Port of Embarkation

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Aeolian May combines stirring melodies and lyrics atop a fusion of alternative indie rock, pop and a touch of new age with piano, guitar, sonic textures and percussion. With Aeolian May's first self-produced, self-recorded (and self-released) album you'll embark on a journey of love, redemption, hope, despair and reflection to often mythical, distant or future worlds.

Songwriter and producer James Durham combines the ethereal and moving vocal performance of Danan Healy with the lyrical guitar of Matt Ellison along with synth, piano and string soundscapes that evoke the imagery and messages of a multitude of themes with passion, thoughtfulness, and sometimes a bit of light-hearted adventure and sarcasm.

The angelic yet earthy, hauntingly beautiful voice of Danan Healy singing to James Durham's soulful lyrics is at times reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan, with a twist of Suzanne Vega and Loreena McKennitt. You can occasionally hear overtones of the purity of Olivia Newton John's voice (gasp!) but with a completely different style. Recorded on a (literally) shoestring budget in conditions that would make a big studio laugh, this collection of songs hints at great things to come from this talented musical team. Saturated with profound messages, then complimented by the right balance of airy upbeat sound, this album is sure to be an independent classic.

James Durham - Songwriter/Producer/Various Instruments
Danan Healy - Singer/Songwriter
Matt Ellison - Lead Guitar
Damien - Additional Guitar

Port of Embarkation, Music, Aeolian May, Stirring melodies and lyrics atop a fusion of alternative indie rock, pop and a touch of new age with piano, guitar, sonic textures and percussion that will take you on an unforgettable journey of love, redemption, hope, despair and reflection.

Average customer rating:

Fresh New Talent

"...one of those rare timeless albums..."

Port of Excellence

Transported to another time and place, think I'll stay

Wow what an album!!!

Port of Embarkation
Aeolian May
Manufacturer: James Durham
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00014DGR4
Release Date: 2003-12-01

Alexandria
Revolution
Lost Cause
Go Away
Virtual Woman
Remains of the Day
Port of Embarkation
Way Down South
Hotel Room
Blue Sky
Shipwrecked Eyes

Album Description

Aeolian May combines stirring melodies and lyrics atop a fusion of alternative indie rock, pop and a touch of new age with piano, guitar, sonic textures and percussion. With Aeolian May's first self-produced, self-recorded (and self-released) album you'll embark on a journey of love, redemption, hope, despair and reflection to often mythical, distant or future worlds.

Songwriter and producer James Durham combines the ethereal and moving vocal performance of Danan Healy with the lyrical guitar of Matt Ellison along with synth, piano and string soundscapes that evoke the imagery and messages of a multitude of themes with passion, thoughtfulness, and sometimes a bit of light-hearted adventure and sarcasm.

The angelic yet earthy, hauntingly beautiful voice of Danan Healy singing to James Durham's soulful lyrics is at times reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan, with a twist of Suzanne Vega and Loreena McKennitt. You can occasionally hear overtones of the purity of Olivia Newton John's voice (gasp!) but with a completely different style. Recorded on a (literally) shoestring budget in conditions that would make a big studio laugh, this collection of songs hints at great things to come from this talented musical team. Saturated with profound messages, then complimented by the right balance of airy upbeat sound, this album is sure to be an independent classic.

James Durham - Songwriter/Producer/Various Instruments
Danan Healy - Singer/Songwriter
Matt Ellison - Lead Guitar
Damien - Additional Guitar

Customer Reviews:

Fresh New Talent.......2004-06-04

I've had this CD for several weeks and just love it. Dana Healy demonstrates a wide vocal range in both sound and style. The music is fantastic using a broad range of instruments and styles. Aeolian May takes some musical risks and it's refreshing to hear.

Favorite Tracks:
11. Shipwrecked Eyes -
8. Way Down South -
3. Lost Cause -
9. Hotel Room -

I recommend this CD!

"...one of those rare timeless albums...".......2004-05-07

James Durham, Matt Ellison, Danan Healy and additional guitarist just known as Damien created one of those rare timeless albums that appear only once in a while. Danan's extraordinary voice is reminiscent to super star millionaire vocalists such as Sarah McLachlan and Amy Lee of Evanescence. James' production and mastering skills remind me of Brian Eno's work on U2's 'Joshua Tree' and his composing and writing skills are second to none. Matt brings very interesting and unique sounds from his beautifully played guitar. His rhythm guitar is right on. Although Damien played on only one track, his softly mixed guitar on 'Port of Embarkation' is perfectly matched to the rhythm of the song and makes this title track a true radio-friendly hit. 'Port of Embarkation,' in my opinion, would make a great single. Aeolian May and it's four very talented musicians make this album take you away into a peaceful, dynamic, energetic, eclectic, raw and powerful, beautiful world. Order this album, turn off the lights, light some candles and incense and enjoy.

Port of Excellence.......2004-04-06

An excellent group of songs made by great musicians that I've seen many times in person. Great for entertaining or the ride to work. Matt Ellison's fretwork is outrageously delicious and I can't wait for his next work. Buy for all your friends and get ready for the major label debut, well one can hope.

Transported to another time and place, think I'll stay.......2004-02-10

This CD was recommended by a friend who said, "It's fabulous for just letting go and setting sail on the musical tides." So I lit some candles, covered a glowing charcoal brickette with my favorite incense and let myself float with the cascading vocals of Danan Healy...ensconsed snuggly within the illusions conjured by the beautifully crafted words of James Durham... while the knowing and sensitive guitar of Matt Ellison propelled us along this journey to the zenith of my mind. And as the final strains of "Shipwrecked Eyes" faded into the mist of my sensual consciousness, I knew that I was in a place I wanted to return to often...and I knew Aeolian May's "Port of Embarkation" could always take me there.

Wow what an album!!!.......2004-01-06

I first saw Danan Healy perform in a small club in North Carolina and have been a fan ever since! She is an amazing performer whose voice captivates from the very first note. Port of Embarkation is an wonderful album! Danan's gutsy emotional voice shines through each one of songwriter James Durham's beautifully crafted songs! Higlights for me are Blue Sky, Virtual Woman, and Hotel Room. This duo obviously has something to say and I eagerly look forward to future projects!

Music:

Music

Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Enoch Arden: A Melodrama Set to Music

A Fine Day...and a Brilliant Evening: Cherry Red Rarities 1983-1985 [Enhanced]

20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Temptations (Millennium Collection) [Original recording remastered]

American Wind Music

10 All Time Greatest Hits

100 Por Carlos Gardel [Enhanced] [Import]

2½ Years [Box set]

A Call To Beauty

2X5 [CD-single] [Import]

Blues, Blues Christmas: 1925-1955

Pop Music pop-music-11