Blackmore's Night
Encyclopedia
Blackmore's Night is an English-American traditional folk rock
duo led by Ritchie Blackmore
(acoustic
and electric guitar
) and Candice Night
(lead vocals, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist).
rock music radio station, she was once Rainbow fan so first encountered Blackmore to ask him for an autograph. The two started living together in 1991. Both shared a passionate interest in Renaissance music
.
During the reformed Rainbow
's recording the album Stranger in Us All
in 1995, on which Night contributed some of the lyrics and backing harmony vocals, the duo were already gearing up their debut album. Night's personality and singing ability made her the natural choice as frontwoman. In 1997 the project started as being a pun
of their own names, which would consist of themselves plus session musicians.
was a musical success. In subsequent albums, particularly Fires at Midnight
, there was an increased incorporation of rock guitar into the music, whilst maintaining a folk rock direction. Over time, Night has increasingly participated instrumentally as well as singing the vocals, and is competent in a wide variety of Renaissance instruments.
The group performs at Renaissance fair
s and Renaissance Festivals, as well as in stand-alone concert tours in appropriate venues including 'castle tours' of Europe
, where they perform in historic surroundings for an audience dressed largely in period costume. The duo has been successful enough to inspire a number of international tribute bands including: Renaissance Night, the Italian Morning Star and the Midnight.
They have also performed the music for MagiQuest
, a live simulation game located internationally.
on Helloween
's "Light the Universe", which was released as a single in certain countries and is available on their album Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy, released in the same year.
On June 27, 2008, the duo released its seventh studio album called Secret Voyage
, a mix of medieval-sounding tracks and some contemporary ones. In addition to some covers of some traditional folk music (“Locked Within the Crystal Ball" is from the fourteenth century) and some originals, Blackmore’s Night also performed a cover of a Rainbow
song (“Rainbow Eyes”) and a cover ("Can't Help Falling in Love
").
On October 5, 2008, Night and Blackmore were married after 19 years together. This is the fourth marriage for Blackmore.
Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore was born on May 27, 2010. A new album titled Autumn Sky
was released soon afterwards.
Folk rock
Folk rock is a musical genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the UK around the mid-1960s...
duo led by Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore
Richard Hugh "Ritchie" Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter, who was known as one of the first guitarists to fuse Classical music elements with rock. He fronted his own band Rainbow after leaving Deep Purple where he was unhappy because his favourite musical style wasn't adequately...
(acoustic
Steel-string acoustic guitar
A steel-string acoustic guitar is a modern form of guitar descended from the classical guitar, but strung with steel strings for a brighter, louder sound...
and electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
) and Candice Night
Candice Night
Candice Night is an American vocalist/songwriter and the musical partner of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. She is the lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and lyricist for the traditional folk rock project, Blackmore's Night since its origins in 1997.-Biography:Born in Hauppauge, Long Island, New...
(lead vocals, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist).
Early
When Night was working at a local New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
rock music radio station, she was once Rainbow fan so first encountered Blackmore to ask him for an autograph. The two started living together in 1991. Both shared a passionate interest in Renaissance music
Renaissance music
Renaissance music is European music written during the Renaissance. Defining the beginning of the musical era is difficult, given that its defining characteristics were adopted only gradually; musicologists have placed its beginnings from as early as 1300 to as late as the 1470s.Literally meaning...
.
During the reformed Rainbow
Rainbow (band)
Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
's recording the album Stranger in Us All
Stranger in Us All
Stranger in Us All is a 1995 album by the reformed Rainbow. Ritchie Blackmore put together a new version of Rainbow with little-known musicians in 1994. It was originally intended to be his solo album, but due to the label BMG pressures, the record was billed as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow...
in 1995, on which Night contributed some of the lyrics and backing harmony vocals, the duo were already gearing up their debut album. Night's personality and singing ability made her the natural choice as frontwoman. In 1997 the project started as being a pun
Pun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
of their own names, which would consist of themselves plus session musicians.
1997 to 2005
Their debut album Shadow of the MoonShadow of the Moon
Shadow of the Moon, released in 1997 on Edel Music, is the first album by musical group Blackmore's Night. It stayed on the German charts for 17 weeks.-Track listing:#"Shadow of the Moon" – 5:06...
was a musical success. In subsequent albums, particularly Fires at Midnight
Fires at Midnight
Fires at Midnight is a Blackmore's Night's third studio album released on July 10, 2001 through SPV/Steamhammer. In comparison with their previous two releases, there are more electric guitar parts on this album, whilst maintaining a folk rock direction...
