Blackmore's Night
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Blackmore's Night is a Renaissance-inspired folk rock band led by Ritchie Blackmore (electric guitar and acoustic guitar) and Candice Night (lyricist and lead vocals).
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[edit] History
The origins of the band lie in 1990 when Candice Night was working at a local New York rock music radio station. She first encountered Ritchie Blackmore, then with Deep Purple, at a soccer game in which he was playing. The two became romantically involved and discovered that they shared a passionate interest in the Renaissance.
After leaving Deep Purple in 1993 and recording the album Stranger in Us All in 1995, on which Night contributed backing vocals and some of the lyrics, Blackmore became interested in the idea of bringing Renaissance music to a contemporary audience. Night's personality and singing ability made her the natural choice as "frontwoman". In 1997 the pair were ready to launch the band, the name being a pun of their own names, and which would consist of themselves plus session musicians.
Their debut album Shadow of the Moon was an instant success, particularly in Europe. In subsequent albums, particularly Fires at Midnight, there was an increased incorporation of rock guitar into the music, whilst maintaining a folk rock direction. Over time, Candice Night has increasingly participated instrumentally as well as singing the vocals, and is competent in a wide variety of Renaissance instruments.
The group performs at Renaissance Fairs and Renaissance Festivals, as well as in stand-alone concert tours in appropriate venues including 'castle tours' of Europe, where they perform in historic surroundings for an audience dressed largely in period costume. The band has been successful enough to inspire a tribute band called Renaissance Night.
[edit] Discography
Albums:
- Shadow of the Moon (1997)
- Under a Violet Moon (1999)
- Fires at Midnight (2001)
- Ghost of a Rose (2003)
- The Village Lanterne (2006)
- Winter Carols (2006)
Live Albums:
- Past Times with Good Company (2002)
Compilation Albums:
Live DVDs:
- Castles and Dreams (2005)
[edit] Band members
- Ritchie Blackmore - guitars, mandolin, domra
- Candice Night - vocals, horn, flute
- Bard David of larchmont - keyboards
- Sisters of the Moon: Lady Madeline and Lady Nancy (Madeline and Nancy Posner) - backing vocals
- Squire Malcolm of Lumley (Malcolm Dick) - drums
[edit] Former members
- Lord Marnen of Wolfhurst (Marnen Laibow-Koser) - violin, flute, recorder
- Chris Devine - violin, flute, guitar
- Carmine Giglio - keyboards
- Jessie Haynes - guitars and backing vocals
- Lady Rraine (Lorraine Ferro) - harmony vocals
- Mike Sorrentino - percussion
- Sir Robert of Normandie (Robert Curiano) - bass, guitars
- Tudor Rose (Tina Chancey) - violin, flute
- Mick Cervino - bassist
