Three ancient blessings included here make this recording very worthwhile and recommended. The beautiful Blessing of the Elements is attributed to St. Patrick... or is that perhaps St. Patricia? Blessing of the Guardian Angel and Blessing for Setting Forth are ancient Celtic blessings; the latter, which is suitable for any journey, whether geographic or spiritual, is especially haunting, healing, timeless and gorgeous.

'...Celeste is a songsmith and a habitue of that warm-spirited area where folk, world music--with a leaning toward Celtic--and traces of jazz meet.

'The most intriguing instrumental track, and also the least typical, is Blessing of the Elements/E-Jam, a happy marriage of folk and Middle Eastern sounds. Here, Howard sings a melody with an Indian flavor. In the E-Jam section, she plays an undulant theme on the harmonium atop an exotic rhythmic patchwork.

'One of Howard's distinctive calling cards is her skill with the relatively obscure bowed psaltery. Listen to the odd alluring character of traditional tunes, Ten Penny Bit, Monk's Jig, Southwind Air, and Erin Shore. Things get more interesting as the CD progresses and eclecticism emerges. Her voice is a warm and pleasant instrument...the sound is at once fresh and otherworldly.'

--Los Angeles Times 2000