You may remember the name of singer/songwriter Shauna Burns as she entered onto the music scene in 2005 with her debut album Every Thought – with much fanfare. Fast forward three years and you have her latest release “The Moon and the Fire Circle”. With a harkening to a more easy going Tori Amos or Sarah McLaughlin, Burns’ voice is a soft Celtic throw with an “other worldly” warmth.
The instrumental nature of this cd, while well executed, can sometimes over ride Burns’ vocals and step its foot a little too closely near the pool of a Relaxation or World Music CD especially through the first six tracks. The elusive mix of piano, guitar, harp and cello swirls around Burns voice and the result is a desire to hear her vocals push through the wave instead of being overwhelmed by it. Tracks like “Starfish” and “Failed You” gives Burns the breathing room she needs and the second half of “The Moon and the Fire Circle” does a better job of showcasing her vocal journey.
Overall, “The Moon and the Fire Circle” is an adept offering –and a canvas for a talented songwriter and composer.
4 Stars
