i think phantas has a good point here -

my discovery of the mediaeval baebes came via listening to more authentic medieval music because of my passion for the 14th century , and to be honest it came as a breath of fresh air that seemed to bridge a gap from medieval to modern.

sometimes i am in the mood to listen to something really authentic but after a while it can get a bit monotonous and i yearn for something a bit funky. the baebes really hit this need. its like a compromise between authenticity and ultra modern.

i can remember listening to Undrentide for the first time and thinking "whoa whats this?!" but i put it on my iPod anyway and used to listen to it whilst walking to work and suddenly it became a favourite.
i find that some of the baebes albums can be a bit serious and you have to be in the mood to listen. so far with illumination the element of fun is really evident to my ears which was a feeling i had with undrentide.

im really glad this album is as it is- it shows that the Mediaeval Baebes are more than just a medieval band. what has always drawn me to the band has been their creativity to take a theme and make it their own, often reviving medieval poems in their own inspiring way creating beautiful melodies that are medievalesque not necessarilly authentic but beautiful none the less . illumination does this so well and i have said before encorporates elements of the medieval world that stretch further than europe. i think the new album is first rate and hopefully will appeal to a wider audience than those just hunting 100percent accurate medieval song.

So far I would have to agree with Simon -- my favorite album was Worlde's Blysse, back in 1997/98. It really introduced me to a new world, and that world was the sensibilities of the medieval mind. I loved the intense reflections on life and death, on God and the spirit, somehow all wrapped up in a magical package. In short, it was an album that made you think, weep and dance. Since then, I haven't found an album that was as intense for me, and I don't think it was just because Worlde's Blysse was my first! I am still waiting for more raw, earthy, heavenly, magical moments. Maybe it was the influence of Dorothy Carter. I find Illumination sort of Hollywoodized and and overly glossy. I will always be grateful to the Baebes for introducing me to medieval music, though, because now I sing it all the time and love it (in a womens medieval choir)! And I'm still trying to figure out what a song like "Miracle" is doing on a Baebe's album? It's so...Top of the Pops.

OK. It took me a while to clear my head after Simon's comment about fans "watching 6 dresses on a line". I couldn't stop thinking. If the dresses are on the line, I WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE GIRLS ARE!!

Sorry, I can be a bit "base" at times. Positively medieval.

As for Eastern. Both the far east and the middle east existed during the period between the 11th and 14th centuries. So, I guess if we're thinking Medieval English, maybe it's out of place. Still yet. The Cour De Leon spent a fair amount of time tromping through eastern lands and I'm sure he plucked a few desert roses amidst doing God's holy work (nudge, nudge).

It's an album, not a display at the Ashmolean. It only needs to be as authentically Medieval as the ladies care to make it.

Thankyou Mamagirl, I thought that I was the only one to feel this way. Your comment about 'Illumination' being Hollywoodised is spot on. I think a lot of new fans have only heard this album and don't realise what the Baebes used to sound like. Maybe I've not expressed the difference in styles as well as I could have done but it is there for everyone to hear. Also there is the euphoria of the Baebes being in the US. Kat once told me that the Americans love the Baebes for being so English, a bit like the way they love the Royal family. 'A bit of a no brainer, really', quote. When all of the dust has settled and this album is compared to the past albums then can a true judgement be made. For me though, give me the more punchy, gritty Medieval past and leave the eastern/oriental influences behind.
Can I also recommend 'LYONNESSE' by Emily's CELTIC LEGEND, surely the best album ever made!!