, there was an increased incorporation of rock guitar into the music, whilst maintaining a folk rock direction. Over time, Night has increasingly participated instrumentally as well as singing the vocals, and is competent in a wide variety of Renaissance instruments.
The group performs at Renaissance fair
Renaissance Fair
A Renaissance fair, Renaissance faire, or Renaissance festival is an outdoor weekend gathering, usually held in the United States, open to the public and typically commercial in nature, which emulates a historic period for the amusement of its guests. Some are permanent theme parks, others are...
s and Renaissance Festivals, as well as in stand-alone concert tours in appropriate venues including 'castle tours' of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, where they perform in historic surroundings for an audience dressed largely in period costume. The duo has been successful enough to inspire a number of international tribute bands including: Renaissance Night, the Italian Morning Star and the Midnight.
They have also performed the music for MagiQuest
Magiquest
MagiQuest is a live action role-playing game in which players take the role of magic users. Players, called Magi in the game, use an infra-red emitting wand to interact with objects. These objects are usually scattered throughout the place. By waving and pointing the wand at an object, a player...
, a live simulation game located internationally.
2006-present
In 2006, Night performed a duet with Andi DerisAndi Deris
Andreas "Andi" Deris is the vocalist and the main songwriter for power metal band Helloween, and co-founder and former lead singer of German melodic metal band Pink Cream 69...
on Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
's "Light the Universe", which was released as a single in certain countries and is available on their album Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy, released in the same year.
On June 27, 2008, the duo released its seventh studio album called Secret Voyage
Secret Voyage
Secret Voyage is the seventh studio album by the band Blackmore's Night. According to a SPV press release, Secret Voyage is another kaleidoscopic musical journey through time and space, incorporating and rearranging traditional melodies from all over Europe, blending the "old" and contemporary...
, a mix of medieval-sounding tracks and some contemporary ones. In addition to some covers of some traditional folk music (“Locked Within the Crystal Ball" is from the fourteenth century) and some originals, Blackmore’s Night also performed a cover of a Rainbow
Rainbow (band)
Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
song (“Rainbow Eyes”) and a cover ("Can't Help Falling in Love
Can't Help Falling in Love
"Can't Help Falling in Love" is a pop song originally recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The melody was based on "Plaisir d'Amour" but with a different...
").
On October 5, 2008, Night and Blackmore were married after 19 years together. This is the fourth marriage for Blackmore.
Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore was born on May 27, 2010. A new album titled Autumn Sky
Autumn Sky
Autumn Sky is the eighth album by musical group Blackmore's Night and is dedicated to their daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore who was born on May 27, 2010. It was released on September 3, 2010 in Europe and on January 18, 2011 in USA...
was released soon afterwards.
Discography
- Shadow of the MoonShadow of the MoonShadow of the Moon, released in 1997 on Edel Music, is the first album by musical group Blackmore's Night. It stayed on the German charts for 17 weeks.-Track listing:#"Shadow of the Moon" – 5:06...
(1997) - Under a Violet MoonUnder a Violet MoonUnder a Violet Moon is a Blackmore's Night's second album released in May 25, 1999 through Edel Music. Under a Violet Moon won the New Age Voice award for the best vocal album of the year.-Track listing:...
(1999) - Fires at MidnightFires at MidnightFires at Midnight is a Blackmore's Night's third studio album released on July 10, 2001 through SPV/Steamhammer. In comparison with their previous two releases, there are more electric guitar parts on this album, whilst maintaining a folk rock direction...
(2001) - Ghost of a RoseGhost of a RoseGhost of a Rose is an album released in 2003 by Blackmore's Night, released through SPV/Steamhammer Records.In 2004 the album went Gold in the Czech Republic.-Track listing:Songs written by Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night, except where noted....
(2003) - The Village LanterneThe Village LanterneThe Village Lanterne is a fifth studio album by the renaissance rock band Blackmore's Night, released on Steamhammer US on 4 April 2006. It featured the single "Just Call My Name ".In 2006 the album went Gold in Russia...
(2006) - Winter CarolsWinter CarolsWinter Carols is a studio album by the American & UK folk rock band Blackmore's Night. This Christmas-inspired album was released in the United Kingdom in October, 2006 and in the United States on November 7, 2006...
