings. She got this after touring as a teenager with the Calgary Youth Orchestra and the Calgary Fiddlers. You can listen to her tracks on her official MySpace site as well as a page in the Celtic Myth Podshow . You can also legally download Heartwood, the title track on this site. Sora credits major influences: Loreena McKennitt , Enya , Sarah Brightman, Kate Price , Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Sarah Slean, Indigo Girls, Aeone and Secret Garden Jul 04, 2009 Jose Rommel `baxter` Labatos |
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Leeds Music Promotion Once in a while, you experience something very special when listening to a new album, one such album is the latest offering from Calgary-based Sora, titled ‘Heartwood’. The name Sora stems from the native American word meaning ‘singing bird soaring,’ which is very apt for a unique talent. The words magical, captivating and enchanting can all be used with confidence, as Sora takes the listener to a place of pureness and emotional fulfilment. With a feel of Operatic and Celtic fused together, each track is as strong as the last or the next offering, with each forming a personal and mystical mental picture. I would also advise anyone who purchases this album, to read the lyrics of each track, and enjoy them in a poetic environment, such is the depth of the writing, add the subtle instrument-playing and Sora’s delivery, and this is without doubt one of the most emotive and exceptional albums I have had the pleasure to listen to. Jul 04, 2009 Paul Abraham |
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Celtic mp3s Music Magazine Her voice is mystical and beautiful, described as organic and soulful with a touch of whimsy. Sora takes Celtic music to the next level with her stylized melody lines and narrative vocals. her powerful and rich voice stirs old stories to life and makes each song an adventure. Jul 01, 2009 Marc Gunn |
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Seaway News A very interesting mix of genres come together for Celtic/folk singer Sora in her Heartwood collection. The music, which at time has classical qualities to it, is as enchanting as her lovely soprano voice. Jun 11, 2009 |
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Stylus Magazine This is the second full release by singer/songwriter Sora, a Calgary mother of four young children who skillfully manages to balance a career in music with the arduous task of raising a family. The album Heartwood was fashioned in response to a very successful EP she released last year that showcased her remarkable compositional skills combined with her opulent voice. Sora teamed up with producer Douglas Romanow to create a balanced recording of Celtic-inspired folk tunes that are ethereal and mysterious, ushering the listener on a journey of self-discovery. When I listened to this recording, the extraordinary Loreena McKennitt immediately came to mind, as you can’t help but draw parallels between her music and Sora’s, particularly the musical style and the way they both immerse themselves in the music that they perform. Trained as a violinist and pianist, Sora draws on these skills and experiences to help her create a enchanting listening soundscape that is highlighted by her passionate and heartfelt singing. Woven throughout the eleven selections on this album are captivating arrangements, unique instrumentation, and a poignant string quartet. Add to the mix some top-notch musicians such as the amazing violinist Hugh Marsh, and you have a winning formula! I particularly enjoyed the presence of the string quartet, the haunting violin, and the accompanying percussion. Of particular note are the title track, the string quartet-fashioned piece “Winter,” and the haunting tracks “Hurricane” and “Children of Lir.” As soon as you begin listening to this album, its beauty and expressiveness will capture your heart and spirit. (Independent, www.soramusic.ca) Jun 10, 2009 John Iverson |
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Red Deer Express Moody, ethereal and atmospheric, Calgary-based singer Sora has captured a lovely, gentle Celtic sensibility with her latest release Heartwood. Clearly influenced by Irish songstress Enya and Canadian artist Loreena McKennitt and others in the similar musical vein, Sora manages to craft her own unique sound. Her soprano soars effortlessly over the acoustic-based tunes. Opening cut Heartwood is a gem with the flowing harp and rich melodic tapestries. Since releasing her debut Winds of Change (2003), a collection of folk songs from the British Isles, her talents have been getting increasing support from industry and fans. In the year and a half that followed she began writing her own material which led to the recording of a demo in late 2006. Several of the tracks on Heartwood provoke that heart swell you get in moments of true triumph. “My music, to me, comes from the natural world…sometimes by mythology, but it is always my goal to understand the heart of the myth rather than to simply retell a story,” she says. “I am far more interested in discovering why it is still meaningful today. The songs are not about me, but I cannot deny that I find myself in them.” The magic continues on tunes like Eurydice, a song that could almost instantly calm every frazzled nerve. The mellow tones of Winter follow in a similar sonic path as does the comparatively brooding sense of Hurricane. Sora is clearly influenced by her surroundings, and the sights and sounds of the natural world shine through in her carefully-produced sensual music. In an increasingly hurried age, it’s a wonderful gift to have artists like Sora who are devoted to creating such soothing, well-crafted music. Rating: 4 out of 5 Jun 06, 2009 Mark Weber |