.......Where words failed, sign language, gestures & music helped. Musical talent was often useful in the search for food & lodging along the way, & was offered as thanks, as a symbol of gratitude & honour......... This is one of the ways that travellers came into contact with unknown & exotic musical practices. About a century after the founding of Islam, Sufism was developed, spawning a new epoch of the classical Arabic school. The Sufi & Dervish orders believe that only those who understand "how to hear music" can experience higher truth through spiritual ecstasy.

i think its good of the baebes to try a new approach to their music - after producing many albums which have the same generic theme many artists produce something not typically attributed to them - Illumination is different yet retains a lot of the soul and essence of what the baebes are. the band has changed so much over the years - why then should the music not change too??? im embracing this new angle and if it continues to their next album then great - if not and they return to their more classic style fine too.
the thing i find about the baebes is that it doesnt matter what album im listening to i end up identifiying with it in some way. illumination is no different for me it just holds a different place in my musical taste to their other albums.

- i play medieval music as part of my living history group , i sing play rebec fiddle and hurdy gurdy (i tried the psaltery but was crap!!) and although we play authentic melodies as part of the shows but i love to jazz things up and play around a bit with the theme - its what makes music fun - the rules are there to be broken and played around with.

as for being hollywoodized (if that is a real term?!) i do agree to a point - as in i could see Illumination as a soundtrack to a medieval movie that is not overly accurate but a hell of a lot of fun - just like the album!!

OUCH! You've hurt my simple minded provincial American feelings.

Just to be clear - one thing I do NOT mind is the "eastern" influences - they were in fact typically (european) medieval as a result of the Crusades, (just as African influences pervade, and are indeed the source of, modern rock, jazz and blues in the States). What I mind about this album is the commercialization of the music. Methinks that some of the new Baebes don't understand medieval music well? That said, I have to say Bev Lee is absolutely brilliant musically, also her contributions to the album are the most thought provoking and musically complex.

I agree that Bev is superb. The Undivided is wonderful but I really don't like The Blacksmiths. I do recognise the bravery in creating such an interesting song and the musical talent to sing such complexity.
As for the comercialisation of the music, I think the Baebes had a unique niche in the market with the sound of there early albums, possibly with the new more poppy sound that has deteriorated. This might be an attempt to appeal to a more mass audience. I think that it is akin to selling out to the devil and saddens me immensely.

for me it's a question of natural progression as some of you have said. Illumination doesn't shock me cuz I was kinda expecting it to be another leap forward in many ways. I remember hearing Miribilis for the first time & being a bit shocked how different it was to the previous albums.
I'm a big fan of all the Baebes albums, Salva' is georgous & where it would be nice to hear the girls do another album in a similar style, i fear many would then say 'same old, same old, nothing new!'
In my opinion every Baebes album has been different & I love each one.

Blessings Hawthorn x

Ok kids.. Here are my thoughts..

Now, please remember that in the world of the Baebes, I've only heard their most recent stuff, so take what I say with a grain of salt..

With any musical group, there is usually a tend toward progression. The music, however rooted in history, must evolve, if for no other reason than to keep the artists interested in their own output.

Other examples of this include the recent, most excellent effort put forth by Keane as well as the ever evolving of my beloved Marillion.. For the song to remain the same, for a true artist, equates to stagnation...

Yes, mediaeval music, from a historical perpective may sound similar, but for the Baebes not to experiment with different sounds (hence the Middle Eastern flair) would drab and boring.. Look at AC/DC's latest CD... It's been 8 some years since their last new issue, and the sound hasn't changed.. While it's good 'ol AC/DC, it's boring...

I love the upgrade in production values, textures and experimental qualities on this new CD and really haven't found any faults with it...

It's good solid music that is pleasing to my ears.. And when you boil it all down, that's really all that matters...

Cheers ladies!!!

Ok its time for my review, i apologise for the lateness, I spent all last week on hol in the Forest of Dean, quite a nice place to listen to the album.

My lovely little copy is called Number 0085, and has so far led a happy start to its life by being played countless times.
To the packaging, and I must say, its a very polished cover, and very beautiful, the baebes all adapting a different pose, Strong Pom, Wistful Kat, Dreamy Bev, Inviting Rabbitt, Slight Naughtiness Esther and Princess Leia Emily.

The inside is also lovely, the Baebes have never really been afraid to shed their clothing in the name of art and this time is no different, Claire in particular has impressive assets, not my cup of tea, but I imagine they'd make a good pillow.

