In theme with her previous releases from Earth Day 2017 (I Am (Song of the Earth) and World Oceans Day 2019 (Come Back), the epic electro orchestral concept album by Catherine Meeson, entitled “The Call of Oma”, was released on 11th December on World Mountains Day to highlight the environmental ethos of the album and its core message to look after what we’ve got, and rise to protect all life on Earth. The album’s press notes clearly lays out its intent right from the beginning: “Referencing global mythologies, archaeological findings and earth sciences, Catherine weaves a fantastical tale about deep time through Oma the Ancient clan mother, the tale’s endearing central character. Oma bares a prophetic and timely warning of what may come again. She calls us to be ‘Guardians of the Earth, flowers of our ancestral tree’.”
Lush, gorgeous, colorful, moving, inspiring, and empowering would be only be a few of the many adjectives that would still not describe the full wonders of this recording. There is no doubt that “The Call of Oma” is Catherine Meeson’s best, most complete musical statement so far.
It prompts a feeling of wanting to stay indoors in the comfort of your abode and reflect on the mysteries of the world. Equally as moving as the music, is the lyrical and vocal content, all wrapped up in pure poetry. Catherine’s music is not like a lot of so called stars today, she is quite a unique individual with an amazing voice.
Her sound ranges from classic orchestrations to epically sung moods, and spoken poetry set to wonderful music, flavored by electro, ambient and cinematic soundscapes. But what makes this recording even more incredible is that Catherine Meeson has composed all the music and written all the lyrics.
Like her alter ego throughout the album, Oma, Catherine seems to come from a different time and age, with a personal view to a rich tapestry of prophetic imagery. She has the musical talent to illuminate her songs with impactful meaning; the artistic maturity to create original works within a complex genre, and the intelligence to market herself and her vision with class.
Musically, lyrically and technically “The Call of Oma” works perfectly well in presenting the artist at her best. As soon as the album opens with the title track, you will quickly become engrossed with her cultured and tasteful musical excursions. Within the framework of her inspirations, Catherine Meeson utilizes, among other things, her considerable erudition as the impetus for her craft.
Unlike most musicians, there is truly a profound story and message behind each and every one of her songs here. She introduces a fusion of diverse musical and styles into her art. Hers is the music and words of what could be our ancestors – the deeds, loves, sorrows and joys of living on this planet, carried on the wings of divine music.
Track after track, the rich, multi-layered music she composes in the background is what really makes this album brilliant. Not that her voice by itself isn’t lovely. To point out one, or a number of single tracks, as the best, is foolish, within a body of work such as this.
How do choose the best, among the stars in the sky? All the songs are startlingly, eye-popping, jaw-dropping good, especially if you admire cinematic-like productions. For me, “The Call of Oma” evokes plenty of sentiment, it is comparable to watching a powerfully emotional movie – it reaches and touches you. Whereas the brilliance and beauty of Enya is ethereal, airy, and superficial; Catherine Meeson is darker, stronger and more extreme. She is truly a masterful artist.
For all interested fans, the booklet telling the story of the whole album (narration and lyrics) is only available directly from the artist’s website or from Bandcamp.
Check out the videos from the album featuring Oma the Ancient clan mother
The Call of Oma- https://youtu.be/UR6DM2OOfiE
Come Back – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZlEXT8WEfc
I Am (Song of The Earth)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcENfQaSEQ4
THE CALL OF OMA ALBUM LAUNCH @ Lentil as Anything High St Thornbury Saturday 11th January 2020.
Link https://www.facebook.com/events/2483701411875013/
Bookings https://www.trybooking.com/569951
Website http://www.catherinemeeson.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinemeesonmusic/
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