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The Scugog Standard Congratulations, Sora - your ‘Heartwood’ album is the only one sent to me in recent memory (possibly ever) that has not only caught my ear, but failed to elicit not one wretch or laugh from me. Since this is not a traditional review, I have saved a few lines of space for the testimonial: “Sora’s sonorous and genuine vocals, coupled with some evocative instrumentation, make ‘Heartwood’ an enjoyable listen for a mid-summer evening.” Jun 04, 2009 Blake Wolfe |
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PopJournalism Sora – Heartwood: Sora’s third release is a remarkable accomplishment because she manages to construct sweet, soft, yet daring arrangements based on Celtic, classical and folk music without sounding over dramatic. Most of this is due to her narrative - folk tales based on the majesty of nature and finding oneself during harsh times - which listeners can easily connect with in some way or another. Musically, Heartwood is an easy listening affair; but producer/engineer Douglas Romanow has done a wonderful job capturing every nuance of Sora’s airy vocals, the radiant strings sections, and the soft strokes and plucks of guitar, mandolin, glockenspiel and piano. All these organic instruments lead to a very picturesque vibe that sedates you to the point where you can dream the lyrics. While this is a good start for Sora, I couldn’t help but imagine what she might sound like if she ventured into darker territory with more percussive instruments and some electronic build-ups. Still, fans of Lisa Gerrard or even Josh Groban should give Heartwood a good listen. (Rawlco Radio) May 29, 2009 Jason Gladu |
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The Intelligencer SORA -HEARTWOOD (Rawlco Radio, 2009) Sora`s CD stood out among the piles of CDs that I wade through. In an age of music business survival, she brilliantly included a handwritten note addressed directly to me along with a small dark chocolate. That personal touch made me take a few minutes and listen and I was impressed with what I heard. Fans of Enya and Charlotte Church will find something special in the music of the Alberta songstress who goes by the name Sora. Elements of classical, folk and Celtic combine for a truly memorable sound. Sora`s crystalline voice is chilling and direct and her songs are backed by top-notch musicians including Kevin Breit (guitar, mandolin), Gary Craig (drums) and the legendary Hugh Marsh (violin). Highlights include the Drift, the guitars in Twilight, the percolating strings in Winter, Light and the stirring title track. May 22, 2009 David Reed |
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LucidForge The first few seconds of Sora’s 2009 release Heartwood sounds reminiscent to that of an Enya album. But patience is virtue and almost instantly after Sora’s vocals breeze in, you are captivated. The title track “Heartwood,” the first off the album, draws you in with its hauntingly beautiful melody while managing to conjure an image similar to something painted by the Group of Seven. To kick off her brilliant lyrical tirade she begins, “I tread the forests of your eyes. Wild paths within. Dappled sunlight moves us in circle.” Sora, a native name for “singing bird soaring,” describes perfectly what Calgary’s Celtic Princess is doing. Born Andrea Hunt, the spiritual and narrative singer/songwriter has shifted her focus from folk to Celtic since dropping her debut album, Winds of Change, in 2003. Calling Heartwood “the core of truths we carry,” Sora explores beginnings and endings in this latest release. She examines the seasons of life, summoning vivid imagery and symbolism. From a melancholic winter on track four crying, “Snow is falling/Darkness falling/Winter’s calling tonight,” to a climatic storm in track 5’s “Hurricane,” each song seemingly reflects an emotional enmity from a past lover. It’s hard to imagine a mom of four with a husband she affectionately refers to as her heartwood would be consumed with any hatred at all, but like a torrential down pour, the sun always comes out and Sora explores this part of life (springtime) in “Twilight.” She sings, “And I can see in your eyes eternal sunrise/Full of hope, full of love for all our days/As we stand hand in hand to face the winds of time. I can trust in your love for me.” She easily gives John McDermott a run for his money. Perhaps growing up in a household that shunned Top 40 music, and being partnered with her desire to create art that embodied her Canadian surroundings, were the successful combination of ingredients that created Heartwood. It’s an obscure and alluring Celtic masterpiece. May 22, 2009 Emily Santos |
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Vue Weekly (Haikus) Sora Heartwood (Independent) Uplifting! Baroque! Making an album like this Takes huge canticles May 21, 2009 Whitey Houston |
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myKawartha.com `It`s simply glorious music.` That`s how one reviewer sums up Sora`s talent for the liner notes of her new CD Heartwood and it`s tough to argue with that assessment. 4 CDs out of 5 Her haunting vocals, complemented splendidly by an array of classical instruments, lift one to a whole other place. A peaceful place. With Juno Award-nominated producer Douglas Romanow at the helm, the recording quality is superb. May 11, 2009 Paul Rellinger |