Onto the music, now i'd say if you loved the live version of All For Love Of One, then you'll love this album, its chock full of percussion laden songs, in fact whereas i'd call 'Salva Nos' the quiet album, 'Illumination' is definatley the drum album.

1. Desert Rose : A fantastic start to the album, the beats and eastern sounding music make this reminiscent of something Loreena Mckennitt might attempt, I can see this one becoming popular at gigs.

2. Suscipe Flos Florem : After the energetic start of Desert rose, we take a slight chill, this is sounds more like their previous work. I must admit its taking its time getting into my head, not a stand out track for me.

3. The Blacksmiths : Fantastic song, so far my favourite, Bev has a voice similar in style to Emillian Torrini, who sang the Song for Gollum at the end of The Two Towers LOTR film. Also the first 30 seconds and the last 30 seconds sound completely different, you would be forgiven for thinking they are two different songs.

4. To The One : Another song that hasn't jumped out at me, maybe i'm just the happy energetic song sort of person. Sounds like something you'd find on The Rose.

5. Miracle : Another fave of mine, I can't wait to see the Vid. Melpomeni has a very addictive voice, very rich and deep, I could listen to her all day. Another song with a drum beat. I'm so thrilled the Baebes are focusing on percussion, it really gives the song a drive.

6. I Sing Of a Maiden : Very mediaeval sounding, I could imagine this as part of a score on a medieval type film like A Knights tale, something not at all true to form, but good entertainment, I picture them singing this in a tavern. Rabbitt pouting like a trout in a bad mood.

7. The Undivided: Yet another gem on this album, it has a quality not unlike The Snake from 'The Rose', might be the plink-plunk of the music or the violins. Once again Bev's unique voice lends some gravity to the song, why hasn't this girl got a full length album out?

8. Ecce Chorus Virginum: Once again, this doesn't speak to me, but its pleasant to listen to, sounds like something from 'Mirabilis' possibly Return Of The Birds'

9. Mad Song: Ooh, I love this song, my fave after Blacksmiths. It has a Tim Burton quality to it, I think it would fit into one of his films perfectly, possibly something with a wintry, snowy feel.
Kudos to Esther, she has an absolutely stunning range, another girl who should have her own album, move over Katherine Jenkins.

10.My Lady Sleeps : My one major gripe of the album, why have this song again when it just appeared on the last album? I wouldn't mind if it was completley different, like Salva Nos or L'Amour de Moi, but its almost a carbon copy. luckily I do love this song so I don't mind hearing it again, but you get me, right?

11. Yonder Lea : I must admit when this song started, I thought I was listening to I Sing Of a Maiden again, they have very similar beginnings. Luckily the Song goes on to be something different, a good thumping song that rampages at a nice pace. I also like that each Baebe seems to get a chance, in fact thats what i've liked about the whole album, each Baebe gets a chance in the spotlight. At the gigs, I get the feeling we'll have to shout 'Hey' at the end of each verse with gusto!!

12. Till A' the Seas Gang Dry : Right i'm definatley seeing a pattern, for some reason, this time around, the slower paced songs are really not speaking to me, they are pleasant enough to listen to but just not grabbing me. Maybe its the mood i'm in, maybe I have to feel a bit forlorn to understand the songs a bit more. This song is pretty, Kat sounds lovely as always.

13. Sunrise: Another song that belongs in a film score, maybe after the success of The Virgin Queen, the Baebes are on the lookout for a film to put there music too? Emily takes charge on this barnstormer, defintaley spirit rousing, you could almost run out into the street and wage war on whoever stands in your way, just from listening to this song.
Another drinking song methinks?

14. La Belle Dame Sans Merci : Esther and her gorgeous voice are back for this slower paced song, and what do you know? I actually like this one a lot more than the other slower paced songs. Then again, I think Esther has a very dreamy quality to her voice which lends itself well to this sort of song, especailly followed by the almost choral sound of the combined Baebes as it reaches the chorus. Reminds me very slightly of Enya's Marble Halls.