(2006) - Christmas-themed cover album - Secret VoyageSecret VoyageSecret Voyage is the seventh studio album by the band Blackmore's Night. According to a SPV press release, Secret Voyage is another kaleidoscopic musical journey through time and space, incorporating and rearranging traditional melodies from all over Europe, blending the "old" and contemporary...
(2008) - Autumn SkyAutumn SkyAutumn Sky is the eighth album by musical group Blackmore's Night and is dedicated to their daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore who was born on May 27, 2010. It was released on September 3, 2010 in Europe and on January 18, 2011 in USA...
(2010)
Core members
- Ritchie BlackmoreRitchie BlackmoreRichard Hugh "Ritchie" Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter, who was known as one of the first guitarists to fuse Classical music elements with rock. He fronted his own band Rainbow after leaving Deep Purple where he was unhappy because his favourite musical style wasn't adequately...
- guitars, mandolin, domra, hurdy gurdy - Candice NightCandice NightCandice Night is an American vocalist/songwriter and the musical partner of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. She is the lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and lyricist for the traditional folk rock project, Blackmore's Night since its origins in 1997.-Biography:Born in Hauppauge, Long Island, New...
- vocals, chanter, cornamuse, shawm, rauschpfeife, tambourine
Current backing musicians
- Bard David of Larchmont (David Baranowski) - keyboards (May 2003 – Present)
- Squire Malcolm of Lumley (Malcolm DickMalcolm DickMalcolm Dick, a.k.a Squire Malcolm of Lumley, is an English rock drummer and classical percussionist. Dick is from County Durham, England. Currently resides in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear....
) - drums, percussionist (Aug 2001–Present) - Gypsy Rose (Elizabeth Cary) - Violin (Oct 2007–Present)
- Earl Grey of Chamay (Mike Clemente) - Bass, mandolin and rhythm guitar (Apr 2008–Present)
Former backing musicians
- Sisters of the Moon: Lady Madeline and Lady Nancy (Madeline and Nancy Posner) - backing vocals (Jul 2002- 2007)
- Lord Marnen of Wolfhurst (Marnen Laibow-Koser) - violin, flute, recorder (Jul 2002- Dec 2003)
- Chris Devine - violin, flute, guitar (Jul 2000- May 2002)
- Carmine Giglio - keyboards (Apr 2000- Aug 2002)
- Mike Sorrentino - percussion (Apr 2000- Aug 2001)
- Sir Robert of Normandie (Robert Curiano) - bass, guitars (Oct 2000- 2007)
- Tudor RoseTudor roseThe Tudor Rose is the traditional floral heraldic emblem of England and takes its name and origins from the Tudor dynasty.-Origins:...
(Tina ChanceyTina ChanceyTina Chancey is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in early bowed strings from the rebec and vielle to the kamenj, viol and lyra viol. She has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to support solo performances on the pardessus de viole at the Kennedy Center and Weill Recital...
) - violin, flute (May 2004- 2007) - Mick Cervino - bassist (Jul 1997- Aug 2000)
- Marci GellerMarci GellerMarci Anne Geller is an American singer-songwriter and a native of Stony Brook, Long Island, New York. She is an internationally acclaimed touring artist with numerous soundtrack placements on VH1, MTV, A&E, ABC Family, Discovery, FoodTV, etc. She is a member of SESAC and was also named one of the...
- keyboards & backing vocals (Jun 1999- May 2001) - Adam Forgione (Sep 1998- Jan 2000)
- Alex Alexander (Sep 1998- Jan 2000)
- Jessie Haynes - guitars, recorder & backing vocals [www.jessiehaynes.com] (Jul 1997- Oct 1998)
- Lady Rraine (Lorraine Ferro) - harmony vocals (Apr 2002- May 2002, Oct 2007)
- Baron St James (Apr 2007- Mar 2008)
- John O'Reilly (Jul 1997- Dec 1997)
- Joseph James - keyboards (Jul 1997- Dec 1997)
- Rachel Birkin - violin (Sep 1998- Oct 1998)
- Jim Hurley - violin (Jun 1999- May 2000)
- Vita Gasparro (Lady Vita) - guitar / vocals (Jul 2001- Dec 2001)
Studio session musicians
- Pat Regan - Early Music Consort various string instruments (1997–2008)
- Kevin Dunne - drums (1998–1999)