Loreena McKennitt - Live in Paris and Toronto (1999)

Loreena McKennitt's two-CD set, plucked from performances in Paris and Toronto, documents the modern-day troubadour's live dimension, luxuriously unraveling her talents on harp, accordian, and piano like a finely woven tapestry. Lovers of The Book of Secrets, The Mask and Mirror, and her other enchanting albums will be pleased by this virtuoso performance and crisp recording of many favorite songs including "The Mummers' Dance" and "Bonny Portmore." McKennitt's voice is in finely polished form here–no hints of hoarse tour fatigue whatsoever. "Marco Polo," a delicious, trancelike jam on The Book of Secrets, rushes a bit too quickly, lacking the expansive, improvised groove that could've richly garnished this tasty track. But this is a small bit of tarnish on the silver beauty of this magnificent collection, brought to life by McKennitt's ensemble of violin, cello, hurdy-gurdy, bass, and percussion that all interlock lovingly with McKennitt's angelic voice. And what makes this gem even more beautifully poignant is its dedication to McKennitt's fiancé, who died in July, 1998, in a boating accident. Proceeds from album sales will go to his memorial fund dedicated to water search and rescue. If in 1999 we weren't fortunate enough to indulge in new material from this special artist, we at least have a taste of her extraordinary music to savor in a new, golden light. –Karen Karleski