15. Swete Jhesu, King Of Blisse : Sounds like something lifted straight from 'Salva Nos' or 'Worldes Blysse', a very quiet and peaceful song, and I believe the first song on the album without instrumentation.

16. Myrie Songen : A song sung in a short round, its a nice closer to the album, as traditionally the albums close with a more slower paced song. I was surprised to see this being performed at the gigs, being a bonus track, I thought it would forgotten about. But the best thing about it? The return of the Hurdy Gurdy, I love Becki!!!


So in closing, I think its a definite step forward from Mirabilis, the production and vocals are almost perfect. I love that each Baebe gets a chance to shine, with the fewest members on an album so far, its a lot easier to put voice to face. Each has a distinctive vocal which they bring to the song, I can't wait until Gloucester to hear them all.
Its a shame there is no Instrumentals this time around, I get the feeling after the very brief Cittern Segue on Mirabilis, they are slowly phasing them out and relying on Cantiga or La Volta on the live gigs. But all in all, its a fantastic album, well worth the wait.

Dear Sprite, I enjoyed reading your positive review. It is clear that you have some favourites. I must disagree with your appraisal of Ecce Chorus Virginum. I find it a delight and a proper Baebes song. Sunrise Is my favourite and I'm glad its so popular. Yonder Lea is also in keeping with the past, which pleases me. Also my lady sleeps? I agree why? I hope you will come and say hello to me in Gloucester if all goes to plan and I get there.

After mulling it over, I realize that if I had never heard of the Baebes before, and Illumination was my first Baebes experience, I would like (most) of it. But I do think they should either consider changing their name, (to 18th century baebes?) or take a few minutes and look into what medieval music is all about. Because it does sort of seem to me that some of the members haven't really even tried? Or Kat doesn't care about that anymore? I do like Jhesu King of Blysse, but the harmonies aren't really medieval. It only takes less than 5 minutes on Google to discover that they mostly used parallel 4th and 5ths during that time period.
And Simon, after hearing what you have to say, I'm surprised to hear you like "Sunrise"! It is a bouncy, enjoyable song, but in my mind it's firmly on the "new, slick, non-medieval" side of the fence!!
I know most fans evidently don't care about this sort of musical scholarship, but I guess I am grieving because the Baebes were my only source into the magic of the medieval world (like, it's between them and the Hilliard Ensemble and God spare us from counter tenors).
Does anyone know where else I can turn in my hour of need?

The Baebes have never professed to be authentically medieval, even when they were singing the more stripped down material of Salva Nos and Worldes Blysse. The girls are about the spirit of the age, the romance, the dressing up, the fantasy. Fantasy is a huge element for them in what they try to create. They aren't trying to recreate the exact sounds and lyrics of medieval England - that's why they use more modern poetry and instrumentation. The band essentially uses poetry that fits with the fantasy ethos of medieval sotry-telling and fuses it with modern sensibilities. The modern aspect has always been a big part and not just present in the fact that the women that sing in the band are thoroughly modern themselves, it's in the music and the whole approach as well.

As for the comments about the new members I think they do get the medieval aspect. Part of medieval poetry is the alliterative, guttural sounds and flat vowel pronunciation and I think by and large Bev has accomplished this on Blacksmiths. It's not pronounced entirely correctly true, but then that's not the point, it's about taking elements and subverting them. Considering Esther wrote Swete Jhesu, one of the most medieval tracks you can hardly say she doesn't get it. The most non-medieval tracks are the ones written by Emily as they're in Modern English but they do appear to be instant favourites with alot of people, and as one of the longest serving current members you can hardly call her new. Commercial the album may be but it's certainly filled with a good deal better musicianship, originality, interest and talent than many classical crossover acts. It's time for the band to make some goddamn money people, you can hardly blame them for pursuing this direction after twelve years and no cash.