New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Following her highly-successful spring and summer European tours, which drew more than 80,000 people, independent, self-managed Canadian artist Loreena McKennitt has announced her new album will be released November 1.
Live at The Royal Albert Hall was recorded during her March 13th performance at the prestigious 1871 British venue, as part of her spring tour. The two-disc release features all 20 songs from the concert, seven of which have never before been released as live tracks, including six from her latest album, Lost Souls, her first recording of original songs since 2006.The release will be available through McKennitt's online store and selected retailers worldwide, as well as through all streaming services.
"It was a wonderful experience to perform at The Royal Albert Hall with all the richness of its history at our feet. Too, it was gratifying to be able to invite some of the other musicians who performed on the Lost Souls to perform live with us and share in this unique event. I am happy it is captured for posterity," said McKennitt.
The release comes hot on the heels of the spring and summer legs of her Lost Souls Tour, which saw the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and musician performing 49 concerts in 13 European countries. Many of them took place in magnificent historic venues, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre in Athens, considered by many to be one of the best open-air theatres in the world.
Ironically, McKennitt had performed at The Royal Albert Hall back in 1993, opening for British musician-composer Mike Oldfield. But this time she was the main act and she brought in five special guest musicians to join her for the performance.
Also featured on the album are the late Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy, who sadly died on Sept. 11th; world-famous flamenco guitarist
Daniel Casares; Canadian musicians Ben Grossman on hurdy-gurdy, bodhran, accordion and percussion; and Ian Harper on Uilleann pipes, bombard, the Turkish clarinet, flutes and whistles. Spanish artist Ana Alcaide played the nyckelharpa. Loreena was also accompanied by her long-time musical companions
Brian Hughes on guitars, oud and Celtic bouzouki; Caroline Lavelle on cello; Hugh Marsh on violin; Dudley Philips on electric and double bass; and Robert Brian on drums and percussion.
The release of Live at The Royal Albert Hall coincides with the Canadian leg of the Lost Souls Tour, which begins late October and ends early November. The tour takes her to six cities in Quebec and Ontario.
It's been a busy year for McKennitt. Recent activities include appearing in the indie Canadian film Road to the Lemon Grove as 'the voice of god,' currently being screened in select Canadian theatres.
McKennitt's eclectic Celtic blend of pop, folk and world music has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Her recordings have achieved Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum status in 15 countries on four continents. She has twice been nominated for a Grammy® Award and has won two Juno Awards, as well as a Billboard International Achievement Award.
TOUR DATES
Oct 29 Québec Grand Théâtre
Oct 30 Montréal Place des Arts
Oct 31 Hamilton FirstOntario Concert Hall
Nov 1 Toronto Roy Thomson Hall
Nov 2 Ottawa
National Arts Centre
Nov 3 Sherbrooke Salle Maurice-O'Bready.
