Review of Bill Leslie’s New Album: Celtic Peace

Celtic history, tradition, and music often enchant the people of the world, and you will find a lot of admirers of the beauty spread across the globe. Not simply for tourism, the lands are famous for various ancient civilization aspects. Bill Leslie, an anchor and a presenter on WRAL-TV, is looking to release his new album, dedicated to his tryst with Ireland and Scotland, honoring and treasuring his roots and connection.

Armed with his love and passion for music, he offers melodies that reminisce of his trips to these lands and also the inspiration that he got therefrom. With a great ensemble, it sounds like a suiting tribute and offering, as the whole world wrestles with the pandemic!

Album Name: Celtic Peace

Artist Name: Bill Leslie

Total Time: 43:26

There are twelve songs on the album, with most of them around three minutes long while a couple of them exceed five minutes too.

“Iona” takes you straight to the shores of Celtic culture…whistles, flutes, and the violin…the intention and the vision are set forthwith. The invitation is to leave the burden away and join the sonic waves that carry you like a feather. The tempo of the song changes mid-way and becomes a bit peppy. Towards the end, the flute and the guitar make the song very soothing. Dedicated to the peaceful and old village of the same name, the song is a real treat if you like peaceful music. It is also the longest track of the album.

Dedicated to the highest peak in the British Isles, “Ben Nevis”, opens up majestically with haunting melodies to follow. There is a mysterious tinge in the sound, a bit somber in the beginning but picks up in the middle and assumes a more cheerful mood.

“Grace in Stone” is a beautiful piece starting with the piano and oboe before the violin pitches in. This melody is dedicated to Bill’s ancestors. Moving with a steady pace, the song allows you to meditate and reflect on your life.

The title track, “Celtic Peace”, begins on a deep note of the violin with the guitar and flute making it a melody to lean your head on the chair and let go of all that holds you back. Let this ensemble of instruments take you on a Celtic journey that unburdens you.

“Golden Eagle” brings more ambient sounds to you along with the other instruments that have played on this album. The theme of the song is flight, and you can imagine yourself spreading your wings while the soft gushes of the wind touch you. Liked its symphony effect!

The magic is woven by the piano and the whistles in “Planxty Irwin”, which happens to be a traditional Irish melody. The tempo of the song allows you to relax, and quieten the mind.

Named after another village, “Glencoe” is another thematic song that takes you on a voyage allowing you to imagine and marvel at the beauty of your inner self. After the first song, you will again hear the drums in this one. Unlike the other demure and laid-back melodies, it seems to have a certain grandness in its appeal.

“Easter in Edinburgh” is a hymn dedicated to the St Giles’ Cathedral. Bill has performed, since his childhood, in churches, choirs, and it feels like a fitting tribute to his experience and the historical richness of Scotland. It happens to be the smallest song on the album.

Once again, touching the tradition and roots of the country, “Foggy Dew” serves you an old ballad from the Irish lands. Its freshness and sensitivity are amazing–felt like hitting all the right notes. Definitely, my favorite of the album!

“Scottish Lullaby” is dedicated to the granddaughters of Bill. Gives a lot of perspective as to how this whole album is a very thought-after product, a touching amalgamation of the past, present, and future of his life. He has tried to cherish everything that he has in life through these melodic gestures.

Once again, inspired by the geographical regions, “Storm on The Burren” celebrates the unique beauty of the place in Ireland.

The stillness, the gap between the notes in “Skara Brae” is mesmerizing and very moving. Feels like the time itself moves slowly here, true to the nature and the uniqueness of this ancient place. A fitting closure to the offering that takes you on a journey, enjoying the rich past and natural bounty of Ireland and Scotland. Feels like the duration of this song could have been more, as there’s a strange pull in it, and you don’t want it to end so soon!

A time, like that the world saw last year, makes one think about one’s past, present, and future, and all that has transpired in one’s life. To celebrate it like Bill did, takes real inner peace and satisfaction. It shows how relaxed and at peace he is with himself, and his thoughts have blossomed into these beautiful melodies, which share their fragrance with the listeners too.

The album helps you to disarm your mind from the fear and anxiety that builds from the cacophonous news, the blaring sirens, and the continuous barrage of updates through mobile devices.

Let it bring you peace from the Celtic lands.