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Atlantic Seabreeze This five star rated CD by Atlantic Seabreeze is a gem and listeners to this album will enjoy Sora`s singing and her writings as well. Rave reviews are pouring in by the music industry and critics as well. Many talented musicians help Sora with the music namely: Douglas Romanow, Ray Dillard, Fergus and Hugh Marsh, Kevin Breit, George Koller, Gary Craig, Sharlene Wallace, Lenny and Wendy Solomon, Ronald Bal and Claudia Vena. This flawless album tells the haunting stories of love, anguish, pain and hope and the listeners can discover the emotions and depth of the songs. She shares her touching personal stories and delivers to the listener her emotions. Throughout the album she writes about her influences by environment such as leaves, petals, rocks crystals and these are the heartgifts she shares with the listener. The album jacket contains all words of the 11 songs. May 10, 2009 John Gavin |
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FolkWords There’s something about Sora’s achingly beautiful voice that immediately lifts you out of yourself and delivers your senses to a different world. This is a world where she adds touching personal stories to sweeping melodies to build towers and dungeons of emotion in your mind. There’s so much depth and breadth of music and narrative in her new album ‘Heartwood’ that you could travel for miles in its embrace. ‘Heartwood’ is a collection of faultless songs that reflect intense, haunting stories of love, anguish, pain and hope – written and delivered so everyone can share in the emotion and identify with the message. Of course, you could listen while you do something else and just enjoy a balm of soothing sound washing around your ears. Alternatively (and recommended) you sit down with an hour to spare, lights out, candle flickering and bathe in the pure sanctity and intensity of voice and lyrics. Personally, I’d go for the latter or you will miss so much. The eponymous ‘Heartwood’ opens the album, and transcends song to become an anthem to a soul coming home. From the first note ‘Hurricane’ is full of foreboding, its lyrics expressing the search for truth and need for solace. ‘Light’ by contrast is a gentle cry for freedom, with a touch or pure beauty. Other gems exist in ‘The Juniper’ and ‘Madron Well’ as they ask you to join the mystery of the natural world. Here are songs that circle and soar. Here are emotions that rise and fall. Here is an intuitive feel for story and composition. Here are lyrics that lift and reflect. Here are ideas expressed by a voice that touches your soul. ‘Heartwood’ is clearly Sora’s labour of love – listen and you will love it too. May 04, 2009 Tim Carroll |
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CFXU 93.3FM, The Fox You sound like an angel from heaven. Apr 27, 2009 Joanna Bisson |
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Sora is aiming to release a full length album in 2009 but until then listeners will have to make do with her classy and extremely beautiful EP - Light, which features four truly amazing songs. Light comprises of all Sora’s own material. It moves away from a more traditional Celtic sound opting to fuse folk and Celtic music with classical music to create a mysterious and haunting sound...Sora has unsurprisingly been compared to the likes of Loreena McKennitt and Mary Black. She does quote Loreena McKennitt as being one of her biggest musical influences along with the likes of Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos. Like many artists around today Sora hates having her music pigeon holed into one specific category. The natural world is often used as Sora’s canvas when creating new songs. She is like a painter only she uses words instead of paint...This four song EP gives listeners a glimpse into the world of Sora. It shows off brilliantly her musical talents and her gift for creating atmospheric pieces that reel the listener in. Sora’s voice is like a gift from the gods. Overall a highly rated and tremendous piece of work! Apr 03, 2009 Sara Hunt |
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Heathen Harvest Sora`s ballads are filled with sincerity and pristine beauty. Her combination of folk and neoclassical is stunning and defies easy pigeonholing. It`s simply glorious music. I immediately had to order Winds Of Change after hearing Light, and I`m looking forward to Sora`s second full length. You should go to Sora`s Myspace where this complete EP can be listened. Sadly it is myspace quality. The sound on CD is so much better and well worth your money. This is one of the best EP`s I`ve heard. Not just this year, but ever. Sep 01, 2008 ChAwech |
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Thank-you for your songs, which have been part of the magic that I put into the chinks in the wall to keep the warmth and the light inside Jun 01, 2008 Peg Kerr, Writer |
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Calgary Songwriter The first notes of Sora`s four-song CD `Light` reminded me immediately of Loreena McKennitt. Almost as immediately, I came to appreciate that Sora is her own performer and has her own sound. Yes there is `that` sound, similar to McKennitt, Enya, Sarah Brightman and others who mine the rich fields of Celtic music and music inspired by Celtic tradition. However, the clean production - provided by Douglas Romanow, who also produced the likes of Ann Vriend - and Sora`s clear, classically trained, vibrato rich, style voice make for a set of songs that stand entirely on their own. Jun 01, 2008 ND Speers |
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As a music lover every so often I come across a hidden gem. An album that stands head and shoulders above the rest and is literally quite brilliant. One such album that fits nicely into this category is Winds of Change, the debut album, by talented singer/songwriter Sora...With very little backing Sora’s angelic voice is allowed to stand tall. Apr 19, 2009 Sara Hunt |
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Synchronicity Magazine Sora is a singer who knows what she can do with her voice and uses it to bring an almost operatic presence to each of her songs. Jun 01, 2004 Michael Whelan |